Traditional Health Worker

Department:  Health and Human Services
Union Affiliation:  AFSCME
Weekly Schedule:  Monday - Friday
Hours Per Week:  40
This position is grant-funded.

Tillamook County follows Oregon Pay Equity laws in reviewing education, experience and seniority for wage offers.

.

The Traditional Health Worker (THW) is an employee of Tillamook County Health and Human Services Department (HHS); includes the Community Health Center which provides medical, behavioral, dental, services and integrated Tillamook County Public Health and Environmental Health programs and services. HHS is a dynamic department with a fast-paced environment serving diverse populations.  This position may work in the primary care and/or public health sections of the department.  

The THW provides high quality and culturally responsive care by creating a bridge between healthcare providers, public health, and patients/clients in their home and or community settings. THWs are respected members of their local communities who often share similar socioeconomic backgrounds and life experiences with the people served. THWs provide person- and community-centered care by acting as a bridge between communities and the healthcare systems that serve them. Enhance the appropriate use of healthcare by connecting individuals with medical and social services, advocating for patients/clients, supporting adherence to treatments, and empowering people to take an active role in improving their own health. The THW position is consistent with the definition of a THW in OAR 950-060-0000 and ORS 413.042, 414.635, and 414.665.  

THW certifications include:

• Community Health Worker: An individual who meets qualification criteria adopted by the authority under ORS 414.665 and who: (a) Has expertise or experience in public health; (b) Works in an urban or rural community in association with a local health care system; (c) To the extent practicable, shares ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status and life experiences with the residents of the community where the worker serves; (d) Assists members of the community to improve their health and increases the capacity of the community to meet the health care needs of its residents and achieve wellness; (e) Provides health education and information that is culturally appropriate to the individuals being served; (f) Assists community residents in receiving the care they need; (g) May give peer counseling and guidance on health behaviors; and (h) May provide direct services such as first aid or blood pressure screening.
• Peer Support Specialist: An individual providing services to another individual who shares a similar life experience with the peer support specialist (addiction to addiction, mental health condition to mental health condition, family member of an individual with a mental health condition to family member of an individual with a mental health condition).
• Peer Wellness Specialist:  An individual who meets qualification criteria adopted by the authority under ORS 414.665 and who, through community outreach, is responsible for (a) assessing mental health and substance use disorder service and support needs of a member of a coordinated care organization, (b) assisting members with access to available services and resources, (c) addressing barriers to services and providing education and information about available resources for individuals with mental health or substance use disorders in order to reduce stigma and discrimination toward consumers of mental health and substance use disorder services, (d)and assisting members in creating and maintaining recovery, health and wellness.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The individual in this role is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge

• Community Health Worker: Have learned knowledge of or lived experience with chronic health conditions.
• Peer Support Specialist: Have learned knowledge of or lived experience with substance use disorders.
• Peer Wellness Specialist: Have learned knowledge of or lived experience with behavioral health/psychiatric challenges or conditions.
• Knowledge of the community or communities being served and the available resources for families.

Skills

• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with individuals and groups who come from diverse backgrounds and represent members of the public, coworkers, and/or vendors.
• Skill in maintaining accurate and complete records.
• Skill in providing instructions and communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals of varying backgrounds and abilities.
• Skill in organizational tasks, including managing schedules and coordinating with other agencies for referrals and resource gathering.
• Skill in active listening and allowing patients to prioritize their own goals.
• Skill in advocating for patients who are receiving services.

Abilities

• Ability to provide timely, effective, and efficient customer service to citizens, clients, and other employees; and interact patiently with individuals making inquiries regarding various county programs and services who may have little, or no experience or knowledge of the services provided.
• Ability to provide culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate services in a caring and compassionate manner.
• Ability to use electronic health record system for documentation.
• Ability to use an electronic referral system to make connections to community-based organizations through a closed loop referral.
• Ability to carry out oral and written instructions and learn to perform health screening tests requiring simple math.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under stressful or emergent situations.
• Ability to work independently, adapt to changing responsibilities daily, and maintain motivation and efficiency.
• Ability to communicate in a way that builds relationships, promotes health, and makes clients feel welcome.

Required Qualifications (Minimum qualifications for this role)

Education

• High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience

OR

• One (1) year of progressively responsible clinical, clerical, patient coordination, or patient supportive employment experience.  
• Lived experience in the assigned area of work is required for peer positions.  

Certifications or Licenses

• Peer Support Specialist must be certified prior to hire or eligible to be certified within 90 days of hire.  
• All other THW applicants must complete an approved THW course and be eligible for certification through the Oregon Health Authority within 12 months of hire. 
• Once certified, applicants must maintain their certification with the Oregon Health Authority.  
• Must possess a valid Oregon driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.  

Preferred Qualifications

Other Qualifications 

• Must pass a pre-employment criminal history background investigation. 

Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.

• Serve as a liaison between healthcare providers, public health programs, patients, and community organizations to ensure access to care and resources. 
• Provide education on health conditions, treatment plans, medications, and preventive measures in culturally sensitive ways. 
• Assist patients in understanding and managing chronic conditions, helping them adhere to care plans and medical or behavioral health instructions. 
• Offer emotional support and empowerment to patients, encouraging self-management of health and wellness. 
• Conduct home visits, health screenings, and follow-up calls to monitor patient progress and provide ongoing support. 
• Identify barriers to care, such as transportation, language, or financial challenges, and work with patients to find solutions. 
• Advocate for patients and connect them with community resources, social services, and health-related programs. 
• Collect data and document patient interactions, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Work one-on-one with patients in their homes, community and/or other settings. 
• Create referrals to community resources using the ConnectOregon referral platform and other systems.
• Represent HHS at health fairs and other events.
• Provide home or community visits for medical, dental, behavioral health, maternal child health, substance misuse, or public health services. The ability to drive is required for conducting community and home visits.
• Work in a team environment with providers, nurses, and other HHS staff.
• Support access to healthcare.
• Assist in developmental and other screenings.
• Conduct Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screenings and provide referrals as needed.
• Provide education related to chronic disease and/or other conditions.
• Break down Care Plans into manageable steps and provide support to help patients achieve health goals.
• Ensure patients have received appropriate care, services, treatment, and follow-up for their condition.
• Documentation on multiple electronic platforms.
• Assist with scheduling and convening virtual and telephonic visits when needed.
• Listen actively and provide guidance in coordinating patient care and referrals.
• Stay informed on communicable diseases and ensure patients receive proper education and resources.

Performs additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Not a supervisory role but provides informal training/orientation to volunteers, or newly assigned personnel.

Supervisory Controls

Works under general supervision with recurring tasks performed independently. The supervisor provides professional advice on non-routine matters, and periodic reviews are conducted to ensure adherence to expected results.

Working Conditions

Work is performed within established department policies, procedures, and protocols. The employee uses some judgment to independently decide between established alternatives.

Mental effort
High degree of concentration with above normal periods of attention, above normal deadlines, or a high degree of creative thinking.

Physical effort
Moderate: The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items, such as tables, equipment, and medium-sized parts. The work may require specific but common, physical characteristics and abilities, such as above-average agility and dexterity.

Work Environment 
Moderate Risks/Discomforts: require special safety precautions, e.g., working around moving parts, carts, or machines; exposure to contagious diseases or irritant chemicals. Employees may be required to use protective clothing or gear, such as masks, gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields.