Community Health Worker
King County
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Health Administration
Posted on January 30, 2025
Salary
$62,961.60 - $79,809.60 Annually
Location
Multiple jail facilities in King County, WA
Job Type
Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Job Number
2025AO23695
Department
DPH - Public Health
Division
Jail Health Services
Opening Date
01/29/2025
Closing Date
2/12/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
C9A : PROTEC17-DPH, DCHS-Health Prof
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
Hours/Week
40 hours/week
King County is seeking a 1 Career-Service Community Health Workers for the Substance Use Disorder Program and Release Planning Program within Public Health - Seattle & King County, Jail Health Services (JHS) Division. The purpose of JHS is to assure that basic health and human services are available to individuals who are incarcerated in the King County adult correctional facilities. JHS strongly encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, including people with lived experience of substance use, incarceration, houselessness, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities. This emphasis on diversity and inclusivity reflects a commitment to providing equitable and just health and human services to all individuals, regardless of their background. This position demands a commitment to equity, social justice, and a deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by individuals in the criminal legal system. If you meet these qualifications and are passionate about providing equitable healthcare services to diverse populations, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
The Community Health Worker Team serves individuals with diverse backgrounds and needs at a variety of Public Health and community locations, including King County jails, and collaborates with social workers, SUD care coordinators, nurses, interpreters, and other care providers to coordinate care and deliver health education and other supportive services as individuals transition out of custody.
JHS provides needed health and social services to the incarcerated population located in the King County jails - King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Seattle, WA and Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent, WA. The primary services we provide include medical, dental, mental health, social and release planning services, treatment of substance use disorders, and pharmaceutical services. We care about the patients we serve and their health outcomes. Our division includes over 250 employees and an annual budget of over $60 million.
The purpose of JHS is to assure that high-quality health and human services are available to the incarcerated population in the King County adult correctional facilities: the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent. The JHS vision is Opening doors to healthier, happier lives, and the mission is To assess and stabilize serious health problems for the detained population of the King County Correctional Facility and the Maleng Regional Justice Center with a focus on transition from jail.
Staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, JHS provides a broad range of health care to all individuals booked into the jails. For patients with serious mental health or medical conditions, special housing units (psychiatric and infirmary) along with a higher level of services and medical monitoring are provided. Since the patient population varies both in numbers as well as in acuity of health conditions, staffing is adapted and flexed to meet the constantly changing needs of the population.
JHS staff manage the complex health needs of underserved populations many of whom come to the facility without access to care in the community and with decompensated acute and chronic health conditions.
Commitment To Equity and Social Justice
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.
The county government has 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 all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.
To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx
Work Schedule
40-hour work week including weekend and evening shifts. CHW operating hours will be from 7am-7pm Monday through Saturday.
Work Location
This position works with patients inside and outside of the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent and the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Seattle and requires travel between facilities and to multiple community locations.
MRJC is located at 401 4th Ave N, Kent, WA 98032
KCCF is located at 500 5th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104.
Ideal Candidate:
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Who May Apply
Whoever meets the minimum qualifications and completes the application process. People with lived experience of substance use, incarceration, houselessness, and/or sex work; people of color, women, and members of the LGB/TGNC+ communities; and people living with HIV/AIDS and/or hepatitis C are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Process
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
Necessary Special Requirements
Union Membership
Protec 17
Contact
For more information about the application process please contact Alexis Owens at Alowens@kingcounty.gov
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
$62,961.60 - $79,809.60 Annually
Location
Multiple jail facilities in King County, WA
Job Type
Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Job Number
2025AO23695
Department
DPH - Public Health
Division
Jail Health Services
Opening Date
01/29/2025
Closing Date
2/12/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
C9A : PROTEC17-DPH, DCHS-Health Prof
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
Hours/Week
40 hours/week
Summary
King County is seeking a 1 Career-Service Community Health Workers for the Substance Use Disorder Program and Release Planning Program within Public Health - Seattle & King County, Jail Health Services (JHS) Division. The purpose of JHS is to assure that basic health and human services are available to individuals who are incarcerated in the King County adult correctional facilities. JHS strongly encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, including people with lived experience of substance use, incarceration, houselessness, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities. This emphasis on diversity and inclusivity reflects a commitment to providing equitable and just health and human services to all individuals, regardless of their background. This position demands a commitment to equity, social justice, and a deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by individuals in the criminal legal system. If you meet these qualifications and are passionate about providing equitable healthcare services to diverse populations, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
The Community Health Worker Team serves individuals with diverse backgrounds and needs at a variety of Public Health and community locations, including King County jails, and collaborates with social workers, SUD care coordinators, nurses, interpreters, and other care providers to coordinate care and deliver health education and other supportive services as individuals transition out of custody.
JHS provides needed health and social services to the incarcerated population located in the King County jails - King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Seattle, WA and Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent, WA. The primary services we provide include medical, dental, mental health, social and release planning services, treatment of substance use disorders, and pharmaceutical services. We care about the patients we serve and their health outcomes. Our division includes over 250 employees and an annual budget of over $60 million.
