Social Services Specialist (Community Health Worker)
King County, Seattle, WA, United States
JHS provides needed health and social services to the incarcerated population located in the King County jails – King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Seattle and Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent. The primary services include medical, dental, mental health, social, release planning, treatment of substance use disorders, and pharmaceutical services.
Public Health – Seattle & King County is seeking a Community Health Worker (CHW) to join our innovative social services team at Jail Health Services (JHS) Division. The CHW provides low‑barrier health education, resource navigation, and care coordination to individuals who have recently been released from one of the King County Correctional Facilities. This role supports individuals in accessing health care, behavioral health treatment, benefits enrollment, transportation assistance, and more.
Note: This posting will create a list of qualified candidates that may be considered for selection of additional vacancies of the same position type over the next 6 months.
Commitment to Equity and Social Justice King County is a vibrant international community that embraces diversity and is committed to equity and social justice. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply.
Work Schedule This position is a 40‑hour work week, including possible evening and weekend shifts. Community Health Worker operating hours will be from 7 am‑7 pm Monday through Saturday. This position is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible.
Work Location King County Correctional Facility – 500 5th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Responsibilities
Active engagement with people who use drugs and individuals who are living with, or at risk for, HIV/hepatitis C and other chronic health conditions using a collaborative, 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 make appropriate referrals to health and supportive services.
Coach clients in how to access community resources and facilitate linkages to care. Schedule day‑of‑release appointments with community‑based services including healthcare, mental health services, SUD treatment and providers that prescribe medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and alcohol use disorder (MAUD) for patients releasing from jail.
Provide and coordinate transportation to community appointments.
Distribute harm‑reduction supplies and provide accurate health and safety information using established messages on safer drug use and overdose safety planning.
Adapt resource information based on clients’ priorities, cultural beliefs, and value systems using accessible language to convey pertinent, complex information.
Work in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services within King County and surrounding areas.
Maintain information on community resources.
Assist patients with applying for or reactivating Medicaid insurance when eligible.
Act as patient advocate and liaison to clinical staff.
Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date case records, documenting interventions, progress and outcomes to support effective case management in an electronic health record.
Participate in program meetings, presentations, and continuing education on substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and other related topics with program manager and clinical staff.
Communicate clearly and effectively with clients and coworkers, verbally and in writing.
Other duties as assigned.
Ideal Candidate
Demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge of the principles and practices of harm reduction when working with vulnerable populations.
Demonstrated ability to establish rapport, provide support and advocate for a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are unhoused, actively using substances and living with significant health challenges.
Demonstrated knowledge of race equity, justice, health promotion and public health approaches and models of social support and healthcare.
Experience using de‑escalation skills to address high‑stress and high‑conflict situations.
Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all people, regardless of background or current circumstances.
Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and supportive working relationships with patients.
Ability to refer patients to community services related to their health and safety needs.
Familiarity with Microsoft programs such as Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word and the ability to use drop‑down menus, point and click software, and multiple screens.
Ability to summarize and document information from client interactions according to program requirements using an electronic medical record.
Ability to engage professionally with community partners when doing client care coordination and patient advocacy.
Ability to multi‑task, prioritize, and organize work while meeting deadlines; flexibility and ability to adapt to changing work environment.
Comfort working in a variety of community settings and conducting outreach efforts on behalf of clients.
Must possess a valid and unrestricted Washington Driver’s License to drive a county vehicle.
Ability to travel within King County region on a flexible schedule as needed.
Ability to pass background check. BLS/CPR certification.
Washington State Department of Health Community Health Worker certification or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire date.
Desired Candidate
One year of recent experience working with vulnerable community members or providing direct client services in a health or human service agency.
Formal education in a health or social services program or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Extensive background in related social service organizations.
Knowledge of social and health systems and resources in Washington and King County.
Advanced knowledge and experience in areas such as substance use, harm reduction, sexual health, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, mental health, legal systems. Demonstrated ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
To Apply If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. Additional attachments will not be reviewed unless outlined as a required application material. Applications and/or supplemental questionnaires that state “see my resume” or “see my personnel file” are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
Who May Apply Anyone who qualifies.
Required Application Materials
NEOGOV Job Application – complete responses are used in the screening process.
Supplemental Questions – complete responses are used in the screening process.
Resume
Cover Letter
Necessary Special Requirements
Must provide proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR.
Must pass a thorough background investigation (findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant).
Must complete required trainings on time and obtain required immunizations.
Must protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in state and federal law.
Must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with ongoing work.
Must attend mandatory training and maintain OSHA/WISHA required guidelines and immunizations.
Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
Additional Information Public Health – Jail Health Services follows and maintains federal and state requirements including, but not limited to, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards which apply to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders. PREA standards preclude the department from hiring or promoting anyone who has engaged in, or been convicted of, any conduct that would violate PREA standards related to sexual assault.
