Community Health Worker

            Vacancy Announcement 

We are accepting applications for:  Community Health Worker
Date Posted:  September 09, 2024
Closing Date: Open until filled. First review of applications is September 30, 2024.                       

About the Position and Department:  This grant funded position is a trusted member of our community who guides access to a variety of social services, promoting mental health as a vital & necessary part of well-being. This position is under the supervision of the Director of Public Health. Fallon County Public Health provides a variety of services including immunizations, family planning, blood pressure clinics, and much more in supporting healthy people in a healthy community.

Position Overview:  Promotes and guides access to a variety of social services for our community, including uninsured and disadvantaged community members. Provides referrals for mental health care via Catalyst for Change. Guides and assists in the application for social programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Works within schools to provide referrals and resources for students and their families.

Required Education and Experience:  Employment with Fallon County requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. The ideal candidate will be a member of our community and/or have ties to our community.

Must complete the Community Health Worker training provided by Montana State University within six (6) months from date of hire. Must complete Crisis Intervention training within one (1) year from date of hire. Must obtain BLS certificate within six (6) months from date of hire.

Preferred Education and Experience:  Previous employment experience in health care, community service setting, or social services is preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: Must possess or obtain a Montana driver license within thirty (30) days of employment. This position involves access to confidential financial and/or protected medical information and is subject to a pre-employment criminal background check. May utilize a County vehicle and is subject to a pre-employment motor vehicle driving history review.

Benefits: We are proud to offer an excellent benefit package to our employees including health insurance, ten (10) paid holidays per calendar year, sick leave, vacation leave, and an Employee Assistance Program. This position requires enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement System with an established contribution rate for both the employee and the County.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

How to Apply:  Applications and a complete job description are available at the Human Resources office, 10 W. Fallon Avenue, Baker, Montana or online at www.falloncountymt.gov. You may submit your application online at www.falloncountymt.gov; or via mail to: Human Resources Manager, PO Box 846, Baker, Montana, 59313; or email to straubj@falloncountymt.gov; or stop by the Human Resources office in the Courthouse. Questions may be directed to Kim Bryan 406-778-2824 or Julie Straub 406-778-8164.

Fallon County Job Description
Fallon County is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to affirmative recruitment, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Human Resources.

This is a grant funded position; employment is dependent upon continuation of grants.

Job Overview
The Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. The role of the CHW is tailored to the communities served.

Our CHW is a grant-funded position that promotes and guides access to a variety of social services for our community, including uninsured and disadvantaged community members. Provides referrals for mental health care via Catalyst for Change. Guides and assists in the application for social programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Works within schools to provide referrals and resources for students and their families.

The following is representative of typical work performed but is not necessarily limited to these specific tasks/areas:
Essential Functions
Mental Health Referrals & Social Services Assistance – Explains the Community Health program, including positive impact for the client’s wellbeing. Conducts an assessment of client needs to determine socio-economic issues and needs. Identifies obstacles and barriers the client has or may encounter. Completes a care management plan with clients based on results of needs assessment encompassing a wide range of services including but not limited to mental health, physical health, medical appointments, and childcare. Makes mental health referrals via Catalyst for Change to support the emotional and mental well-being of the clients. Assists clients in completing Medicare and Medicaid applications.

Assists clients with identifying a provider and in scheduling medical appointments. Provides support and advocacy during medical appointments to ensure medical needs and referrals are being conveyed appropriately.

Will utilize a broad and wide-ranging network of programs and providers to meet the needs of clients, including but not limited to Catalyst for Change, DPPHS, Council on Aging, Community Cupboard, Veteran’s Administration, Red Cross, and local resources such as Fallon Medical Complex, Fallon County Mental Health Council, churches, daycare, and HeadStart. May attend Mental Health Council meetings. Seeks ways to ensure and provide services to clients; this may include meeting in their home.

Will receive referrals from law enforcement, following up on and providing additional referrals and resources from AVEL. May see clients in the Detention Center pending discharge to establish a care management plan.

Documents the care management plan including referrals, social service programs, and medical appointments. Maintains comprehensive electronic client files, which may include client notes, release of information, assessments, and any other documents acquired on behalf of the client. Follows up with clients on referrals and programs; makes additional referrals and/or identify additional resources and options for the client. Documents and reports to the Director on monthly activity and all outcomes.

School Support – Visits all schools regularly to serve as a resource for students and their families providing referrals and assistance accessing social services as identified above. The initial contact between the CHW, students, and their families will be initiated by school administrators including obtaining parental release for referrals. This position is a mandated reporter.

Grants – Will seek out and apply for applicable grants to fund the position and program. This includes completing all required documentation, reconciliation, and tracking for the ongoing administration of a grant.

Department Support – Complete Community Health Improvement Plan and the Strategic Plan as required by grants; will collaborate with the Public Health Specialist in this endeavor. Communicates with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions and provide information related to Public Health services. May answer the telephone, direct calls, and deliver messages.

