The Community Health Worker works in partnership with the primary care team to assist patients and their families to improve holistic individual and community health.  Responsibilities include culturally appropriate health promotion and education in OHSU Internal Medicine Clinic, outreach, and community engagement.

 

The Community Health Worker demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills, is self-directed, and is skilled at developing relationships quickly.  The incumbent is efficient and effective in assessing and delivering direct patient care, has an in-depth knowledge of local community resources, is innovative, thinks creatively, and demonstrates flexibility.

Direct Patient Services and Documentation

• Respond to care team referrals and patient self-referrals for care coordination, individual and family support, health promotion, and resource system navigation. 
• Areas of knowledge include substance use, mental health, senior services, disability, basic needs (housing, food, and clothing), chronic disease management, active listening, and motivational interviewing.
• Meet with patient’s in-clinic as well as community settings including home, public spaces, and at other service sites.
• Documents services appropriately in EHR in accordance with existing workflows to ensure continuity of care.
• Maintains accessibility via department standard means (phone, pager, email, etc) 

Outreach

• Performs assessment of clinic community and patient population needs in coordination with appropriate clinic leadership.
• Develops and delivers outreach to identified targeted populations. 
• Coordinates and collaborates with community partners to increase successful patient referrals.
• Represents and promotes program to internal and community partners.

Community Engagement

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with care team members, patients, and community partners.
• Participates in regular team, group, and individual care conferences in order to provide CHW professional perspective and provide support for patient, as needed.
• Collaborates with clinic patient advisory groups in order to increase participation through bridging relational gaps.

• GED or High school diploma
• 2 years relevant work experience in mission-driven organization with one of those years being work experience with underserved populations with complex medical and social needs. Experience in community outreach services providing health information, advocacy, social support, and assistance engaging with the healthcare system.
• Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. 
• Understanding of Social Determinants of Health and role of SDH in healthcare.
• Ability to work independently utilizing critical thinking, problem solving, and time management skills.
• Skill in developing and maintaining professional relationships quickly.
• Ability to plan and deliver interactive health education classes and presentations for a variety of groups. 
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma informed and patient centered care or willingness to learn.
• Certification as Traditional Healthcare Worker (THW) required. Traditional Health Worker types include Doula, Peer Support Specialist (PSS), Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS), Personal Health Navigator (PHN) and Community Health Worker (CHW). Type preference may be determined by service need.
• Unrestricted driver’s license
• Vehicle registration and insurance
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.
  

Benefits:

• Two raises per year – One at anniversary date and one across the board annual increase
• Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
• Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
• 8 paid holidays per year
• Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
• Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.