JOB
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) is recruiting for a Community Health Worker position for the Maternal Child Health Program in our Community Wellness division. As Thurston County’s local health jurisdiction and human services department, Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) is responsible for protecting the health and promoting the well-being of all people who live, work, and play in Thurston County. We value diversity and strive to foster a sense of belonging, honoring the unique experiences, cultures, skills, backgrounds, identities, and perspectives of our employees and community. As an agency actively working to address health equity, we aspire for everyone to have the opportunity to attain their highest level of health, regardless of their individual circumstances. In the role of a Community Health Worker, you are responsible for carrying out a variety of health service duties involving communication, education, and training and providing direct client services to individuals dealing with stressful life situations. The Maternal Child Health Program at PHSS aims to reduce health inequalities and improve public health by providing underserved and vulnerable populations with high-quality, trauma-informed resources. As a part of this team, you will perform a broad variety of tasks internally aiding the team while also professionally supporting clients in a confidential and sensitive manner.Some of the essential job functions include, but are not limited to, the following: Conduct client intake of people requesting services from health department programs.Provide direct service to lower-risk clients, using case management, under the direct guidance of the Medical Social Worker or Community Health Nurse.Educate clients about behaviors that may put them at risk for health problems.Contact families referred to the Nurse Family Partnership program and assist with initial home visits. Assist clients in dealing with stressful life situations such as pregnancy and HIV/AIDS through referral to community resources and agencies.Connect families in the Nurse Family Partnership program to resources and assist in enrollment for support services. Create promotional materials, such as pamphlets, brochures, and news releases for various health programs.Establish and maintain working relationships with community groups, agencies, and individuals to promote health programs to the public.Perform other case management services as necessary.Perform other work as required or assigned including but not limited to a 24/7 response during public health emergency situations and disease outbreak investigations.The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Advanced customer support skills.Superior organizational skills and accuracy, along with the ability to multi-task.Experience working with confidential and/or sensitive information.Technical experience with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Publisher, Access) and Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. What we offer our employees: Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.Plan for Your Future: As a member of our team, you enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit our 2024 Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans website for more information. Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn a minimum of 12 paid vacation days per year in addition to 11 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays. Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County-paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences. Flexible Work Schedules: Options some employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.See under Benefits later in this job description for detailed information about the many other benefits the County offers. Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capital city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmers markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
High school diploma or GED. Knowledge of general and public health (i.e., human behavior, growth and development, oral health, communicable disease, nutrition, harm reduction, etc.); community resources; and traditions, customs, and health beliefs of the community being served.Some positions may require oral and written fluency in both English and the language of the community being served.Demonstrated ability to work with low-income clients, alternative lifestyles, and individuals facing crises related to pregnancy and/or parenting.Valid Washington State driver's license or have an appropriate accommodation. The successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal background check.Ability to utilize a computer with related software to perform the essential functions of the position.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Questions about this recruitment?The contact person for this recruitment is: Vickie Larkin: vickie.larkin@co.thurston.wa.us or (360) 867-2505 This position is: Represented by a UnionEligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)Eligible for benefitsGrant fundedItems required for consideration: ApplicationResumeCover letterApplicant Disclosure Form (Pursuant to RCW Section 43.43.830) (Supplemental Questions 1-6) PLEASE NOTE: The candidate selected for this position is required to show proof of the following immunizations by their agreed upon start date: Baseline tuberculosis screening is required of all new employees who are healthcare personnel, work in healthcare areas or who have contact with patients/clients as part of their normal duties (completed no earlier than three months prior to starting work)Proof of immunizations of measles/mumps/rubella (MMR)Proof of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap/TD)