THE POSITION

Washington County Disease Control and Prevention (DCAP) Program under the Department of Health and Human Services is hiring a Bilingual Spanish/English Community Health Worker II!

DCAP Program is a program within the Public Health Division. As part of a team which partners with public health nurse teams, community-based syringe services providers, substance use providers, and other public health and community organizations, you will provide culturally competent public health services to the community in this position. You will provide harm reduction services to individuals at highest risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and other infections. The harm reduction services are designed to engage individuals who may not be able to stop the substance use by offering strategies to reduce risks. Services provided include syringe exchange, overdose prevention, and may include HIV, Hepatitis C, STI testing and support of clinical medical services. Service hours are scheduled to meet population needs at locations such as homeless shelters, health departments, and other community locations according to protocols.

You will have an opportunity to work closely with vulnerable and stigmatized populations, including those who experience mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders, deep trauma histories, and sporadic engagement in medical care. It is essential to have the ability to work in an effective, respectful, and culturally competent manner with clientele, community partners, and team members to provide a full complement of services that prevent infections and work to eliminate health disparities.

Work schedule may vary including general business hours of Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with flexibility to work evenings and weekends based on program needs. Work sites will also vary between the office, the HIV/STI clinic, and in the field at syringe exchange and outreach sites, which will include working under various types of weather.

The ideal candidate has experience as a bilingual Spanish/English community liaison providing outreach and education for at-risk Black and Indigenous people of color (BIPOC) communities related to community-building, communicable disease, harm reduction, and/or related health areas. Additionally, they will have:

• The ability to be non-judgmental and feel comfortable working with clients who are actively using drugs, have diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, have multiple and/or anonymous sex partners, and are from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
• Experience in developing culturally responsive, equity-driven, evidence-based, family-centered, and/or trauma-informed prevention intervention programs and services.
• Experience in resource development.
• Proficiency in using various computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) and electronic medical records as applicable to designing or completing forms, correspondences, spreadsheets, and data entry is preferred.
• The ability to learn and quickly adapt to new programs and effectively navigate within these systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organization, and attention to detail skills are essential in this role.
• The ability to work effectively within a standard office environment including answering a multi-line telephone, sending, and receiving faxes, and using a copy machine.
• Proficiency at accurately reviewing, assessing, and transcribing health related data in a timely manner and in accordance with strict 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.

Bilingual Positions:
Designated bilingual positions require that the incumbent have knowledge of the Spanish language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Skill in writing Spanish accurately; ability to speak Spanish fluently; and ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing are required. If you possess these skills, we encourage you to apply! An additional $75/per pay period for bilingual skills will be paid to qualified employees. Pay periods are every two weeks.

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; OR
• Two (2) years of college-level training in health occupations may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Oregon State Community Health Worker Certification.

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.

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.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

This is a non-represented position and is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Regular and limited duration full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week and job share employees are eligible for benefits beginning on the first of the month following employment. Job share employees are responsible for 50% of the premium. Part-time regular, variable hour, and temporary positions are not eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program!
Washington County values your dedication to lead the future of our community through public service. Our total compensation package, which is comprised of more than just your annual salary, was built to show our commitment to the physical and financial health and wellbeing of you and your family. Your total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits program with medical, dental, and vision coverage at up to 95% employer paid! Other benefits you’ll enjoy as part of your total compensation package include:

• Paid Time Off - 11 paid holidays including one floating holiday, 12 vacation days for new employees (accrual rates increase based on length of service), AND up to 96 hours of sick leave per year (unused sick leave accumulates from year to year without limit to provide pay and security if needed).
• Wellness Program - Washington County has been named one of Oregon’s Healthiest Employers by the Portland Business Journal for the past 7 years. We are proud to receive this award and will continue to make your health and wellbeing a priority by providing resources and support to help you and your family live and work well. Resources include smoking cessation, weight management, and stress management classes (online or telephonic with a personal health coach); discounts on gym memberships, fitness activities, and sports tickets; and Health & Wellness events and onsite flu shot clinics.
• Alternative Care Coverage
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life and Disability Insurance (both County-provided and voluntary)
• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• TriMet Hop Card at no cost to the employee
• Bike lockers and repair stations
• A charitable giving program
• Oregon College Savings Plan

To learn more about our Benefits and Wellness program and view our current benefits guide, plan summaries, and premium rates, click here .

Already have medical, dental, and vision coverage? No problem! Full-time employees who choose to waive medical, dental, and vision coverage will receive a $125 monthly contribution into a tax-free Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account, which can be used to reimburse you for qualified out-of-pocket medical care costs, such as copays, deductibles, and prescription drugs. HRA accounts offer many benefits including significant tax savings, and no annual “use it or lose it” requirement. Proof of other creditable coverage is required.