250-368-5656 | Clinic Hours: Mon to Fri 9 - 4:30; exception Wed 9:00am - 7:00pm

COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER

Lower Columbia Community Health Centre Network Society

Role: Community Health Worker (1.1 FTE Available)

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Trail, British Columbia
Type: Full-Time, Permanent (open to job share option)

Salary: $48,240- 58,240

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of diverse communities? Are you ready to work in a vibrant, interdisciplinary healthcare team in beautiful Trail, BC?

About Us

The Lower Columbia Community Health Centre Network Society is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing holistic, accessible healthcare to all – especially the vulnerable populations we serve. Located amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Kootenay region, our organization owns and operates the Lower Columbia CHC, a new Community Health Centre in Trail, BC. We are looking to add to our multidisciplinary team that delivers comprehensive team-based care addressing the physical, mental, and social determinants of health.

Your Role

 The Community Health Worker (CHW) provides team-based care, primarily in the community, alongside the primary health care team. Rooted in decolonization and harm reduction, the role addresses systemic barriers faced by vulnerable populations through outreach, health education, advocacy, and system navigation. The CHW also supports social programs and community planning to strengthen the social determinants of health, reduce inequities, and build community capacity, with a focus on health promotion and disease prevention

Key Responsibilities

Outreach to Patients and Targeted Populations

  • Provides outreach to reach vulnerable members of the population.
  • Participates in direct patient service and service coordination, by helping to access relevant health, social, and community services, and bridge cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic challenges.
  • Provides support and advocacy to individuals, families, and community including assessment, setting goals, participating in case conferences, and overcoming barriers to service access.
  • Works in collaboration with the CHC team to identify and coordinate population health programs that address specific and/or targeted groups, such as mental health, chronic conditions, etc.
  • Provide culturally appropriate services to Indigenous patients

 Community Planning and Coordination

  • Engage with community members, attends meetings, and facilitates communication to identify community issues, and develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate strategies and programs to meet community needs.
  • Guides patients through the healthcare system, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate care, and addressing any barriers to accessing services, including financial, logistical (such as scheduling and attending appointment and obtaining referrals, which may include accompanying patients to appointments and acting as liaison to ensure clear communication and understanding), and emotional support. Follow-up with patients as required.
  • Connects Indigenous patients to existing Indigenous support services i.e.: Aboriginal Health Navigators.
  • Develops and maintains community networks, knowledge and understanding of community resources for the most vulnerable population groups.
  • Participates or leads in program planning/coordination, within budget allocation.
  • Fosters community participation, and partners with other resources and organizations to create programs that build community capacity.
  • Provides orientation, support, coaching, and monitoring, and ongoing communication to new team members, medical students, and visitors for successful participation in the Lower Columbia CHC.

Health Education

  • Assesses community health education needs and readiness, provides health education outreach, and responds to literacy levels, learning preferences and social supports needed.
  • Leads patients to the right resources at the right time.
  • Supports the education of patients and families related to healthy living, prevention of injury, illness and communicable diseases, care and treatment, individual and family adjustments, and relevant services.
  • Acquires, develops, and evaluates teaching materials, tools, and approaches, with consideration for cultural, language, physical, intellectual, and motivational factors.

Health Promotion and Prevention of Illness, Injury, and Complications

  • Supports screening, monitoring, and risk assessment (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, medication use, falls)
  • Collects and reports on community data and relevant information.
  • In collaboration with other health providers, assesses the community for strengths and opportunities to enhance health and monitors trends; and implements strategies to address inequities, especially in reference to Indigenous residents.
  • Works from a Social Determinants of Health perspective to improve individual and community health outcomes.

Professional Role and Responsibility

  • Recognizes personal attitudes, beliefs, feelings, and values in health interactions with patients and families; fosters team collaborative practice; has effective professional relationships and organization partnerships.
  • Applies evidence-based knowledge; seeks professional development consistent with current best practice; and participates in conference presentations, and research initiatives.
  • Participates in CHC targets, including helping with the patient intake process; implementation of health programs for priority populations; and collaboration with community health/wellness planning and programs.
  • Helps to develop and ensure policies, procedures and goals are communicated and achieved; participates in quality assurance initiatives, as needed.

Qualifications and Skills

  • A working knowledge of Lower Columbia healthcare and other community resources and a comfort level gained from life experience in assisting others to navigate healthcare and related systems.
  • Extensive knowledge and/or lived experience regarding Indigenous cultures and worldview as well as challenges facing Indigenous patients in healthcare is considered an asset.
  • Literacy and educational level equivalent to high school graduation.
  • Completion of a Social Servicer Worker diploma through Selkirk Community College or equivalent would be considered an asset.
  • A current CPR and First Aid Level 1 would be considered an asset.

Must possess the following skills and abilities:

  • Self-directed to plan, organize & prioritize work.
  • Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Source information and relay it in a clear and understandable way.
  • Build and maintain relationships.
  • Display empathy
  • Work in a manner that preserves privacy and confidentiality.
  • Working in a manner that ensures patient safety and minimizes risk to patients, volunteers, and the community.
  • Maintain accurate records of patient interactions and progress.
  • Work as an effective change agent within an interdisciplinary collaborative team; and in the community.
  • Demonstrate effective critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
  • Operate related equipment and familiar with technology (EMR. Microsoft operating system);
  • Familiar with community support agencies.
  • A Class 5 Driver’s License in good standing.

Why Join Us?

  • Make a Difference: Impact lives directly and drive health equity in a supportive community. Advocate for better healthcare.
  • Enjoy Life in BC: Live in the breathtaking Kootenay region, where outdoor adventures and close-knit communities await.
  • Professional Growth: Work in a healthcare model that values learning and growth and gain experience delivering team-based care that meets the needs of the community.

If you would like to join the team in a meaningful role, apply today and help us build a healthier future for the Lower Columbia region!

To Apply: Please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your passion for community health and relevant experience to r.macleod@lowercolumbiachc.ca

Posting open until position is filled.

Individuals will not be discriminated against because of disability, sex, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected status under law. The Lower Columbia CHC Network is an organization where every voice matters.