Traditional Health Worker - Portland, OR

Full-time · Description · The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and p ...

Job description

Full-time

Description

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at  

POSITION: Traditional Health Worker

JOB CLASS/GRADE: Specialist 1 / Grade 8

WAGE: Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience

FLSA; EEO; WC: Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS: One of IRCO's offices; Hybrid Schedule

IRCO Main Office, 10301 NE Glisan St Portland OR 97220

Africa House, 709 NE 102nd Ave Portland OR 97220

Greater Middle East Center, 4915 SW Griffith Dr. Suite 216 Beaverton, OR 97005 

Pacific Islander & Asian Family Center, 8040 NE Sandy Blvd Portland, OR 97213 

Slavic & Eastern European Center, 555 SE 99th Ave Suite 101 Portland, OR 97216

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:

APPLY AT:

STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S): Refugee Health Promotion, Community Health Worker

SECTOR: Community Health & Wellness Services 

REQUIREMENTS:

Bilingual in English and at least one relevant language for the communities of Africa, Greater Middle East, Pacific Islander, Asian or Slavic/Eastern European required (preference for: Arabic, Somali, Tigrinya, or Spanish)

Must be able to pass an extensive Background Check

Certification as a Community Health Worker or Peer Support Specialist in the State of Oregon (or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire)

Possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto-insurance and have full use of automobile during work hours (preferred)

This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Program Summary
The Community Health and Wellness sector provides services that support the physical, behavioral, and emotional health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Our staff are certified Traditional Health Workers (such as Community Health Workers (CHW), Peer Support Specialists (PSS) and Doulas) who offer direct services such as healthcare and systems navigation, health insurance enrollment, physical and emotional health support, adjustment support, mental health resource navigation, and client-directed case management. We also engage in community outreach and physical and emotional health education via community workshops, psycho-education support groups, and by hosting monthly health clinics that provide dental services, health services, and community resource information.  
 

Position Summary
The Traditional Health Worker (THW) position is a frontline public health worker who has a close understanding of history with the community served. This position provides services to address community health needs, including health systems navigation, resource referral, addressing social determinants of health, health education, and care coordination in one-on-one and group settings. This position will be responsible for the outreach, planning, implementation and facilitation of health education workshops for communities and for creating a welcoming environment for clients and community. This position works directly with clients, their families, community partners and health care providers to support communities in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas County. Reporting to IRCO's Wellness Coordinator, this position will be based in one of IRCO's offices to provide services.

Essential Functions

• Conduct in-depth eligibility screenings with clients and complete all intake paperwork
• Provide a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach in service planning with clients
• Assist and support care coordination, health systems navigation and resource referral and connection
• Provide individualized support that helps clients set and meet health-related goals that can result in improved health and wellbeing 
• Plan curriculum and logistics for health education workshops or community wellness groups, ensuring outreach to a variety of refugee and immigrant communities
• Facilitate health education workshops or community wellness groups designed to engage a group of individuals around a specific topic that will result in improved health and/or wellbeing
• Provide pre and post assessment for each workshop or group session and collect all necessary documentation
• Track individual's participation and other program metrics in relevant tracking and reporting documents
• Provide home visits for client intake and health or mental health resource navigation, as needed
• Engage in outreach to recruit clients for individual services as well as workshop participants and to destigmatize health-related barriers
• Maintain impeccable electronic and paper files as required
• Obtain all required information for eligibility and enter documentation into case files and program reports as required, including releases of information, assessments and eligibility documentation
• Help to remove barriers for clients to access services
• Make referrals as needed to both internal IRCO programs or external partners to meet clients needs as they are expressed
• Participate in case reviews with other team members and coordinate connections with community resources, as necessary
• Provide a strengths-based approach in workshop curriculum and content
• Complete required closing documentation when a client reaches their goals or otherwise decides to end their participation in the program
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, committees, and other activities to support the program and agency's goals
• Ability to work during weekends and after office hours on occasion
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned

Requirements

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be certified as a Community Health Worker or Peer Support Specialist in Oregon at the time of hire or be able to complete certification within 6 months of hire 
• Experience working with or knowledge of refugee and immigrant communities, particularly those newly arrived to the U.S.
• Experience facilitating community groups or workshops
• Ability to discuss sensitive topics (health related conditions, mental health and access risk factors of health) with care and respect 
• Ability to translate medical or clinical terminology into concepts that are understandable for community members
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in the use of Microsoft programs and applications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently, and to meet commitments 
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow HIPAA policies and procedures

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge or expertise of specific health education topics and curriculum preferred

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Hybrid- Remote, Office and in Community Job Setting
• Impact and Influence: Positions at this level have a minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have minimal impact and influence on organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary outcomes.
• Work Independence: Positions perform routine work with regular supervision and generally are given instructions or written procedures. Positions occasionally encounter variation and are encouraged to suggest ways to respond, but can't take final action without approval
• Environment: There is a moderately low level of personal risk encountered.  Job conditions are occasionally uncomfortable relative to noise, temperature, inside/outside work, dirty conditions, or interactions with angry or hostile people
• Schedule: The work schedule occasionally fluctuates based on organization or customer needs. This fluctuation may occur with or without prior notice.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.

What We Offer

IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit package to our staff:

• Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
• Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
• Work that helps your community 
• 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year 
• 401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting 
• 3% match for student loans or college savings 
• 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
• Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance 
• Flexible spending account

Required Engagement 

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO's mission, vision, and values-based initiatives. 

How To Apply

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.  
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.  
3. For questions about this position, please email

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO's main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. 

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. 

Salary Description
Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience