Job Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW) works in a population-based practice setting in Clark County. The Community Health Worker, a paraprofessional classification in the Infectious Disease Program, provides culturally competent community/public health services. The majority of health and outreach services are provided off-site in client homes, at worksites, and at other community locations according to protocols and under the oversight of a Public Health Nurse (PHN), Program Manager, and the Health Officer.

Organizational responsibilities include understanding and promoting the public health mission of the Department; providing courteous, respectful, efficient customer service to all Health Department clients; honoring diversity of all department employees and constituents; participating in Health Department training; and striving for personal excellence in public health work. This position reports directly to the Program Manager of the Infectious Disease Program. CHWs working in the Infectious Disease program are to be knowledgeable about the Council on Linkages Public Health Competencies and will incorporate competencies into their public health work.

This is a full-time position, represented by Local 335 – LIUNA (Health Care Division, Laborers International Union of North America).

This position will work an 8-hour schedule Monday through Friday.

This position has the option of a remote/hybrid work schedule possibility. However, the candidate selected must reside in OR or WA. No Exceptions.

Qualifications

KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Demonstrates proficiency in using various computer applications (e.g. MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint) as applicable to design or complete forms, correspondence, spreadsheets, data entry, etc.

• ­­­­­­­­­­­­­Effectively operates complex equipment and office machinery, which includes computer, printers, scanners, and facsimile machines.

• Provides courteous customer service to providers, clients, and the public. Responds to routine inquiries by phone or face to face; listens to questions and explains procedures, rules or functions according to relevant program guidelines; fulfills requests for information or directs clients to appropriate person or section.

• Participate with PHNs in the development of tuberculosis (TB) case management plans and actively participate in weekly review of current TB caseload. 

• Assist with field work related to TB case management services (i.e. specimen kit drop-off and pick-up; conducting directly observed therapy, scheduling client visits).

• Communicate to PHN any observations or concerns from the client related to adverse symptoms of medication, non-compliance to TB treatment or isolation.

• Assist with TB contact investigations.

• Support case management strategies that assist clients to adhere to their TB treatment.

• Package and ship specimens in accordance with requirements for shipping biological substances.

• Maintain specimen collection, shipping and personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies and inventory.

• Assist in the preparation of necessary reports, records and other documentation.

• Participate in program specific or department program evaluation activities.

• Perform other related duties as requested by the PHN or manager.

Examples of Duties

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: 

High school diploma or GED

2 years of experience or training in a health-related setting is desirable. Some positions may require oral and written fluency in both English and the language of the community being served. Bilingual premium pay may be available for the employee meeting bilingual criteria per County policy.

Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work will be considered.

Knowledge of: Principles, policies, procedures, methods, and techniques specific to general health, infectious disease control, prevention, and public health; communicable disease etiology, manifestations, progression, diagnosis, and treatment; medical and drug terminology; laboratory testing procedures; community resources; confidentiality guidelines; traditions, customs and health beliefs of the community being served.

Ability to: Operate equipment for measurements of health indicators as required by program; learn and effectively communicate orally and in writing basic public health information to diverse populations; oral and written fluency in a non-English language may be required for some positions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, colleagues, key stakeholders, community groups, other professionals, and the general public; provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to persons of various cultures and backgrounds; maintain records; operate computer software and other office equipment; exercise initiative, tact, discretion, and judgment in carrying out position responsibilities; manage work time appropriately and work in unstructured and unconventional work settings; prioritize tasks, interpret and apply rules and instructions.

Other Requirements:

• Must have or be able to obtain Washington State Medical Assistant - Phlebotomist certification within first year of hire. 

• Pass respiratory mask fit-testing and qualify for the use of standard Department respiratory masks within 2 months.

• Must adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines, including but not limited to timely completion of mandatory trainings.

• Must adhere to the Department employee immunity policy and provide documents as requested.

• Some positions may require verbal and/or written proficiency in a second language.

• Must successfully pass a criminal history background check which may include state or national fingerprint records check, pursuant to RCW 43.43.830.

• Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license and possess and maintain current auto insurance and an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

• Must be able to respond to public health emergencies or exercises at any time, except while on scheduled vacation or other leave.  In addition, leaves may be cancelled under public health emergencies.

• Must protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal law.

Selection Process:

Resumes and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

Salary Grade

Local 335.5A

Salary Range

$23.08 - $31.83- per hour

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Recruiter

Irene Catherine Chrest

Email:

Irene.Chrest@clark.wa.gov

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation.  Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.  More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. 
 

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.