Department: Prevention
Reports To: Prevention Manager
Position Type: 1.0 FTE, 40 hours/week nonexempt

Bilingual candidates are eligible for an additional $1.50 Bilingual Differential. The differential increase is included in the range listed above.

Eligible for Full-time benefits.

Application Instructions: All applicants must submit a complete Job Application, Supplemental Questions, and resume via the Job Portal to be considered.

Position Summary

The Community Health Worker (CHW) position works directly with community members who identify at Black, Indigenous, Latinx and other people of color (BIPOC) who are also People Who Inject Drugs (PWID). The CHW will work in collaboration with Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) staff and utilize the BHRN referral and tracking tools. This position will provide services within the drop-in space at HIV Alliance. They will coordinate with prevention and drop-in center staff to identify community members in need and to deliver services, in particular to facilitate access to substance use treatment and behavioral health care The CHW scope of work includes:

The CHW will work with clients in person and electronically to address barriers to care including those related to social determinants of health. They will also provide education to providers and other community partners to build capacity, help reduce HIV Stigma, and improve access to resources for clients in the community they work in.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Receive and respond to referral requests

Maintain up-to-date Harm Reduction/HIV knowledge

Provide harm reduction, health and systems education to clients and community partners

Accept referrals from BHRN members and assist is supporting accessing to substance use treatment and/or harm reduction

Conduct research for community resources and housing

Conduct individual assessments to assist clients in developing a care plan

Assist clients in identifying needed services, filling out paperwork, and transporting clients to medical and social services appointments when necessary

Assist the client in navigating through the health care system by providing information and advocacy and modeling appropriate communication

Work with clients to address barriers to medical care, behavioral health and other services

Transport clients to and from community resources and assist them in accessing community resources

Work directly with the care teams to assist high acuity clients

Ensures confidentiality and maintains up-to-date and accurate client records

Participate in necessary meetings

Assist with all necessary reports

Participate in required training

Comply with all applicable standards, guidelines, laws & administrative rules

Provide coverage as needed for other teams and departments

Other duties as defined by Director

Required Qualifications

CHW certification or ability to obtain in 6 months with agency assistance

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and written with client, staff and partners

Shares background and life experience of individuals served

Ability to utilize motivational interviewing to support clients

Ability to stay calm, kind, non-judgmental with a variety of vulnerable clients.

Communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.

Excellent problem solving and organizational skills

Willingness to engage in conversations sex and drug use

Knowledge of the unique issues affecting BIPOC communities in Oregon and willingness to learn about culturally relevant interventions for people who inject drugs, people without stable housing, people living with HIV/AIDS, HepC, and other chronic health conditions, and members of the LGBTQ community,

Experience with chart notes, file maintenance, data entry

Good follow through and task management skills

Ability to maintain professionalism, which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for clients, volunteers, and staff.

Ability to work in busy and dynamic environment

Desire to work with diverse populations

Ability to transport clients safely in own vehicle or agency vehicle

Ability to work with clients in crisis, in a variety of settings

Ability to sit and stand for long periods

TB test (provided at agency)

Flexible hours required, including some evenings and weekends

Ability to pass agency criminal background check and drug screen

Valid Oregon Driver’s License

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement: HIV Alliance is a healthcare facility and is requiring all employees to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required

• Repetitive use of hands such as grasping, twisting/turning of wrists, and finger dexterity necessary to perform various clerical duties, such as typing and writing.
• Frequent use of arms such as pushing and pulling to open and close drawers and cabinets
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time at an assigned station
• Ability to bend, stand, and reach to be able to transport clients and to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds (harm reduction kits, naloxone kits, testing and education materials)
• Continuous clarity of vision at 20 inches or less for processing of paperwork

The physical demands described above here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Working conditions, Travel and Environment

The duties of this job require individuals be able to work in non-traditional and community-based settings

The duties of this job require regular attendance

• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Ability to work in a variety of community settings, including those that are crowded and noisy
• Ability to work 5 days per week for a minimum of 40 hours per week

Travel to other locations as necessary to complete essential job functions

• Ability to transport self to job-related events and locations

HIV Alliance prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual/affectional orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or partnership status, veteran status, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, HIV antibody status or any other factor protected by law or association with any of these classes, in its services, employment, or use of volunteers.

HIV Alliance is a community united to stop the spread of the HIV epidemic. We strive to create an environment where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. We value the diverse perspectives that each of us brings to this work, understanding the influences of culture, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual/affectional orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or partnership status, veteran status, political affiliation or belief, genetic information and HIV status in shaping our life experiences. We pledge to listen and ask questions before making judgments, and to continue to educate ourselves and each other. We recognize that we will only be successful against the HIV epidemic in a culture where oppression is not tolerated.