What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Health Worker (CHW) position at Share?
Share’s Mission:
“Share believes every person counts. Together we pursue a stronger community by building relationships, advocating for equitable access to housing and food stability while empowering every individual to grow and thrive.”
Share provides a wide spectrum of services ranging from street outreach, hunger response, and emergency shelter to housing and asset building. We offer individuals services, resources, and the tools they need to end their homelessness, secure housing, and maintain that housing. Each year, we assist more than 8,000 people experiencing poverty, hunger, and/or homelessness.
We seek bright, driven people who are passionate about social justice and who want challenging career opportunities that deliver personal and professional fulfillment. Our dedicated and energetic employees provide essential services to a vulnerable population. We take pride in making a difference in the lives of so many people every day.
Share recognizes that our employees are the foundation for our organization as well as our heart and soul. Share has a generous and robust benefit package including 4 weeks of PTO, a wellness program, 401(k) with match, and health/dental and life insurance. We encourage a culture of supportive compassion for our participants, co-workers, and volunteers.
DE&I Statement: Share wants to be part of a community that brings about change. We are committed to actively working to dismantle racist systems, focusing on sustainable solutions to structural racism, police violence, and inequitable economic, health care, and education systems. It requires all institutions, including ours, to ask what more we can and should do to live our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion – and we must be brave enough to make changes.
Job Summary: Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve as frontline public health workers with a close understanding of the communities they serve. Their role is to facilitate access to health and social services, improve the quality and cultural responsiveness of service delivery, and build individual and community capacity through education, support, and advocacy.
This position was created through a contract with Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH). The CHW in this role is based at Share and operates under metrics set by both SWACH and Share. CHWs support individuals through a whole-person approach, addressing social determinants of health, improving access to care, and connecting clients to community-based organizations. The role focuses on reducing barriers, promoting stability, and improving overall health and well-being for individuals experiencing complex challenges. This position serves individuals in Clark County, with a primary focus on supporting people experiencing homelessness.
CHWs work both on-site and in the community. This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position. Staff are expected to provide direct client support in community settings and complete all required documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
Key Responsibilities:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Share is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, creed, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, age, or any other reason prohibited by statute.
“Share believes every person counts. Together we pursue a stronger community by building relationships, advocating for equitable access to housing and food stability while empowering every individual to grow and thrive.”
Share provides a wide spectrum of services ranging from street outreach, hunger response, and emergency shelter to housing and asset building. We offer individuals services, resources, and the tools they need to end their homelessness, secure housing, and maintain that housing. Each year, we assist more than 8,000 people experiencing poverty, hunger, and/or homelessness.
We seek bright, driven people who are passionate about social justice and who want challenging career opportunities that deliver personal and professional fulfillment. Our dedicated and energetic employees provide essential services to a vulnerable population. We take pride in making a difference in the lives of so many people every day.
Share recognizes that our employees are the foundation for our organization as well as our heart and soul. Share has a generous and robust benefit package including 4 weeks of PTO, a wellness program, 401(k) with match, and health/dental and life insurance. We encourage a culture of supportive compassion for our participants, co-workers, and volunteers.
DE&I Statement: Share wants to be part of a community that brings about change. We are committed to actively working to dismantle racist systems, focusing on sustainable solutions to structural racism, police violence, and inequitable economic, health care, and education systems. It requires all institutions, including ours, to ask what more we can and should do to live our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion – and we must be brave enough to make changes.
Job Summary: Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve as frontline public health workers with a close understanding of the communities they serve. Their role is to facilitate access to health and social services, improve the quality and cultural responsiveness of service delivery, and build individual and community capacity through education, support, and advocacy.
This position was created through a contract with Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH). The CHW in this role is based at Share and operates under metrics set by both SWACH and Share. CHWs support individuals through a whole-person approach, addressing social determinants of health, improving access to care, and connecting clients to community-based organizations. The role focuses on reducing barriers, promoting stability, and improving overall health and well-being for individuals experiencing complex challenges. This position serves individuals in Clark County, with a primary focus on supporting people experiencing homelessness.
CHWs work both on-site and in the community. This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position. Staff are expected to provide direct client support in community settings and complete all required documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
Key Responsibilities:
- Referrals: Receive and respond to referrals in a timely manner, prioritizing urgent client needs.
- Outreach and Engagement: Conduct outreach to build positive relationships with clients and community partners. Establish strong connections with resources to support client needs.
- Resource Navigation: Assist individuals in accessing services and community resources (e.g., food assistance, housing support, behavioral health services). Support clients in overcoming barriers and achieving self-identified goals.
- Case Management: Support individuals in navigating complex systems, including scheduling and attending appointments, tracking progress, and providing ongoing encouragement and coaching.
- Data Collection and Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions, services provided, and outcomes.
- Collaboration: Work collaboratively with internal teams, community-based organizations, and public health agencies to ensure coordinated and comprehensive service delivery.
- Consent and Documentation: Obtain appropriate consent forms and Releases of Information (ROIs). Maintain timely and accurate documentation in the Care Coordination System. Ensure all documentation complies with organizational standards and HIPAA regulations.
- Professional Standards and Ethics: Maintain high standards of professionalism, including appropriate boundaries and adherence to ethical guidelines.
- Communication: Ensure clear, timely, and professional communication with clients, team members, and partners to support effective service delivery.
- Knowledge of housing first philosophy, harm reduction, and trauma informed care
- Understanding of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness
- Awareness of and respect for cultural differences and health disparities
- Skills in crisis intervention and de-escalation
- Ability to assess social determinants of health and support person-centered goal planning
- Strong relationship-building skills, particularly with individuals experiencing serious mental illness and substance use disorders
- Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships
- Effective time management and ability to prioritize competing tasks
- Attention to detail in documentation and record-keeping
- Ability to manage a diverse caseload
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
- Experience with data entry and using electronic health record (EHR) systems is preferred
- Comfort with virtual communication tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams)
- Familiarity with HIPAA and confidentiality practices preferred
- High school diploma or GED required, associate or bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, or related field preferred
- Certification as a Community Health Worker (or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe)
- 1 to 2 years’ experience in community health, outreach, or social services preferred (one year if relevant education)
- Knowledge of public health issues, health education, and community resources
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage diverse populations
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Familiarity utilizing an electronic health record (EHR) to document client interactions preferred
- Bilingual speakers are encouraged to apply (e.g., Spanish)
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and auto insurance
- Valid Driver’s License/ Motor Vehicle record
- Criminal Background History
- Sex Offender Registry
- OFCCP Registry
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Share is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, creed, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, age, or any other reason prohibited by statute.