Community Outreach & Engagement Lead (CHW IV)

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

Community Outreach & Engagement Lead (CHW IV)

Location: West Salem Clinic | 1233 Edgewater St NW, Salem, OR
Schedule: Full Time | Monday–Friday with rotating Saturdays and community outreach events
Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Community Outreach and Engagement Manager

Help connect people to care, resources, and a healthier future

At Northwest Human Services, we believe that access to healthcare means more than an appointment. It means helping people overcome barriers, connect with resources, and find a path toward greater stability and self-sufficiency.

As a nonprofit community health and social services organization, NWHS works to support individuals and families with complex needs through compassionate, coordinated care. Our teams bring together healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, community health workers, and community partners to help people access the services they need.

As our Community Outreach & Engagement Lead (CHW IV), you'll help turn that mission into action. You'll guide and mentor Community Health Workers (CHWs), strengthen outreach workflows, support complex care coordination, and build partnerships that help patients navigate healthcare and social service systems.

What You'll Do

Lead with Purpose

• Coordinate weekly team coverage schedules, floor rotations, outreach assignments, and program-specific responsibilities.
• Monitor referrals, electronic health record (EHR) tasks, and WHO messages to support timely follow-up.
• Promote fair and balanced task distribution across the team.
• Identify workflow gaps and barriers to care, communicate concerns to your supervisor, and participate in improvement planning.
• Build a positive team environment through mentorship, collaboration, and professional development.

Mentor, Train, and Empower

• Provide onboarding and ongoing training for CHWs.
• Coach peers on documentation standards, resource navigation, and patient advocacy.
• Support skill development in social determinants of health (SDOH) screening, motivational interviewing, and problem-solving.
• Coordinate training aligned with patient needs, community trends, and CHW scope of practice.
• Share tools, resources, and best practices that strengthen team confidence and effectiveness.

Advocate for Patients

• Serve as a key liaison between internal departments and external community partners.
• Help CHWs navigate complex cases, coordinate resources, and plan effective outreach.
• Review referrals and care coordination tasks, helping direct them to the appropriate CHW or department.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary case discussions with internal teams and Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs), as appropriate.
• Help clarify follow-up plans and support continuity of care.

Strengthen Community Connections

• Lead and support participation in health fairs, educational workshops, and outreach campaigns.
• Coordinate onsite programs such as Fresh Connect, Veggie RX, and coloring groups.
• Maintain active relationships with community partners.
• Share program updates, resources, and information with internal teams.
• Help ensure outreach activities are organized and services are delivered effectively.

Improve the Way We Work

• Partner with your supervisor to refine workflows and quality improvement strategies.
• Support performance metrics and initiatives related to APCM and CCO priorities.
• Participate in data collection, tracking, reporting, and evaluation activities.
• Contribute to improvements that support program goals and health equity.

What Makes You Successful

✅ Be a Mentor → Share your knowledge, coach your peers, and help Community Health Workers build the skills and confidence to succeed.

✅ Solve Problems → Use critical thinking and sound judgment to overcome barriers to care.

✅ Build Connections → Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community partners to coordinate patient-centered services.

✅ Stay Organized → Manage competing priorities, coordinate workflows, and support timely follow-up.

✅ Lead with Compassion → Demonstrate cultural awareness, respect, confidentiality, and a commitment to equitable care.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications:

• Current Oregon Health Authority (OHA)-approved Community Health Worker (CHW) certification.
• Three years of experience in a Traditional Health Worker role and demonstrated proficiency in CHW IV duties.
• Knowledge of community resources, support systems, and healthcare navigation.
• The ability to build effective working relationships, solve problems, and identify appropriate referrals.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• A current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate for Healthcare Providers.
• A valid Oregon driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.
  

Preferred Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in a related healthcare field, or relevant experience.
• At least two years of clinical specialty area experience.
• Experience working with low-income or vulnerable populations, including people with acute or chronic health concerns, mental health conditions, or substance use needs.

• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.

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?

Northwest Human Services is committed to providing services that promote health, dignity, connection, and access to the communities we serve.

If you're ready to support your peers, strengthen care coordination, and help connect individuals with resources that can make a meaningful difference, we invite you to explore this opportunity with 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: HR@nwhumanservices.org | 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