STI HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction Program Community Health Worker

Clark County, Washington•New York, NY

2d•$24 - $31•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a paraprofessional position in Clark County’s STI HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction Program. Working in a population-based public health practice setting, the CHW provides culturally competent community and public health services. Most outreach and health services take place at the Harm Reduction Center (HRC) at the Center for Community Health or at other community locations, following program protocols and under the oversight of the Program Coordinator, Program Manager, and Health Officer. The role includes in-person harm reduction services, staffing the Harm Reduction Syringe Services Program and community outreach events, providing operational support during STI HIV clinic services, and other assigned program duties. The position reports directly to the Program Manager of the STI HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction Program and follows an eight-hour schedule Monday through Friday. It is a full-time represented position in Local 335. A remote or hybrid schedule may be possible, but the selected candidate must reside in Oregon or Washington. The job requires regular driving for County business, travel throughout the local area, and availability to respond to public health emergencies or exercises, with stated exceptions for scheduled vacation or other leave. The employee must protect the privacy and security of protected health information and follow applicable safety and employee-immunity requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Two years of experience, training, or applicable community experience in counseling or health outreach; a satisfactory combination of education, experience, and training may also be considered.
Knowledge of principles, policies, procedures, methods, and techniques related to general health, infectious disease control, prevention, and public health.
Knowledge of communicable disease etiology, manifestations, progression, diagnosis, and treatment; medical and drug terminology; laboratory testing procedures; community resources; confidentiality guidelines; and the traditions, customs, and health beliefs of the community served.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, clients, and the public; communicate effectively orally and in writing; work independently and as part of a team; relate to people of varying ages and socioeconomic backgrounds and needs; apply cultural sensitivity; maintain records; operate software and office equipment; follow instructions; and prepare and present written materials and oral presentations.
Adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines, including timely completion of mandatory training, and to the Department employee immunity policy; provide documents as requested.
Successfully pass a criminal history background check, which may include state or national fingerprint records checks under RCW 43.43.830.
For regular County business driving, possess a valid driver’s license and maintain current auto insurance and an acceptable driving record throughout employment.
Be able to obtain Washington State MA-Phlebotomist certification.
Protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined by state and federal law.
Reside in Oregon or Washington if selected.
Be able to respond to public health emergencies or exercises at any time, except while on scheduled vacation or other leave; leave may be cancelled during emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Some positions may require oral and written fluency in English and the language of the community being served.
Some positions may require verbal and/or written proficiency in a second language.

Responsibilities

Use computer applications such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Smartsheet to prepare forms, correspondence, spreadsheets, and data entry, as applicable.
Operate computers, printers, scanners, facsimile machines, and other office equipment.
Provide courteous customer service to providers, clients, and the public; respond to routine inquiries, explain procedures and program guidelines, fulfill information requests, or direct clients to appropriate staff or sections.
Help clients access services through referrals to psychosocial support, substance use treatment, harm reduction, health insurance enrollment, medical treatment for HIV and other diseases, domestic violence intervention, drug and alcohol services, and public transportation.
Support the HRC Syringe Services Program by conducting client intake and service encounters, providing individual counseling and referrals, and managing sharps.
Participate in overdose prevention training at the HRC and community outreach events.
Support HRC STI HIV clinical services, including client check-in and registration, specimen ordering and processing, and other duties as needed.
Package and ship specimens in accordance with requirements for shipping biological substances.
Support the planning and implementation of program outreach activities and special projects.
Participate in program-specific or department-wide evaluation activities.
Perform other related duties as requested by the Program Coordinator or Program Manager.
Understand and promote the Department’s public health mission; provide respectful and efficient service; honor diversity; participate in Department training; and strive for excellence in public health work.
Adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines and mandatory training requirements, the Department employee immunity policy, and applicable privacy and security requirements.
Maintain a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and an acceptable driving record for regular County business driving.
Obtain Washington State MA-Phlebotomist certification.
Respond to public health emergencies or exercises when required, except while on scheduled vacation or other leave; leave may be cancelled during emergencies.