Community Health Specialist 2 - Bilingual Spanish/Stigmatized Population KSA

This Work Matters!

Please join us for one of two information sessions regarding this employment opportunity that will be held on July 15th 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM and July 23rd 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM.  Please click here to sign up for one of the sessions and we will send you a Google Meet link to join us. 

This position is open until filled. For best consideration apply early (Initial review will take place on 07/28/2025) 

We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment.  At the Multnomah County Health Department we are all inspired by the mission: We work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and promote health and wellness for everyone and we uphold the values: Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities. 

The purpose of this position is to provide harm reduction services to individuals at highest risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C/B, and other infections. Harm reduction services are designed to engage individuals who may not be ready to stop substance use by offering strategies to reduce risks. The services provided include Syringe Exchange, Overdose Prevention, client HIV, Hepatitis C, STI testing and support of clinical medical services. The incumbent will work closely with vulnerable and stigmatized populations: those experiencing mental illness, substance abuse disorders, deep trauma history, and sporadic engagement in medical care. The job duties require the ability to work in an effective, respectful and culturally competent manner with clientele, community partners, and team members to provide a full complement of services that prevent infections and work to eliminate health disparities. This non-licensed position works under the medical authorization of the Deputy Health Officer. The services are performed in field and clinic based settings with service hours scheduled to meet population needs. The work requires a flexible schedule including evenings, nights and occasional holidays. The job requires the ability to read, write and speak in Spanish and English.

As the Community Health Specialist 2, you will: 

• Deliver syringe and overdose prevention services in various settings following program guidelines

• Engage with clients using a harm reduction approach, offering health promotion counseling and referral.

• Manage biohazardous waste, supplies, and data collection accurately

• Provide Naloxone training and distribution, and support program volunteers

• Conduct client intakes and various clinical assessments, including vital signs and risk assessments, and document in the electronic health record (EPIC)

• Perform and interpret rapid HIV/HCV tests, collect specimens, and provide test results and counseling to clients, also offering My Chart support

• Provide health promotion counseling tailored to specific populations (men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs) while addressing social inequities and stigma

• Support clinic operations including preparing exam rooms, managing supplies, maintaining records, and ensuring smooth clinic flow

• Adhere to program schedules and guidelines, ensuring smooth operations and minimizing frustration

• Drive program vehicles safely to service locations, monitor vehicle maintenance, and manage supply deliveries

• Participate in team meetings, complete assigned projects, and maintain accurate documentation

• Utilize electronic systems (EPIC, MMIS, PhTec), communicate professionally, and follow all safety procedures and regulations

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a Health Department employee you will create a work culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the office and in the community. Every employee shares the responsibility for promptly bringing to the County's attention conduct that interferes with providing a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment.

TO QUALIFY:

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. 

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade

• Two years of experience in community outreach services providing health information, advocacy, social support and assistance in using the health care system to groups and families; AND experience working with the community being served.

• This position requires Knowledge and experience working with highly vulnerable and stigmatized populations: (1) Injection drug users  (2) Individuals experiencing mental illness  (3) Men who have sex with men (4) Culturally/ethnically diverse communities including the African American and Latinx communities. The incumbent is required to work in a culturally competent manner with: diverse communities of color, people who inject drugs, LGBTQ+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer), incarcerated individuals and individuals involved in criminal activity; work in an environment in which clients share sexually explicit personal information; team members view sexually explicit websites as part of their job responsibilities; and field based service delivery may take place in sexually charged environments containing sexually explicit images/films; comply with incentive procedures. The position also requires the ability to speak, write and read fluently in the Spanish and English languages.  

• Must have a valid State issued driver license and ability to drive large van

• A current BLS CPR certification or ability to obtain within 90 days

Preferred Qualifications/ Transferable Skills*: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Syringe Services and Overdose Prevention training experience

• HIV/ Hepatitis C and/or STI testing experience

Required: The Application Packet: You must submit all requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed as an incomplete application.

• A completed online application.

• A resume that explains all related experience (paid or unpaid) and training in your resume.

• A cover letter that expands on your resume, addressing how you qualify for the position, and why you are interested in the role. Please discuss your experience working with (1) Injection drug users  (2) Individuals experiencing mental illness  (3) Men who have sex with men and (4) Culturally/ethnically diverse communities including the African American and Latinx communities AND (5) Providing services in Spanish.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

Type of Position: This hourly position is eligible for overtime.

Type: Represented

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Schedule: Mixed shift: Monday and Thursday 10:15 AM - 7:15 PM, Tuesday and Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Friday 12:30 PM - 9:00 PM  

Work Location: This position works onsite at Southeast Health Clinic located at 3653 SE 34th St., Portland, OR 97202.

Interested? Apply online at: https://multco.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Multco_Jobs/details/Community-Health-Specialist-2---Bilingual-Spanish-Stigmatized-Population-KSA_R-17541