Job Description

Lower Columbia Community Health Centre Network Society

Role:

Community Health Worker

Reports to:

Executive Director

Location:

Trail, British Columbia

Type:

Up to 2.0 FTE, permanent positions available

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 - including 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 Outreach Worker (CHW) works primarily in the community with specific patient groups and targeted populations, in collaboration with the primary health care team to provide team-based care. The CHW provides outreach, health education and advocacy, system navigation, and supports social programs and community planning that help patients and community organizers to maximize the social determinants of health and reduce health inequities. The role emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and community capacity building, and works within a harm reduction framework, consistent with established organizational policies and principles within the interdisciplinary health care environment.

Key Responsibilities

Outreach to Patients and Targeted Populations

Participates in direct patient service and service coordination, by helping to access relevant health, social, and community services, and bridge cultural, ethnicity, 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 Lower Columbia CHC team to identify and coordinate population health programs that address specific and/or targeted groups, such as mental health, chronic conditions, etc.

Community Planning and Coordination

Engages 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. Follows up with patients as required. Develops and maintains informal and formal community networks, expands knowledge and understanding of community resources, and 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. Works from a Social Determinants of Health perspective to improve individual and community health outcomes, and to reduce health inequities.

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 Lower Columbia 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 level of education, training, and experience equivalent to an Undergraduate Degree in a health or social science related field or graduation from a recognized Resident Care Aide/Home Support Worker Program, plus 2 years of related experience and/or lived experience. A current CPR and First Aid Level 1 would be considered a significant asset. One position is to be filled with a candidate that self-identifies as an Indigenous person
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; Build and maintain relationships; Display empathy; Work in a manner that preserves privacy and confidentiality; Work 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 carry out the duties of the position; Operate related equipment and familiar with technology (EMR. Microsoft operating system); Familiar with community support agencies; Have 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.

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'd 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 .

Expected start date: June 23, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Individuals will not be discriminated against because of disability, sex, race, 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,240.00-$58,240.00 per year

Benefits:

Extended health care
Flexible language requirement:

French not required
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-06-23