Community Health Worker (CHW)- Traditional Health Worker
Are you passionate about improving the health and well-being of older adults and community members? Do you have experience in community work and a strong commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change? The Community for Positive Aging (CfPA) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Community Health Worker (CHW) or Peer Support Specialist (PSS) to provide services to community members, while also working to build resilience in the face of climate change and environmental health disparities. This role will empower individuals to lead healthier lives through a combination of resource navigation, education, and community-based climate justice initiatives. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply!
Position Title: Traditional Health Worker (THW)
Reports To: Permanent Supportive Housing Supervisor
Location: Portland, OR
Employment Type: Part-Time or Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $25–$27 hourly
Position Overview:
The Community Health Worker (THW) will provide community-based services to older adults and other vulnerable community members, while integrating climate resilience strategies into their care. As a CHW, you will play a vital role in bridging the gap between our community and the healthcare system, providing culturally sensitive support and resources to individuals. You will be responsible for building trust, navigating complex systems, and advocating for the needs of our clients.This role will support individuals in addressing health challenges that are exacerbated by climate change, such as respiratory issues from poor air quality, heat stress, and mental health impacts due to extreme weather events. The Community Health Worker will also serve as an advocate for climate justice, helping community members navigate environmental health risks and ensuring equitable access to healthcare and resources. As part of the role, you will also be part of a Traditional Health Worker (THW) capacity-building collaborative, attending monthly trainings and meetings focused on climate resilience and building infrastructure to support the sustainability of the THW workforce. The THW’s service provision will focus on working with clients living with mental health and addiction to enhance their sobriety. Ensures the provision of health care services takes place in a professional, non-bias environment and is accomplished in an efficient and respectful manner.
Key Responsibilities:
Peer Support: Provide direct peer-to-peer support to older adults and community members in both individual and group settings, using your own lived experience to help them manage life challenges and improve overall well-being.
Resource Navigation: Assist participants in accessing community resources, social services, health services, and other relevant programs to meet their individual needs.
Empowerment: Encourage and support participants in building self-advocacy skills and achieving their personal goals, such as improved physical health, emotional resilience, or social connections.
Climate Resilience Support: Educate and assist community members in managing health risks related to climate change, such as extreme heat, air pollution, and environmental hazards. This includes developing individualized care plans to promote climate resilience and health sustainability.
Collaboration: Work closely with CfPA staff, case managers, health workers, and community partners in the Regional THW Capacity-Building Collaborative to integrate climate resilience strategies into care plans and community health initiatives. Attend monthly collaborative meetings and training sessions to enhance your capacity to support the community's climate resilience.
Documentation: Maintain clear, accurate, and timely records of interactions, progress, and service outcomes using the organization’s case management system.
Group Facilitation: Lead or assist in the facilitation of peer support groups on topics related to mental wellness, addiction, chronic illness management, climate resilience, and coping strategies.
Advocacy: Serve as an advocate for community members, addressing barriers to access such as stigma related to mental health, aging, or climate-related health issues.
Qualifications:
Lived Experience: Personal experience navigating mental health challenges, chronic illness, disability, or recovery is essential for this role. Candidates should be comfortable sharing relevant aspects of their lived experience with participants.
Certification: Community Health Worker (CHW) and/or Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Certification by the State of Oregon is required at the time of hire.
Experience: Previous experience providing peer support, particularly with older adults, is highly desired but not required. Experience working with individuals in active addiction, recovery, and those managing mental health challenges is strongly preferred.
Cultural Competency: Familiarity with or willingness to learn about the diverse cultural needs of the aging population, including BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ seniors, and those facing socio-economic challenges.
Climate Resilience Knowledge: Understanding of the health impacts of climate change (e.g., extreme heat, air pollution, mental health impacts of extreme weather events) and the ability to educate and assist community members in addressing these challenges.
Addiction & Mental Health: Knowledge of substance use disorders, harm reduction principles, and trauma-informed care. Experience supporting individuals in various stages of addiction and recovery, including providing resources, peer mentorship, and advocacy.
Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal, listening, and verbal communication skills. Ability to build trusting, non-judgmental relationships with community members.
Tech Literacy: Basic proficiency with computers and ability to maintain records electronically.
Must maintain a valid Oregon driver’s license or obtain one upon hire, and provide proof of personal vehicle insurance.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
Experience working in a community-based organization or health-related setting.
Bilingual (English and another language) is a plus.
Knowledge of local resources related to housing, addiction services, healthcare, food security, senior services, and climate justice.
Experience: Identifies as having lived experience of recovery with addiction issues (may include both addiction and mental health issues)
Two (2) years of experience with mental health, and addiction recovery services.
Must have knowledge of the effects of trauma, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those served.
Must respect all others regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or income level.
Proven ability to work independently and interpret policies and procedures, under pressure with little or no supervision.
Ability to work with all levels of individuals, including disgruntled people in an effective manner.
Demonstrated working knowledge of computer software such as Word, Excel, and related programs.
Ability to operate standard office equipment (i.e. copier, fax machine, personal computer).
Excellent interpersonal skills oral and written.
Requires strong commitment to accurately completing tasks, solving problems, demonstrating initiative, organization, and attention to detail.
Work Environment:
The Community Health Worker (THW) will work in a collaborative team environment with CfPA staff and local partners in community settings. This role may require occasional evening or weekend hours for group facilitation, outreach events, or training sessions.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to hiring@hollywoodseniorcenter.org. In your cover letter, please describe your experience and why you are passionate about working with older adults and other vulnerable community members.