The purpose of JHS is to assure that high-quality health and human services are available to the incarcerated population in the King County adult correctional facilities: the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent. The JHS vision is Opening doors to healthier, happier lives, and the mission is To assess and stabilize serious health problems for the detained population of the King County Correctional Facility and the Maleng Regional Justice Center with a focus on transition from jail.
Staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, JHS provides a broad range of health care to all individuals booked into the jails. For patients with serious mental health or medical conditions, special housing units (psychiatric and infirmary) along with a higher level of services and medical monitoring are provided. Since the patient population varies both in numbers as well as in acuity of health conditions, staffing is adapted and flexed to meet the constantly changing needs of the population.
JHS staff manage the complex health needs of underserved populations many of whom come to the facility without access to care in the community and with decompensated acute and chronic health conditions.
Commitment To Equity and Social Justice
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.
The county government has 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 all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.
To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx
Work Schedule
40-hour work week including weekend and evening shifts. CHW operating hours will be from 7am-7pm Monday through Saturday.
Work Location
This position works with patients inside and outside of the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent and the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Seattle and requires travel between facilities and to multiple community locations.
MRJC is located at 401 4th Ave N, Kent, WA 98032
KCCF is located at 500 5th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104.
Job Duties
- Active engagement with people who use drugs and individuals who are living with, or at risk for, HIV/hepatitis C using a collaborative, person-centered approach grounded in harm reduction and trauma-informed practice.
- Use brief assessment, active listening, and crisis response skills to help meet immediate, basic needs and make appropriate referrals to other health and support services. Coach clients in how to access community resources and facilitate linkage to care.
- Schedule day of release appointments with community-based services including healthcare, mental health services, SUD treatment and providers that prescribe medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) for patients releasing from jail.
- Provide and coordinate transportation to community appointments as needed.
- Distribute harm reduction supplies and provide accurate health and safety information using established messages on safer drug use and overdose safety planning. Adapt health information based on clients' priorities, cultural beliefs, and value systems using accessible realistic language to convey pertinent, complex information.
- Work in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services within King County and surrounding areas. Maintain information on community resources.
- Assist patients with applying for or reactivating Medicaid and insurance upon or prior to jail release.
- Assist program manager with patient interviews and feedback surveys.
- Act as patient advocate and liaison to clinical staff.
- Use multiple computer programs in the provision of client-centered services, including electronic charting & complex scheduling systems.
- Attend monthly all staff meetings.
- Participate in program meetings, presentations, and continuing education on substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and other related topics with program manager and clinical staff.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with clients and coworkers, verbally and in writing.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Ideal Candidate:
- Demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge of the principles and practices of harm reduction
- At least one-year, full-time experience working with community members or providing direct client services in a health or human service agency.
- Post-hire WA State Department of Health Community Health Worker certification. Due within 12 months.
- BLS/CPR certification. Due before official start date.
- Demonstrated ability to establish rapport, provide support and advocate for a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are unhoused, actively using substances and living with significant health challenges.
- Demonstrated knowledge of race equity, justice, health promotion and public health approaches and models of social support and health care.
- Experience using de-escalation skills to address high stress and high conflict situations.
- Knowledge of social and health systems and resources in Washington and King County.
- Knowledge of incarceration and substance use issues.
- Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all people, regardless of background or current circumstances.
- Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and supportive working relationships with patients.
- Ability to refer patients to community services related to their health and safety needs.
- Familiarity with Microsoft programs such as Outlook and the ability to use drop down menus, point and click software, and multiple screens.
- Ability to summarize and document information from client interactions according to program requirements using electronic medical record.
- Ability to engage professionally with community partners during outreach and patient advocacy.
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and organize work while meeting deadlines; flexibility and ability to adapt to changing work environment.
- Must possess valid and unrestricted Washington Driver's License to drive a county vehicle
- Ability to travel on a flexible schedule as needed
- Ability to pass background check.
- Formal education in health or social services program or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated skills, experience, and knowledge in the areas of substance use, safer sex, sex work, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, mental health, etc.
Supplemental Information
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Who May Apply
Whoever meets the minimum qualifications and completes the application process. People with lived experience of substance use, incarceration, houselessness, and/or sex work; people of color, women, and members of the LGB/TGNC+ communities; and people living with HIV/AIDS and/or hepatitis C are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Process
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
- NeoGov Job Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
- Supplemental Questions (The responses to the supplemental questions should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
Necessary Special Requirements
- The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience.
- The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR ( if applicable).
- The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment. (and Pre-employment Physical, if applicable).
- For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring . For tips on interviewing, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/audience/employees/learning-and-development/Interview_Tips.ashx?la=en .
- Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
- Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
- Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
- Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
- When Public Health responds to an emergency, and in accordance with relevant CBA language and/or KC policy and procedures, we may assign duties outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department.
- If you need a disability accommodation in the application or testing process, please call the contact number listed on the job announcement.
- Sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution.
- Convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or,
- Has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described above.
Union Membership
Protec 17
Contact
For more information about the application process please contact Alexis Owens at Alowens@kingcounty.gov
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental,family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
