Washington County Public Health Division under the Department of Health and Human Services is hiring a Community Health Worker II (CHW II) to join Disease Control and Prevention (DCAP) Branch!

* This opportunity is a full-time Limited Duration position with an anticipated end date of 6/30/2025. *

About the Opportunity:
The CHW II position within the Disease Control and Prevention Program provides culturally competent public health services to the community. This position will focus on harm reduction as part of the Harm Reduction team to provide outreach testing and education as part of infection prevention. With the use of our outreach testing van, this position will provide services where they are most needed. This position will serve individuals with substance use disorders, housing instability, and/or mental health challenges by providing testing and linkage to care. Services are provided at a variety of locations, such as needle exchange, homeless shelters, addiction service centers, and other community locations according to protocols. Activities may be focused on the individual, the community, or the systems level, depending on how the issue may best be addressed.

The CHW II often work with people of diverse cultures, ethnicity, and sexual orientations. The primary duties for these positions will include identifying sexual and communicable diseases for at risk individuals through point of care testing in the field. Training competencies, standing orders and policies will be strictly adhered to. Prevention education and follow up referrals to medical services providers for treatment, additional testing, or linkage to care will be provided by this position or a Peer Navigator.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule including 1-2 days/week remote work. It is funded by Measure 110 for 12 months; additional funding for extension of the duration will be determined by the Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council and Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Who we are looking for:
We are looking for an individual with a passion for providing direct services and outreach testing and education for individuals with a focus on communicable disease, infection prevention, and harm reduction resource/referral support. It is highly preferred having experience working in culturally responsive, equity-driven, and trauma-informed prevention intervention programs and services; and experience in resource development. It is essential to have proficiency in using various computer applications (e.g. Microsoft 365 products such as Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) as applicable to design or complete forms, correspondence, spreadsheets, and data entry. Additionally, the ability to learn and quickly adapt to new computer programs and effectively navigate within these systems is highly needed.

The ideal candidate will also have strong verbal and written communication skills appropriate for work environment and the ability to engage directly with individuals using a calm, non-judgmental approach. In order to work effectively in the field, it is important to be flexible and skilled at multi-tasking, maintaining an organized work environment, and demonstrating dependability. In addition, they will have proficiency or the ability to learn to accurately review, assess, and transcribe health-related data in a timely manner and in accordance with deadlines.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you're interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all of the hiring criteria described above.

Why Washington County?
Are you interested in challenging, meaningful, and rewarding work? Join Washington County in our commitment to advancing racial equity. Our Board of Commissioners worked closely with various community stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Resolution . Adopted in February 2020, this resolution commits to the equitable delivery of Washington County's services, resources, and opportunities for growth and development to every county resident.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review full information of this classification, please use this link: Community Health Worker II

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent; AND Two (2) years of work experience in the health care, community health, or social services field.
• Two (2) years of college-level training in health occupations may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.

Additional Licenses, Certificates, Physical Abilities and Specialty Requirements

• Must be prepared to respond to public health emergencies or exercises at any time, except while on scheduled vacation or other leave. Must successfully complete basic incident management courses and participate in emergency response trainings as requested.
• Must successfully complete CPR training.
• Must protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal law.
• Must adhere to Federal and State OSHA guidelines, including but not limited to timely completion of mandatory trainings.
• Possession of a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and an acceptable driving record per Washington County policy. To review the Driver's License and Record Policy for Washington County, please use this link: Driver's License & Records Policy.
• Must successfully pass a criminal history check in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules.
• Some positions in this classification may have additional requirements such as a proof of immunity to specific vaccine-preventable diseases, completion of tuberculosis (TB) screening, respirator fit testing, bloodborne pathogen training, etc. upon hire.

Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses. Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated separately from your application.