Union Membership ProTec 17
Contact For more information about the application process please contact Alexis Owens at Alowens@kingcounty.gov.
Equal Employment Opportunity King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Public Health – Seattle & King County is seeking a Community Health Worker (CHW) to join our innovative social services team at Jail Health Services (JHS) Division. The CHW provides low‑barrier health education, resource navigation, and care coordination to individuals who have recently been released from one of the King County Correctional Facilities. This role supports individuals in accessing health care, behavioral health treatment, benefits enrollment, transportation assistance, and more.
Note: This posting will create a list of qualified candidates that may be considered for selection of additional vacancies of the same position type over the next 6 months.
Commitment to Equity and Social Justice King County is a vibrant international community that embraces diversity and is committed to equity and social justice. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply.
Work Schedule This position is a 40‑hour work week, including possible evening and weekend shifts. Community Health Worker operating hours will be from 7 am‑7 pm Monday through Saturday. This position is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible.
Work Location King County Correctional Facility – 500 5th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Responsibilities
Active engagement with people who use drugs and individuals who are living with, or at risk for, HIV/hepatitis C and other chronic health conditions using a collaborative, 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 make appropriate referrals to health and supportive services.
Coach clients in how to access community resources and facilitate linkages to care. Schedule day‑of‑release appointments with community‑based services including healthcare, mental health services, SUD treatment and providers that prescribe medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and alcohol use disorder (MAUD) for patients releasing from jail.
Provide and coordinate transportation to community appointments.
Distribute harm‑reduction supplies and provide accurate health and safety information using established messages on safer drug use and overdose safety planning.
Adapt resource information based on clients’ priorities, cultural beliefs, and value systems using accessible language to convey pertinent, complex information.
Work in collaboration with partner agencies to provide a continuum of services within King County and surrounding areas.
Maintain information on community resources.
Assist patients with applying for or reactivating Medicaid insurance when eligible.
Act as patient advocate and liaison to clinical staff.
Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date case records, documenting interventions, progress and outcomes to support effective case management in an electronic health record.
Participate in program meetings, presentations, and continuing education on substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and other related topics with program manager and clinical staff.
Communicate clearly and effectively with clients and coworkers, verbally and in writing.
Other duties as assigned.
Ideal Candidate
Demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge of the principles and practices of harm reduction when working with vulnerable populations.
Demonstrated ability to establish rapport, provide support and advocate for a diverse range of clientele including individuals who are unhoused, actively using substances and living with significant health challenges.
Demonstrated knowledge of race equity, justice, health promotion and public health approaches and models of social support and healthcare.
Experience using de‑escalation skills to address high‑stress and high‑conflict situations.
Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all people, regardless of background or current circumstances.
Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and supportive working relationships with patients.
Ability to refer patients to community services related to their health and safety needs.
Familiarity with Microsoft programs such as Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word and the ability to use drop‑down menus, point and click software, and multiple screens.
Ability to summarize and document information from client interactions according to program requirements using an electronic medical record.
Ability to engage professionally with community partners when doing client care coordination and patient advocacy.
Ability to multi‑task, prioritize, and organize work while meeting deadlines; flexibility and ability to adapt to changing work environment.
Comfort working in a variety of community settings and conducting outreach efforts on behalf of clients.
Must possess a valid and unrestricted Washington Driver’s License to drive a county vehicle.
Ability to travel within King County region on a flexible schedule as needed.
Ability to pass background check. BLS/CPR certification.
Washington State Department of Health Community Health Worker certification or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire date.
Desired Candidate
One year of recent experience working with vulnerable community members or providing direct client services in a health or human service agency.
Formal education in a health or social services program or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Extensive background in related social service organizations.
Knowledge of social and health systems and resources in Washington and King County.
Advanced knowledge and experience in areas such as substance use, harm reduction, sexual health, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, mental health, legal systems. Demonstrated ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
To Apply If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. Additional attachments will not be reviewed unless outlined as a required application material. Applications and/or supplemental questionnaires that state “see my resume” or “see my personnel file” are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
Who May Apply Anyone who qualifies.
Required Application Materials
NEOGOV Job Application – complete responses are used in the screening process.
Supplemental Questions – complete responses are used in the screening process.
Resume
Cover Letter
Necessary Special Requirements
Must provide proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR.
Must pass a thorough background investigation (findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant).
Must complete required trainings on time and obtain required immunizations.
Must protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in state and federal law.
Must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with ongoing work.
Must attend mandatory training and maintain OSHA/WISHA required guidelines and immunizations.
Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
Additional Information Public Health – Jail Health Services follows and maintains federal and state requirements including, but not limited to, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards which apply to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders. PREA standards preclude the department from hiring or promoting anyone who has engaged in, or been convicted of, any conduct that would violate PREA standards related to sexual assault.
Union Membership ProTec 17
Contact For more information about the application process please contact Alexis Owens at Alowens@kingcounty.gov.
Equal Employment Opportunity King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr