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Northwest Human Services is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and has been a leader in providing advocacy, quality healthcare and social services in Marion and Polk counties since 1970. We are a mission focused organization providing compassionate and professional medical, dental, psychiatry, mental health, and wraparound services for those in our community who need it most - uninsured individuals, families, the homeless, and migrant workers.

Community Health Worker

Job Status: Full-Time, 1.0 FTE, 40 hours a week

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Northwest Human Services (NWHS) is seeking a mission-driven Community Health Worker (CHW) to join our HOST Program. This role offers a unique opportunity to connect with individuals experiencing homelessness and other barriers to care—bringing resources, support, and advocacy directly to those most in need.

As a Community Health Worker, you will serve as a frontline responder in our Health Care for the Homeless initiatives, building trust with clients, empowering them to navigate healthcare systems, and connecting them with wraparound services offered by NWHS and community partners.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

+ Builds trust and rapport with clients through professional, respectful, caring, non-judgmental, culturally aware, clear, and honest communication, including listening carefully, gathering and sharing information, and resolving conflict. Community Health Workers are open about their roles, responsibilities, and limits, and follow through on all agreed upon tasks.

+ Utilizes universal screening workflows (SDOH, SBIRT, warm-handoff, task, referral, etc..) and evidence-based practices including trauma informed care, motivational interviewing, low barrier, and harm reduction systematically to offer patient-centered, individualized resources that bridge barriers, connect clients to community resources and build skills to progressively move towards navigating the health care system on their own. Understanding of CHW role to “meet people where they are”, support clients to learn and use resources to improve health and become advocates of their own care & proactively participate in Care Coordination.

+ Documents all assigned screening forms and interventions in NextGen within 24 hours and no longer than 3 business days. Maintains up-to-date, timely, accurate, and complete care coordination notes within the electronic health record and follows procedure for appropriate follow-up. Is organized and utilizes a systematic approach to information management. Collects data and tracks interventions and outcomes to support strategic planning processes.

+ Responds to assigned referrals and tasks in Next Gen “Inbox” within 72 hours and no longer than the end of (5) five business days. Utilizes CHW judgment to determine frequency, quantity, extend of support, and timing of follow-up interventions and/or completion date. Provides closed-loop communication back to referral source as needed.

+ Works efficiently within an interdisciplinary care team, including prioritizing and responding to warm handoffs, handling multiple priorities while remaining professional, strong interpersonal and communication skills, closed loop communication, contributes to teamwork, and serves as a liaison between the client and community resources. CHW Team members are available for program needs, including cleaning, facilitating program services, and Day Center & Resource Center coverage to ensure adequate staffing during shift breaks, lunches, and meet client needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

+ Level I: Minimum one year work, volunteer, or lived experience within a human service-related environment and/or bachelor’s or associates degree in Public Health, Behavioral Science, or Social Services, or closely related experience.

+ Level II : Satisfactory completion of Oregon Health Authority (OHA) approved Community Health Worker training and OHA approved Community Health Worker (CHW) certification. Maintain as current thereafter. 6 month experience in a Traditional Health Worker role at NWHS.

+ Level III: Maintain as current Oregon Health Authority (OHA) approved Community Health Worker (CHW) certification. Two-years’ experience in a Traditional Health Worker role.

+ Has a current Adult & Pediatric First Aid, CPR, & AED certification that satisfies OSHA workplace or other regulatory requirements.

+ Must be able to build effective working relationships, solve problems, direct patients to resources and manage information. Understand your role’s boundaries and be able to clarify them to your patients so you can maintain a professional relationship.

+ Excellent phone and computer skills required.

+ Must be able to find creative solutions to patient barriers that require initiative and creative thinking to locate the appropriate resource.

+ Ability to work independently, providing closed looped follow-up to the care team and community partners.

+ Ability to prioritize time and resources, based on multiple factors, including risk level and readiness for change.

+ Demonstrated knowledge or experience working with low-income and/or vulnerable populations that have acute/chronic health concerns, mental health conditions, or substance use preferred.

+ Food Handler’s Card within one month of hire and maintain as current thereafter.

+ Valid Oregon Driver’s License with a driving record that permits coverage under the agency’s corporate auto liability policy, and personal automobile insurance preferred.

+ Completion of a Community Health Worker training course or certification is preferred. Non-Certified candidates must enroll in and successfully complete CHW Certification course after initial 90-day employment period.

+ Experience connecting vulnerable populations to community resources and navigating health care and social service systems preferred.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: Our Agency provides a benefits program that is comprehensive, competitive within our industry, and affordable to our employees.

+ Healthcare insurance plans: Medical, Dental, Vision

+ Group Life: Short-Term & Long-Term Disability 100% paid by employer

+ 403(b) retirement plan with 2% of employer contribution and up to 3% employer match

+ Flex Spending Account

+ PTO - 10 hours a month for FT positions 40 hrs./wk. up to 20 hours monthly as your tenure grows

+ 7 ½ Paid Holidays a year + 2 paid floating holidays for full-time positions

+ Continuing Education & Training Benefits

+ Employee Healthy Living Program – Gym Membership & Smoking Cessation

TO APPLY:

If you are interested in joining a team that makes a difference in the lives of many, apply online at:

For more information, contact the HR/Recruiting Department at: | 503.588.5828

All candidates who receive a written offer of employment will be required to undergo a criminal records check and a motor vehicle report.

Equal Opportunity Employer | We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Community | Compassion | Commitment | Integrity

Working together to empower individuals to improve their health, well-being, and safety.

Department

HOST

Employment Type

Full-Time

Minimum Experience

Entry-level

Compensation

DOE