King County, WA
Community Health Worker (Social Services Specialist)
King County, WA, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Community Health Worker (Social Services Specialist)
Public Health – Seattle & King County is seeking a Career‑Service Social Services Specialist (Community Health Worker) to join the Jail Health Services (JHS) Division. The CHW provides health education, resource navigation and care coordination to individuals releasing from King County Correctional Facilities.
About JHS JHS provides medical, dental, mental health, social, release planning and substance use treatment services to the incarcerated population in Seattle and Kent. The division includes 250 employees and an annual budget of $60 million.
Responsibilities
Engage with people who use drugs and individuals at risk for HIV/hepatitis C using a person‑centered approach grounded in harm reduction and trauma‑informed practice.
Use brief assessment, active listening, and crisis response skills to help meet immediate basic needs and refer to health and supportive services.
Coach clients in accessing community resources, facilitate linkages to care, schedule day‑of‑release appointments with community‑based services.
Coordinate transportation to community appointments.
Distribute harm‑reduction supplies and provide safety information.
Adapt resource information based on client priorities, cultural beliefs, and value systems.
Collaborate with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services.
Maintain accurate case records in an electronic health record.
Assist with Medicaid application and reactivation, act as patient advocate and liaison to clinical staff.
Participate in program meetings, presentations, continuing education on substance use and mental health.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
One year of recent experience providing direct client services in a health or human services agency.
Knowledge of harm‑reduction principles and practice.
Experience with vulnerable populations (unhoused, substance‑using, medically complex).
Knowledge of race equity, justice, health promotion and public health models.
De‑escalation skills for high‑stress situations.
Effective communication, boundary maintenance, referral skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Ability to document in an electronic medical record.
Valid Washington driver’s license, ability to travel within King County.
Background check clearance.
BLS/CPR certification.
Washington State Community Health Worker certification or ability to obtain within 12 months.
Desired Qualifications
Formal education in health or social services.
Experience in related social service organizations.
Knowledge of Washington and King County health systems.
Advanced knowledge of substance use, harm reduction, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, mental health.
Multidisciplinary team collaboration.
Work Schedule and Location 40‑hour work week including weekend and evening shifts. Hours 7 am–7 pm, Monday‑Saturday. Location: King County Correctional Facility, Seattle and Maleng Regional Justice Center, Kent.
Benefits King County offers competitive compensation and benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, transportation, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, parental leave, flexible schedules, training, employee assistance, wellness programs, and more.
Application Submit NEOGOV job application, supplemental questions, cover letter, and resume. Interviews will be in‑person December. For questions contact Sarah Dunkinson (sdunkinson@kingcounty.gov).
Equal Employment Opportunity King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on protected class characteristics. All applicants and employees are treated fairly and given equal opportunities for advancement.
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About JHS JHS provides medical, dental, mental health, social, release planning and substance use treatment services to the incarcerated population in Seattle and Kent. The division includes 250 employees and an annual budget of $60 million.
Responsibilities
Engage with people who use drugs and individuals at risk for HIV/hepatitis C using a person‑centered approach grounded in harm reduction and trauma‑informed practice.
Use brief assessment, active listening, and crisis response skills to help meet immediate basic needs and refer to health and supportive services.
Coach clients in accessing community resources, facilitate linkages to care, schedule day‑of‑release appointments with community‑based services.
Coordinate transportation to community appointments.
Distribute harm‑reduction supplies and provide safety information.
Adapt resource information based on client priorities, cultural beliefs, and value systems.
Collaborate with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services.
Maintain accurate case records in an electronic health record.
Assist with Medicaid application and reactivation, act as patient advocate and liaison to clinical staff.
Participate in program meetings, presentations, continuing education on substance use and mental health.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
One year of recent experience providing direct client services in a health or human services agency.
Knowledge of harm‑reduction principles and practice.
Experience with vulnerable populations (unhoused, substance‑using, medically complex).
Knowledge of race equity, justice, health promotion and public health models.
De‑escalation skills for high‑stress situations.
Effective communication, boundary maintenance, referral skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Ability to document in an electronic medical record.
Valid Washington driver’s license, ability to travel within King County.
Background check clearance.
BLS/CPR certification.
Washington State Community Health Worker certification or ability to obtain within 12 months.
Desired Qualifications
Formal education in health or social services.
Experience in related social service organizations.
Knowledge of Washington and King County health systems.
Advanced knowledge of substance use, harm reduction, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, mental health.
Multidisciplinary team collaboration.
Work Schedule and Location 40‑hour work week including weekend and evening shifts. Hours 7 am–7 pm, Monday‑Saturday. Location: King County Correctional Facility, Seattle and Maleng Regional Justice Center, Kent.
Benefits King County offers competitive compensation and benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, transportation, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, parental leave, flexible schedules, training, employee assistance, wellness programs, and more.
Application Submit NEOGOV job application, supplemental questions, cover letter, and resume. Interviews will be in‑person December. For questions contact Sarah Dunkinson (sdunkinson@kingcounty.gov).
Equal Employment Opportunity King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on protected class characteristics. All applicants and employees are treated fairly and given equal opportunities for advancement.
#J-18808-Ljbffr