Trinity County Employment Opportunity

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER I $2,852.38 - $3,822.46 / Month ($16.45 - $22.05 / HOUR)

COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER II $3,150.80 - $4,222.37 / Month ($18.18 - $24.35 / HOUR)

Definition

Under supervision, performs support functions and direct service in public health and community settings and serves as a vital link between the public and health services to promote health among individuals, families, and groups including those who lack access to adequate care. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required) Assist clients in accessing needed resources and overcoming barriers to services by providing appropriate referrals and assuring access; determine health and/or psychosocial risk and make appropriate referrals including assessing for alcohol and substance abuse, and assessing high risk client situations with immediate referral to public health, mental health; domestic violence services and/or other community-based services. Screening individuals for Medi-Cal and other program eligibility and assist clients in obtaining health care services. May assist professional staff in home, clinic, and/or office visits. May conduct any of the following: support professional staff in screening for communicable disease exposure; conduct various screening tests and obtain specimens as directed; provide education and counsel on health, wellness, and treatment issues; counsel clients on importance of health care such as prenatal care, well child visits, and other medical visits. Organize and prepare for clinics, including maintaining adequate supplies, inventory, and equipment. May perform independent home, clinic, and/or office visits to clients in various Public Health Programs. May carry and manage an independent caseload of clients with responsibility for meeting specific program requirements and outcomes. Explain various public health programs and available community resources to clients in person, by telephone, by home visits, or through community outreach activities; provide referrals for clients; and assist in planning and evaluating program activities, including adapting health education for various target groups. Attend staff meetings and training seminars on program-specific and other health-related topics. Provide assistance and support services to clients and public health professional staff; make appointments, keep records, gather data, write reports, and interview clients; assist in developing immediate solutions to emergency problems and expediting delivery of needed services, may conduct very limited basic health screening and assessments such as weighing, measuring, taking vital signs. Assist public health professional staff by establishing and maintaining contact with clients; help clarify agency programs, including conducting orientation to various programs; interpret target population needs and may serve on committees or confer with other agencies or departments regarding needs individual clients and target populations. Assist with preparation of group meetings. Participate in community events. May serve as backup for other positions within the department, such as receptionist; answering incoming telephone calls and greet visitors and the general public; provide customer service and support; direct individuals to the appropriate area or assists them with information, providing applications, collecting and receipting money, or answering questions.

Desirable Qualifications

Knowledge of: Health principles of disease control including health practices related to communicable disease, immunization, and nutrition. Program-specific principles including conditions, therapies, treatments, transmission and prevention. Basic health education and prevention principles Principles of establishing risk status for clients with various health and medical conditions. Principles and practices of work safety, especially related to conditions, diseases, and behaviors that may be encountered in the course of work. Community resources available to the public. Techniques which ensure effective communication with clients of diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Procedures to use in an emergency situation. Office procedures, methods, and computer equipment. Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations. Computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job. Office procedures including filing, record keeping and scheduling of appointments. Process of application for Medi-Cal and other health care coverage. Active listening and effective, professional verbal and written communication.

Ability to: Work with persons diagnosed with or exhibiting a variety of conditions, including communicable disease, pregnancy, impaired cognitive functioning, special needs, etc. Recognize situations out of the scope of the Community Health Worker needing referral to professional staff. Learn the functions, programs and services of the Public Health Department, the healthcare delivery system, and other county agencies and non-governmental entities in Trinity County. Learn basic screening techniques for assigned program areas. Identify community resources, community agencies, and health care resources. Explain available community resources to clients; confer with professional staff to assist in evaluating client needs or problems. Learn medical terminology used in conducting clinics and counseling services. Develop, maintain, and update records, files, and reports. Organizing work, setting priorities and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction. Complete documentation of home, office, and/or clinic visits in an accurate, timely, thorough, and legible manner according to program requirements, Organize and prepare for clinics, including maintaining adequate supplies and equipment. Assist clients in completing office visit and clinic forms; review forms and documents for completion. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and the public using principles of good customer service. Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Understand and carry out written and oral instructions, giving close attention to detail and accuracy. Work independently and use sound judgement in the absence of supervision.

Training and Experience: Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Community Health Worker I High School diploma or GED; and six months of full-time experience performing related functions in a community services, health care or public health setting; or a combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Community Health Worker II One (1) year full-time work as a Community Health Worker I or equivalent.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid State of California Driver's License.

Supplemental Information

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is often required to sit, stand, walk, and use finger