Competencies
The knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics to perform this work include but are not necessarily limited to:  Accountability, Active Listening, Adaptability, Attention to Detail, Commitment, Computer Skills, Confidentiality, Customer Service, Dependability, Empathy, Ethics, Flexibility, HIPPA, Initiative, Integrity, Interpersonal Relationships, Medicaid/Medicare, Multi-task, Networking, Oral Comprehension, Oral and Written Expression, Organization, Problem Solving, Professionalism, Safety, Self-directed, Sensitivity, Stress Management, Teamwork, and Time Management.
Requires considerable knowledge of various federal and state social service programs. Ability to establish a trusting, collaborative relationship with clients while maintaining neutrality in assessing needs. Ability to develop solutions to problems concerning a client’s mental or physical well-being. Demonstrate compassion and listen with empathy. Ability and willingness to collaborate with various agencies and entities when making referrals and completing follow-up. Requires excellent oral communication skills to coordinate and implement effective care management plans; identify and develop solutions to issues concerning a patient’s mental or physical well-being. Model appropriate strategies for self-help and coping skills with effective communication. Requires skills in organizing and prioritizing work. Ability to maintain resiliency in response to high stress situations. Ability to discern sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. Engage in continuing education and further training as necessary.

Implement and follow safe home visiting protocols. Must be able to document/chart using proper grammar. Must be able to organize and prioritize work based on multiple considerations including immediate mental health and/or medical concerns and time factors. A comprehensive knowledge of and ability to utilize Microsoft Office Suite is required. Must be able to learn and utilize department specific software. Ability to complete grant applications and all necessary administration to meet all requirements of grant administration. As part of our workforce, maintains consistent communication with all County employees, our customers/patrons, and the public via County owned communication systems including but not limited to email, office phone, work cell phone, text, and SMS/IM.

Demonstrate the ability to interact courteously and effectively with a diverse clientele and the public. Respond calmly and effectively to stressful situations. Possess excellent customer service and interpersonal skills to resolve questions and concerns using good judgment and discretion. Respond to requests for service and assistance with courtesy and respect. Requires the ability and skill to multi-task, address multiple projects, and clients while maintaining composure, professionalism, and quality of work. Adapt to changing work routines and demands. Apply independent initiative, discretion, and judgment to a variety of situations. Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences; ability to explain detailed and complicated information in simple, understandable terms. Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand; explain rules and procedures clearly.   

Ability to work with little direct supervision; to understand, interpret and follow instructions and directives. Take accountability for your own actions. This position leads and must function as part of a team, working for the betterment of Public Health, our services, and the public.

Safety
Safety is a primary duty and a personal responsibility. County employees are responsible for reading, understanding and following safety rules and procedures as identified within County Policy, our Safety Program as well as at each department/work location/JSA. This position is responsible for wearing PPE as identified in the JSA or when working in areas where there is danger of injury.  Responsible for wearing suitable work clothes as determined by the Director of Public Health. Reports all injuries, hazards and/or near misses utilizing established reporting forms and procedures. Knows the location of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and other safety devices. Attends all safety meetings including annual training. This position will not perform potentially hazardous tasks or use any hazardous material until properly trained.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment
This position operates in a professional office environment at multiple locales including but not limited to Public Health, schools, Fallon County Courthouse, and Fallon County Detention Center. May also perform work in client’s homes. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, tablets, telephones, photocopiers, 10 key calculators, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Required Education and Experience
Employment with Fallon County requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. The ideal candidate will be a member of our community and/or have ties to our community.

Must complete the Community Health Worker training provided by Montana State University within six (6) months from date of hire. Must complete Crisis Intervention training within one (1) year from date of hire. Must obtain BLS certificate within six (6) months from date of hire.

Preferred Education and Experience
Previous employment experience in health care, community service setting, or social services is preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Must possess or obtain a Montana driver license within thirty (30) days of employment. This position involves access to confidential financial and/or protected medical information and is subject to a pre-employment criminal background check. May utilize a County vehicle and is subject to a pre-employment motor vehicle driving history review.

Compensation
Our Fiscal Year 2024-2025 compensation schedule for a Community Health Worker is as follows:
Community Health Worker (at hire):                             $24.30
Community Health Worker 1 (completion of year 1): $24.84
Community Health Worker 2 (completion of year 2): $25.38
Community Health Worker 3 (completion of year 3): $25.92
Community Health Worker 4 (completion of year 4): $26.46
Community Health Worker 5 (completion of year 5): $27.00

This schedule is reflective of and will be adjusted for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment as approved by the Fallon County Commission.

After completion of the first year of employment, an employee becomes eligible to receive Longevity. Longevity is $0.15 per hour every year, with $0.25 per hour every five years.

In the event a County vehicle is unavailable, this position may utilize his/her private vehicle and will be reimbursed for mileage at the State rate. Must provide proof of insurance.

Benefits
We are proud to offer an excellent benefit package to our employees including health insurance, ten (10) paid holidays per calendar year, sick leave, vacation leave, and an Employee Assistance Program.

This position requires enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement System with an established contribution rate for both the employee and the County.

Position Type/Hours of Work
This is a part-time, grant reliant, thirty-two (32) hours a week position:  Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The needs of the department and our community may result in hours beyond this schedule.

Physical and Environmental Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak or hear. This work requires periods of extended computer use. The employee is frequently required to sit for long periods as well as to stand, sit, bend, and reach with hands and arms. May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  May be required to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities include close and distant vision. 

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully; employees are routinely required to address emerging employer requirements in alignment with individual work units and assignments of jobs which may result in additional or a change in duties/functions not identified. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee; it is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer change.