Community Health Worker - Overdose Prevention - HEALTH

Department:  HEALTH

Pay:  $19.14 per hour.  

Work Schedule: 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. Evening and weekend work may occur  

Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation reviews, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.  For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page at SCBenefits.

The Community Health Worker Overdose Prevention works in different organizations and businesses in Sedgwick County to connect people at risk of opioid or stimulant overdose to community services. In this way, the position prevents disease and promotes wellness. The position will build individual client health knowledge and build community capacity to serve vulnerable populations. The position must communicate in a culturally appropriate manner and must be viewed as a trusted resource to the communities served. Employee will provide support during public health emergencies.

Identify clients at risk of overdose in need of referral to services

• Work with supervisor, other SCHD staff, and external partners to identify vulnerable populations and implement identification, welcoming, assessment, and referral strategies for clients
• Research and identify appropriate resources/referrals to assist with removing barriers to client reaching goal
• Meet with community organizations/referral sources to gather information related to service compatibility.
• Coordinate with and work in medical and non-medical facilities and with outreach teams
• Drive to locations where clients are, including hospitals, clinics, shelters, and other locations
• Serve as a trusted resource to communities
• Provide education and presentations informally and formally

Provide community referral information and health education to clients

• Assist client in setting goals and provide support/referrals for client to reach goal
• Communicate with clients to understand goals and provide information and referrals to achieve goals
• Make referral to client in person or over the telephone
• Follow-up with each client to determine the status of the referrals and if more help is needed
• Assist client with scheduling appointments as appropriate
• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the referral system
• Communicate to clients in a culturally-appropriate and health literacy-appropriate manner

Administrative Operations

• Provide technical assistance about referrals and cultural competency to SCHD staff and community partners
• Work with SCHD staff, Communications, and external partners on culturally appropriate messaging and referrals
• Assist with needs assessments, surveys and data collection
• Document activities and complete standard reports in client database
• Check client database regularly to verify data entered for each client
• Identify opportunities for improvement to procedures and workflows and suggest changes

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent. One year of experience working or living in a multicultural setting. One year of work experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. One year of customer service work experience. Per Sedgwick County Policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid US driver’s license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance. Must complete Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) IS 100 and 700 courses within 30 days of employment.  Obtain Community Health Worker certificate within 1 year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications: Associate’s degree in business or a health-related field. One year health education experience. One year experience working as a community health worker or health navigator. One year of work experience in a public health department or healthcare setting. One year experience with referring clients to community resources. One year of data entry experience. License, certifications, etc.  Community Health Worker certificate.  Proficiency in English and a language other than English; proficiency is demonstrated by passing a standardized test.

It is the policy of Sedgwick County not to discriminate in its programs or services, including employment, on the basis of race, color, sex, including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, marital status, religious or political affiliation, genetic information, disability, status as a member of the uniformed services or any other similarly protected status.

Sedgwick County is committed to making the application, interview, and pre-employment testing process accessible to qualified persons with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you wish to volunteer information regarding any special assistance you may need, please contact the Sedgwick County ADA Coordinator at (316) 660-7050, TDD (Kansas Relay at 711 or 800-766-3777). Please do not use this phone number for employment questions. Applicants are contacted only if they are determined to be qualified candidates.