Community Health Worker

Description

POSITION TITLE: Community Health Worker

RESPONSIBLE TO: Community Benefits Supervisor

DURATION: This position is currently being offered through Sept. 2027, with the potential for extension of the role.

HRS PER WK: 30-40 hours/week (variable/flexible schedule, regular business hours with some evenings and weekends on occasion)

CLASS: Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: $21–$22 per hour, depending on experience and CHW certification. Employees who demonstrate Spanish/English bilingual fluency are eligible for an additional $1/hour differential.

REMOTE/HYBRID-In office required

BENEFITS: Eligible for health, vision, and dental insurance the first of the month following 30 days of employment with other benefits eligibility after a 90-day mutual introductory period is completed. Eligible for FFLC sponsored benefits (e.g. paid time off benefits such as vacation, sick, holidays) and eligible to participate in 401k retirement plan.

ABOUT COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAMS AT FFLC: Food for Lane County (FFLC) serves 85,000+ people across Lane County each year. About 1 in 8 adults and 1 in 5 children in Lane County are unable to meet their food needs from day to day. At FFLC, we know that food is medicine, which is why our mission is to reduce food insecurity by engaging the community to create access to food. Those we serve include families, veterans, unhoused, marginalized, disabled, seniors, and anyone with low/no income. FFLC’s Community Health Programs provide members of our community with services that support their nutrition, health, and wellbeing. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are a core component of these programs.

SUMMARY OF POSITION: We are currently hiring for multiple Community Health Workers to play a vital role in supporting the health and nutrition goals of low-income families and individuals in Lane County. By engaging with individuals and groups, our Community Health Workers will help members of the community access local food assistance programs and other social services.

A person in this role will provide resource referrals, screenings, and education to community members based on their eligibility and interest in available food assistance supports and other appropriate programs. They will provide excellent customer service to all community members and to staff in a professional, enthusiastic, courteous, and compassionate manner; answer calls, provide referrals, and convey program information to the public by phone, as well as in-person at community events and FFLC programs.

Ideal candidates will have a passion for helping people, the ability to learn information, processes, and adapt to change quickly, and take initiative to connect and engage with community members in creative ways.

This role may work remotely from a private space, with periodic in-person activities at FFLC offices and community sites in and around Eugene, Oregon. Some local travel in and around Eugene, OR and Lane County using a personal vehicle will be required.

This position is funded through September 2027. Continuation will depend on community demand and funding availability.

A work-issued laptop computer will be provided.

Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English as well as Community Health Worker certification (or the willingness to obtain it) is preferred. FFLC will cover the cost of the CHW training and certification if needed.

PRIMARY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Engagement

• Meaningfully engage with community members at local events, presentations, and tabling opportunities to provide resources and represent FFLC.
• Build and grow relationships with FFLC staff, partners, and community leaders to support programming.
• Support program evaluation by collecting and documenting participant feedback.

Client Referrals & Navigation

• Conduct health-related social needs (HRSN) screenings and assessments in the client’s preferred language (English or Spanish) to determine eligibility for nutrition and food assistance programs.
• Provide comprehensive navigation and case management, including referrals to internal FFLC programs, partner organizations, and external services for housing, employment, and social supports.
• Facilitate enrollment in nutrition education curriculum by gauging interest, scheduling, and following up with eligible participants.
• Deliver informal education regarding available food assistance and related community resources.
• Participate in required HRSN trainings to be prepared to deliver high-quality services to program participants.

Tracking, Billing, & Data Management

• Utilize the UniteUs (Connect Oregon) platform to respond to requests, complete screenings, and execute referrals to internal and external partners in a timely manner.
• Accurately document and submit service and referral data to ensure appropriate billing, reimbursement, and program tracking.
• Manage sensitive client data and personal health information (PHI) in strict alignment with HIPAA regulations and organizational responsibilities.

OTHER TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate closely with Supervisor to ensure appropriate workloads and adequate coverage of assigned tasks
• This role may include supporting nutrition education by gathering ingredients, preparing simple recipes, and demonstrating the cooking process for program participants
• Actively demonstrate FFLC’s values of compassion, collaboration, and inclusion
• Represent FFLC to the public with knowledge and respect
• Attend mandatory all staff meetings
• Adhere to applicable FFLC Policies and Procedures
• Participate in staff events as directed by supervisor
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS: We value all forms of experience including unpaid work, lived experience, education, and training.

• Familiarity with Eugene and Lane County community resources, including housing, transportation, and emergency services to assist low-income populations.
• Ability to take initiative at in-person events to engage community members, share program details, collect contact info, and provide appropriate screenings and follow-up.
• Professional, thoughtful, and respectful verbal and written communication skills; exceptional phone and customer service skills.
• English/Spanish bilingual preferred. (Spanish proficiency will be assessed to qualify for differential pay).
• Ability to navigate cultural nuances within Lane County’s diverse populations, including Latinx, veteran, and unhoused communities.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed principles and an empathetic understanding of the daily stressors facing people with low or no income.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with UniteUs or other case management systems and health-related social needs (HRSN) services is a plus.
• Adherence to HIPAA laws to protect personal health information.
• Ability to maintain a professional, confidential home office environment for remote work.
• Reliable access to the internet in a private space; must have a personal vehicle to attend events and transport supplies (mileage is reimbursed).
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team to coordinate care and meet program goals.
• Receptive to feedback and direction with excellent follow-through; ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced manner.
• Ability to respond to emails, texts, or phone calls within 2 business days.
• Possess a current Food Handler’s Card (or be willing to obtain one).
• Experience with community engagement, direct sales, or canvassing.
• Familiarity with FFLC structure, partners, and programs is a plus.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) certification is preferred.

PHYSICAL: Workday activities depending on the type of work needed for any day could include;

• Continuous speaking and hearing for interactions with coworkers and community members.
• Continuous clarity of vision at 20 inches or less for normal daily computer tasks,
• Standing 21 to 80% of the workday,
• Sitting while working on office data entry and tasks 51 to 80%,
• Walking, changing positions could include 0 to 50%,
• Carrying could include a range of 0-35 lbs.,
• Lifting weight will range from 0 to 35 lbs.,
• Pushing and pulling from 0 to 50 lbs.,
• Reaching and grasping to include overhead up to 0 to 60% of the day,
• Twisting may turn head, twist neck up to 10% of day; will twist upper torso and hips up to 45 degrees up to 10% of the day with/without lifting/holding objects
• Repetitive motion of hands: consistent use of hands for keyboarding and data entry 51 to 80% of the day.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Safe driving record, valid Oregon driver’s license, current vehicle insurance and ability to use personal vehicle for FFLC business (mileage is reimbursed).
• Possess a current Food Handler’s Card or willingness to obtain one in the first 2 weeks
• Ability to lift/carry up to 35 lbs. for outreach supplies and event equipment.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends.

*All offers for employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

NOTE: Job descriptions are not intended to be and should not be construed as exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with a job. They are intended to be accurate reflections of principal job elements essential for making fair pay decisions about jobs.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Food for Lane County complies with federal, state, and local laws regarding reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact FFLC Human Resources, 541-343-2822.

FFLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, diverse ability, or any other characteristic protected under local, state or federal law