Traditional Health Worker

Traditional Health Worker

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  and ORS 413.042, 414.635, and 414.665. THW certifications include:

• Community Health Worker
• Peer Support Specialist
• Peer Wellness Specialist

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

• One (1) year of experience in the THW field.
• 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

• Bilingual preferred

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…