Community Health Educator - Portland, United States - Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization

Description

Job Title:
Community Health Educator

Organization Summary

The Center for African Immigrants and Refugees (CAIRO)'s mission is dedicated to enhancing social justice and achieving parity for the diverse African immigrants and refugee communities in Oregon and Central Minnesota through community organizing, collaborative leadership, and service advocacy.

To accomplish our goals, we offer a wide variety of services, including pre-K education, K-12 student support & counseling, community health, and job training.

Position Summary:

As a Community Health Educator, you will be an integral part of the INSPIRE project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at reaching families across Multnomah and Washington counties.

Your role will focus on empowering community members through health education, chronic disease prevention, and addressing social determinants of health.

This position requires a bilingual, flexible, self-directed person, with bi-cultural familiarity who is excellent at handling various situations. They must have strong skills to search, and resource needed information. The CHE must be able to empower clients to manage their health and to face difficult health issues. Experience and knowledge of the health care system and social service resource navigation is required.

Salary $22 to 23.5/hour depending on experience.

Benefits
CAIRO offers the following benefits for this position:

• 18 days of Paid Time Off.
• 16 paid company holidays.
• 100% employer-covered medical and dental premiums for employee coverage; vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with an up to 3% employer match.

Location:
Portland and Beaverton


Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Conduct quarterly classes for "Afya Bora" cohorts, emphasizing knowledge and skills to prevent chronic diseases.
Facilitate monthly self-management classes tailored to individuals living with chronic conditions.
Provide health literacy classes to "Afya Bora" cohorts, enabling community members to make informed decisions about their health.
Collaborate with the community to navigate healthcare landscapes, advancing social justice.
Integrate nutrition and cooking classes, along with mindfulness practice sessions, to enhance physical and emotional well-being.
Embrace a holistic approach to health and wellness, recognizing the interconnected nature of mental and physical health.
Emphasize access to care and proactive measures to prevent unnecessary emergency room visits.
Maintain regular communication channels for knowledge exchange and strategizing proactive care.
Collaborate with Providence Health and OHSU to provide cancer screenings for women over 40.
Promote cancer prevention education with a particular emphasis on early detection and intervention.
Address social determinants of health, including housing and education, in collaboration with local agencies.
Support the existing SPACE K-12 program to enhance educational attainment and long-term health outcomes.
Attend budget meetings, assist with reporting and provide back-up for staff.
Maintain strong partnerships with community organizations and statewide healthcare partners.


Skills & Abilities:
Experience with social services, community health, health education and promotion, and case management.
Experience with creating health education programs and community health curriculum.

Strong background in working with the African Immigrant population and understanding the nuances of the cultural values and beliefs of that community.

Experience with community outreach services providing health information and education, health navigation and advocacy, social support and assistance.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to translate medical terminology into concepts that are understandable for community members.
Ability to communicate concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Possess excellent follow-through, attention to detail, great organizational skills, and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
They must have strong skills including initiative and drive to search and resource information as needed.
Strong Proficiency with Word and Excel and working knowledge of Zoom, Teams, Google Meets, etc.
Self-motivation and the ability to work independently with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Must be able to organize and prioritize work, be proactive, take initiative, follow through, and manage.

Ability to work well in a team setting, as well as independently; be flexible and adapt well to different dynamics in a fast-paced work environment.

Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow HIPAA policies and procedures.
Self-motivation and the ability to work independently with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Working knowledge of computer software programs such as Microsoft.
Preferred languages Swahili and Somali

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Community Health and Promotion, Social Work, Human Service, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience in a related field will be accepted.

1-2 years of experience required.
Certification as a Community Health Worker preferred, but not required.

Work Environment:
Frequent use of keyboard, monitor, mouse, telephone and/or headset
Traveling between work sites
Hosts/co-hosts ongoing events
Walking and standing long periods of time due to events