Community Health Specialist 97 views

Multnomah County is looking for a Community Health Specialist

Location: Portland, USA

Job Type: Full-time

Description:

This recruitment will be used to fill two full time vacancies, including one (1) regular position and one (1) Limited Duration Assignment (LDA) position. The Limited Duration Assignment is expected to last up to two (2) years but may end sooner.

The Community Health Specialist 2 provides harm reduction services to individuals at highest risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C/B, and other infections. Harm reduction services are designed to engage individuals who may not be ready to stop substance use by offering strategies to reduce risks. Services provided include Syringe Exchange, Overdose Prevention, client testing and support of clinical services. In this role, you will work closely with vulnerable and stigmatized populations, including those experiencing mental illness, substance abuse disorders, deep trauma history, men who have sex with men, and those who have sporadic engagement in medical care.

This position provides services in field based & clinic-based settings with service hours scheduled to meet population needs. This position works a flexible schedule including evenings, nights, and most holidays.

Responsibilities:

Syringe Exchange & Overdose Prevention Services: Deliver field based & fixed site best practice needle exchange and overdose (OD) prevention services following program guidelines and procedure; engage clients in tailored health promotion counseling; make referrals to needed services based on assessed behavior change readiness; collect, contain, transport & unload biohazardous waste, recycling and trash following program guidelines and procedures; and support, mentor & work effectively with program volunteers.

Deliver & Support Clinical Services: Conduct client intakes – HRC STD visits including the collection of client level information & Epic documentation; perform blood pressure, temperature readings and glucose monitoring as needed; assist Nurse Practitioner with procedures related to soft tissue/abscess/skin infections; conduct independent “Just Checking and “Express Screening” clinic visits following prescribed orders for follow-up client screening; conduct collaborative & independent PrEP clinic visits (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis treatment for HIV); prepare, clean & disinfect exam rooms; monitor & order supplies; maintain and reconcile various logs for record keeping.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we do not just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a Health Department employee, you will create a work culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the office and in the community. Every employee shares the responsibility for promptly bringing to the County’s attention conduct that interferes with providing a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment.

Qualifications:

Required Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

Education/Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade, AND

Experience: Two years of experience in community outreach services providing health information, advocacy, social support, and assistance in using the health care system to groups and families; AND experience working with the community being served.

This position requires work in a culturally competent manner with: diverse communities of colour, people who inject drugs, LGBTQ+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer), incarcerated individuals and individuals involved in criminal activity; work in an environment in which clients share sexually explicit personal information; team members view sexually explicit websites as part of their job responsibilities; and field based service delivery may take place in sexually charged environments containing sexually explicit images/films; comply with incentive procedures. This position provides direct service to highly vulnerable and stigmatized populations: (1) people who inject drugs (2) Individuals experiencing mental illness (3) Men who have sex with men (4) Culturally/ethnically diverse communities including the African American and Latinx communities.

Must have a valid state issued Driver’s License and ability to drive a cargo van.

Must have a valid BLS/ CPR card.

Note:

The Application Packet: You must submit all requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed as an incomplete application. An application/ resume demonstrating you meet the minimum qualifications, & A cover letter addressing why you are interested in the position, & how you meet the required minimum qualifications for this position.

Interested candidates please apply with your resume and cover letter.