Traditional Health Worker

IRCO•Portland, OR

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org . The Community Health and Wellness sector provides services that support the physical, behavioral, and emotional health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Our staff are certified Traditional Health Workers (such as Community Health Workers (CHW), Peer Support Specialists (PSS) and Doulas) who offer direct services such as healthcare and systems navigation, health insurance enrollment, physical and emotional health support, adjustment support, mental health resource navigation, and client-directed case management. We also engage in community outreach and physical and emotional health education via community workshops, psycho-education support groups, and by hosting monthly health clinics that provide dental services, health services, and community resource information. The Traditional Health Worker (THW) position is a frontline public health worker who has a close understanding of history with the community served. This position provides services to address community health needs, including health systems navigation, resource referral, addressing social determinants of health, health education, and care coordination in one-on-one and group settings. This position will be responsible for the outreach, planning, implementation and facilitation of health education workshops for communities and for creating a welcoming environment for clients and community. This position works directly with clients, their families, community partners and health care providers to support communities in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas County. Reporting to IRCO’s Wellness Coordinator, this position will be based in one of IRCO’s offices to provide services.

Requirements

Must be certified as a Community Health Worker or Peer Support Specialist in Oregon at the time of hire or be able to complete certification within 6 months of hire
Experience working with or knowledge of refugee and immigrant communities, particularly those newly arrived to the U.S.
Experience facilitating community groups or workshops
Ability to discuss sensitive topics (health related conditions, mental health and access risk factors of health) with care and respect
Ability to translate medical or clinical terminology into concepts that are understandable for community members
Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
Strong computer skills including proficiency in the use of Microsoft programs and applications
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently, and to meet commitments
Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow HIPAA policies and procedures
Bilingual in English and at least one relevant language for the communities of Africa, Greater Middle East, Pacific Islander, Asian or Slavic/Eastern European required (preference for: Arabic, Somali, Tigrinya, or Spanish)
Must be able to pass an extensive Background Check
Possess a valid driver’s license and verification of current auto-insurance and have full use of automobile during work hours (preferred)

Nice To Haves

Knowledge or expertise of specific health education topics and curriculum preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct in-depth eligibility screenings with clients and complete all intake paperwork
Provide a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach in service planning with clients
Assist and support care coordination, health systems navigation and resource referral and connection
Provide individualized support that helps clients set and meet health-related goals that can result in improved health and wellbeing
Plan curriculum and logistics for health education workshops or community wellness groups, ensuring outreach to a variety of refugee and immigrant communities
Facilitate health education workshops or community wellness groups designed to engage a group of individuals around a specific topic that will result in improved health and/or wellbeing
Provide pre and post assessment for each workshop or group session and collect all necessary documentation
Track individual’s participation and other program metrics in relevant tracking and reporting documents
Provide home visits for client intake and health or mental health resource navigation, as needed
Engage in outreach to recruit clients for individual services as well as workshop participants and to destigmatize health-related barriers
Maintain impeccable electronic and paper files as required
Obtain all required information for eligibility and enter documentation into case files and program reports as required, including releases of information, assessments and eligibility documentation
Help to remove barriers for clients to access services
Make referrals as needed to both internal IRCO programs or external partners to meet clients needs as they are expressed
Participate in case reviews with other team members and coordinate connections with community resources, as necessary
Provide a strengths-based approach in workshop curriculum and content
Complete required closing documentation when a client reaches their goals or otherwise decides to end their participation in the program
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, committees, and other activities to support the program and agency’s goals
Ability to work during weekends and after office hours on occasion
Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned

Benefits

Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
Work that helps your community
3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year
401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting
3% match for student loans or college savings
12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible spending account