Transitional Programs Community Health Worker (CHW I, II, III)

Northwest Human Services is a non-profit leader in providing advocacy, quality healthcare and social services in Marion and Polk counties since 1970. 

Transitional Programs Community Health Worker (I, II, III)

Location: HOAP & HOST Programs – Salem, Oregon
Schedule: Full Time | Monday–Friday
Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Transitional Program Director

Make a Difference – Build Connections - Empower Our Community

 

We are seeking a compassionate, resourceful, and community-minded Transitional Programs Community Health Worker (CHW) to join our team. This position plays an essential role in connecting individuals experiencing homelessness and other complex challenges with healthcare, social services, and community resources.

 

As a Community Health Worker, you will serve as a bridge between individuals, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations. Your work will focus on building trust, coordinating services, and helping individuals access the resources they need.

 

As a trusted member of the care team, you will build meaningful relationships, advocate for individuals, and help clients navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming. Through trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and culturally responsive practices, you will empower individuals to identify their strengths, overcome barriers, and take an active role in their health and well-being.

 

What You'll Do

Client Advocacy & Care Coordination

• Establish trusting relationships through respectful, compassionate, culturally responsive, and nonjudgmental communication.
• Identify barriers to healthcare and social services and develop individualized approaches to address client needs.
• Connect clients with medical care, behavioral health services, specialty providers, housing resources, food assistance, insurance benefits, pharmacy services, and recovery support.

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Engage individuals experiencing homelessness and connect them with wraparound services through HOAP, HOST, West Salem Clinic, and community partners.
• Participate in outreach activities, including engagement at homeless encampments and community health events.
• Provide essential supplies, information, and support to individuals experiencing immediate barriers to care.

Teamwork & Program Support

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary care teams to coordinate services and respond to client needs.
• Support daily transitional program operations, including Day Center and Resource Center coverage.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in the electronic health record.

What Makes You Successful

 

✅ Compassion & Cultural Humility → Demonstrates respect for diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences, and circumstances without judgment.

✅ Relationship Building → Establishes trust through active listening, empathy, honesty, and consistent follow-through.

✅ Client Advocacy → Promotes individual empowerment and helps clients navigate complex healthcare and social service systems.

✅ Problem-Solving → Identifies barriers, evaluates available resources, and develops creative solutions to meet individual needs.

✅ Adaptability → Remains flexible, organized, and professional when responding to changing priorities and challenging situations.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Public Health, Behavioral Science, or Social Services.
• Minimum of one year of work, volunteer, or lived experience in a human services-related environment.
• Current Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Food Handler's Card within one month of hire and maintained as current.
• Excellent communication, telephone, computer, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining communication and follow-through with the care team and community partners.
• Valid Oregon Driver's License with a driving record that meets agency insurance requirement

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: Our Agency strives to provide a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive within our industry.

• Healthcare insurance plans: Medical, Dental, Vision

• Group Life: Short-Term & Long-Term Disability 100% paid by employer
• 403(b) retirement plan with 2% of employer contribution and up to 3% employer match
• Flex Spending Account
• PTO - 10 hours a month for FT positions 40 hrs./wk. up to 20 hours monthly as your tenure grows
• 7 ½  Paid Holidays a year + 2 paid floating holidays for full-time positions
• Continuing Education & Training Benefits
• Employee Healthy Living Program – Gym Membership & Smoking Cessation

Why NWHS?

At Northwest Human Services (NWHS), we believe everyone deserves access to quality, compassionate healthcare and the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

 

As a nonprofit community health organization serving Marion and Polk counties, we are committed to removing barriers, promoting health equity, and providing compassionate, person-centered services to individuals and families experiencing vulnerable circumstances.

 

If you are passionate about helping others, building meaningful community connections, and creating opportunities for individuals to overcome barriers, we invite you to bring your skills and compassion to Northwest Human Services.

TO APPLY:

To join our team please visit our website Employment (northwesthumanservices.org)

 

For more information, contact the HR/Recruiting Department at: [email protected] | 503.588.5828

 

All candidates who receive a written offer of employment will be required to undergo a criminal records check.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer | We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Community | Compassion | Commitment | Integrity

Working together to empower individuals to improve their health, well-being, and safety