Community Health Outreach Worker I/Ii - Public Health

DEFINITION

COMMUNITY HEALTH OUTREACH WORKER I/II - PUBLIC HEALTH

Department of Health & Human Services

Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health & Human Services.

What You'll Do:

This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Operate a mobile van throughout the county.

• Work with people experiencing homelessness and/or substance use disorders.

• Provide harm reduction services including; HCV and HIV risk reduction, syringe exchange, overdose prevention, naloxone distribution, and linkages to care/treatment.

• Provide presentations and trainings.

Where You'll Do It:

This position is located at 908 7th St., Eureka, CA 95501

A typical work schedule for this position is M-F 8-5

DEFINITION

Under supervision, performs outreach, assessment and referrals and coordinates support services for at-risk clients and their families; may take specimens and conduct medical screening procedures; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Community Health Outreach Worker I is the entry level in this specialist support class. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn program policies and procedures. This class is alternatively staffed with Community Health Outreach Worker II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher level.

Community Health Outreach Worker II is an experienced class responsible for providing outreach and support services to at risk clients, their caregivers and their families. Responsibilities include outreach, modeling daily living and/or parenting skills and advocating on behalf of clients and their families. This class typically works under the immediate direction of nursing, health education or other public health or mental health professionals.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Under the direction of a case manager performs visits to clients and their families in their homes, shelters or on the streets to provide information and education; assists professional staff in providing health education and in the implementation of client care plans.

• Interviews clients to assess risk factors for various health and safety problems including HIV, domestic violence and child abuse or neglect; refers clients to appropriate support services or community service agencies.

• Participates in the development of the client care plan for assigned clients; monitors progress and provides information for care plan updates.

• Promotes appropriate health screening and testing such as prenatal and perinatal health care and/or HIV testing; assists clients, their caregivers and families in developing healthier lifestyles; provides information concerning ways to reduce the risk of transmission of communicable diseases.

• Models daily living skills appropriate for the client including resource management, housekeeping methods and parenting and childcare skills.

• Transports clients to medical appointments, service provider appointments, shopping and to other facilities to meet identified client needs.

• Collects data, maintains records and prepares progress notes and reports in accordance with state and local requirements.

• Advocates for clients and assists clients and their families to establish and maintain a community support system.

• Maintains current knowledge of cultural factors, health issues and community resources and services which affect clients.

• May perform oral HIV antibody testing, obtain blood and urine specimens, and/or conduct various screening procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Cultural, social, health and mental health issues affecting the client population.

• Basic principles of training and instruction.

• Techniques for dealing with clients with multiple problems.

• Community resources and service provider agencies.

• Basic interviewing techniques and methods.

• Principles and methods of housekeeping, household safety, household maintenance, money management, nutrition, meal planning and shopping.

• Knowledge of ethnic and/or socio-economic factors of the community.

• Applying a variety of methods to solve client problems.

• Principles and methods of parenting and child development including alternative discipline methods.

Skill in:

• Conducting interviews and assessments with people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

• Responding to client situations and taking effective action.

• Maintaining accurate case records, files and reports.

• Utilizing community resources effectively to assist clients.

• Responding sensitively to the needs of people from a variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

• Researching problems, finding and applying alternative solutions.

• Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California driver's license. Must have a vehicle, with current insurance coverage, available to transport clients. Designated positions may be required to obtain certification as a phlebotomist.

Desirable Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

Community Health Outreach Worker I: Some college level coursework in community health, nursing, child development or a related field and one year experience providing direct health education, outreach, early childhood education or case management services to client groups typically served by human services agencies.

Community Health Outreach Worker II: In addition to the above, two years of experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Community Health Outreach Worker I.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMPLOYEE PERKS

For more information about County benefits, visit our benefits webpage: https://humboldtgov.org/2492/Employee-Benefits.

For more details about employee perks, see our Employee Perks flyer: https://humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/115226/Employee-Perks-Flyer-.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• You may only submit one application per day.

• You may submit an edited application after waiting at least one day from your initial submission.

• Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will be archived.

How long until I hear back from you?

• You can expect to hear back from Human Resources about 3 - 4 weeks after the closing date listed on the job posting.

How can I check for updates on my application?

• You can log into your Government Jobs account and review current information regarding any application you have submitted.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview?

• Yes, you will be informed if you are not selected for an interview.

The County of Humboldt's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach to in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.

If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applications must be submitted online through the County's automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca no later than the final filing date listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by both Human Resources staff and may be screened by additional subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant experience and education you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

CalPERS RETIREMENT PROGRAM

Employees fall into one of the following tiers based on the date you first start working for the County or any other employer that uses CalPERS for retirement.

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

If this is your first job with a CalPERS employer, you'd be in Tier III.

• 2.0 means that for every year you work for the County, you will receive 2% of your maximum annual pay rate for every year that you work for us (or other CalPERS employers) if you work the required minimum number of years (that's called vesting) and retire after the age following the @.

• If you work 20 years and retire at 62 years of age, you will receive 20 x 2% or 40% of your maximum annual pay rate every year in retirement payments.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County runs its hiring on a set of rules to ensure that it is fair. Hiring and promotion are based on performance and having the best qualifications for the job. "Examination" doesn't always mean taking a test, sometimes it just means how we compare your application to others who have applied, and an "oral examination" means a scored and structured interview.

POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The County of Humboldt does not discriminate based on mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination to request an accommodation.

The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.