Careers

Description:

Public Health – Seattle and King County values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE:

As the only Public Health jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation’s history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies and policies that promote fairness, justice and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

The selected candidate will integrate King County’s Equity and Social Justice principles into the daily functions of this position.

The Community Health Worker (“CHW”) will assist individuals and families who are in isolation and quarantine in accessing services, resources and benefits that mitigate the health, financial and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With supervision by the CHW Supervisor (Project/Program Manager III), the CHW will support clients to successfully isolate and quarantine at home by providing resources and direct support, assisting clients in completing applications for state and local benefit programs, connecting clients to community resources, and coordination of services.

As the COVID-19 response evolves, the duties of the CHW will evolve to developing long-term solutions to client challenges, with a focus on access to health insurance and health services, and reduction of food insecurity. The CHW may also assist in providing health education to clients on-line or over the phone. The CHW will receive referrals from the Public Health Contact Tracing Team and connect the client to resources by phone.

The CHW Care Coordinator Program promotes the health and well-being of people and families who are required to isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19 diagnosis. The program is centering BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) who are most impacted by the intersecting crises of racism and the pandemic. The primary goal is to provide support and resources to assure individuals and families can stay in their homes and heal with dignity. We are responding to the impacts of isolation and quarantine by providing:

• COVID19 specific isolation and quarantine support
• Routine social and health care support
• Ongoing emotional and physical health care resources

WHO MAY APPLY:
These are 6-12 month assignments; extensions may be likely- to accommodate evolving circumstances in the response to COVID-19. However- at this point- funding is only guaranteed to last through December 31, 2020. These positions are open to external candidates as a Term-Limited Temporary assignment, and open to King County Career Service employees as a Special Duty assignment.  To be considered for a Special Duty, you must be a current King County Career Service employee who has successfully passed probation.
 
WORK LOCATION:
These position­s will be based at the Chinook Building- located at 401 5th Ave in Seattle. Regular remote work may be required; for remote work, Public Health will provide the new hires with a computer laptop, however, other tools necessary to successfully work remotely will not be provided. You will need to have sufficient equipment and an internet connection to work remotely. 

WORK SCHEDULE:
These positions are full-time, non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and are overtime eligible. Work days and hours will be determined at time of hire, may vary based on program needs, and will require weekend and evening hours.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills required and ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress.
• Experience in customer service, health care, or education skills
• Knowledge of community support services and community benefits.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to utilize (Microsoft Office 365) and other web-enabled tools. Candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Ability to handle confidential and medically sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to exhibit a professional, positive attitude and work ethic.
• Critical thinking and sound judgment.
• Openness to in-person visits for service coordination/client assessment, with county provided Personal Protective Equipment.  In person visits are not required for the job.
• Ability to work with creativity and flexibility, both independently and as a team member.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bi/multilingual
• High school diploma, or equivalent combination of education and experience (preferred, but not required).
• Ability to show empathy to distressed individuals.
• Awareness and knowledge of resources in King County related to social and health resources.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and trouble-shooting experience.
• Experience in enrolling clients in benefit programs such as Medicaid and Basic Food services.
• Skilled in relating to and working with clients from various cultures, racial, social and economic status.
• Experience as a Promotora, Community Health Worker, Navigator, or Community Organizer.