Northern Health Is Now Hiring COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER II – Prince George, BC

Job details

Location:  Prince George, BC
Salary: $26.30 – $28.74 an hour
Job type: Full Time , Part time
Shift/Hours: Morning, night, overnight

Position Summary
Are you passionate about helping others? Do you want a career with an organization that is one of the best places to work in British Columbia? Helping people stay in the home they love is Northern Health’s commitment; make it yours as well.

In accordance with the established vision, values, and strategic direction of the organization, the Community Health Worker II, as part of an interprofesional health care team, and under the direction of the Team Lead or designated clinical leader, provides home support services to clients in accordance with a pre-established care plan. Assists with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, oral hygiene, planning and preparing meals while promoting maximum independence. Performs delegated tasks for which delegation of tasks training has been completed. A key component of this job is to ensure the well-being of individuals and families and to promote independent living while in the community.

Shift Rotation/Hours of work: Days, Evenings, Nights, 07:00 to 15:00, 15:00 to 23:00, 23:00 to 07:00 (Rotating)

Prince George has a population of 89,490 (2021) local residents and is a service centre for approximately 320,000. Prince George has all the amenities of a larger city mixed with the charm and friendliness of a smaller town. Check out Prince George for more information on what this community has to offer.

What Northern Health has to offer you!

• Comprehensive benefit packages including extended health/dental and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casuals have the option of paying for benefits.
• Three weeks vacation with one year of continuous service
• Financial Support for Moving Expenses is available for eligible positions
• Employee referral program
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Spectacular outdoor activities and the shortest commutes in BC
• “Loan Forgiveness Programs” are offered through the Federal and BC Government for eligible professions.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a recognized Home Support Attendant/ Resident Care Aid Program
• Registration with the BC Care Aid & Community Health Worker Registry.
• Valid Class 5 BC Drivers’ License.
• Certificates in CPR, First Aid and Food Safe.
• Use of personal vehicle.
• Or equivalent combination of current education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities:

• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients.
• Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with clients, family, and care team.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Home management skills.

Who we are
Northern Health covers an area of nearly 600,000 square kilometers and offers health services in over two dozen communities and 55 First Nation’s communities. We deliver hospital and community-based health care for a population of 300,000.
Employing more than 7,000 staff throughout the region, Northern Health provides exceptional health services for Northerners, through the efforts of dedicated staff and physicians, in partnership with communities and organizations in Northern BC.
There is a wide variety of career opportunities available in our two dozen hospitals, 25 long-term care facilities, public health units and many other offices providing specialized services.

What skills and qualities are important for a COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER?

Community health workers play a vital role in promoting and improving community health. To excel in this role, several skills and qualities are important. Here are some key ones:

1. Empathy and Compassion: Community health workers must genuinely care about the well-being of the community members they serve. They should be able to empathize with individuals and families facing health challenges and show compassion in their interactions.
2. Cultural Competence: Communities are diverse, and community health workers need to be culturally sensitive and aware. They should understand and respect different cultural practices, beliefs, and values to effectively communicate and provide appropriate health services.
3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills are essential for community health workers. They should be able to effectively listen, express ideas, and communicate health information clearly to individuals and groups. Interpersonal skills help build trust and rapport with community members.
4. Health Education and Promotion: Community health workers should have a good understanding of health promotion principles and be able to educate community members about healthy behaviors, preventive measures, and available healthcare resources.
5. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Often, community health workers encounter complex health situations. They should possess problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to identify health needs, navigate healthcare systems, and provide appropriate referrals or interventions.
6. Organizational and Time Management Skills: Managing multiple tasks and responsibilities efficiently is crucial. Community health workers often need to coordinate health programs, schedule appointments, maintain records, and follow up with clients. Strong organizational and time management skills are necessary for success.
7. Advocacy and Community Engagement: Advocacy involves representing the needs and concerns of the community and empowering individuals to access healthcare services. Community health workers should be skilled in engaging community members, fostering partnerships, and advocating for health-related issues.
8. Flexibility and Adaptability: Community health work can involve unpredictable situations and changing priorities. Being flexible and adaptable enables workers to respond effectively to evolving community needs and adapt their approaches accordingly.
9. Confidentiality and Ethics: Community health workers handle sensitive health information, and maintaining confidentiality is crucial. They should adhere to ethical standards, respect privacy, and ensure the confidentiality of personal health information.
10. Self-Care and Resilience: Working in community health can be emotionally demanding. It is essential for community health workers to prioritize self-care, maintain their own well-being, and develop resilience to cope with challenges they may face in their roles.

These skills and qualities, when combined with proper training and a commitment to ongoing professional development, can greatly contribute to the effectiveness and impact of community health workers in improving the health of their communities.

What education and certification are required to become a COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER?

The education and certification requirements for becoming a community health worker can vary depending on the location and specific employer. In some cases, community health worker positions may require only a high school diploma or equivalent, while others may prefer or require additional education and certification. Here are some common educational pathways and certifications associated with community health work:

1. High School Diploma or Equivalent: Many entry-level community health worker positions may require a high school diploma or its equivalent. This serves as a minimum educational requirement, but additional training and experience are often necessary for effective community health work.
2. Certification Programs: Some organizations and states offer community health worker certification programs. These programs provide specialized training in areas such as health education, outreach, advocacy, and communication skills. Certification programs may be available through community colleges, vocational schools, or public health agencies. Completing a certification program can enhance job prospects and demonstrate a commitment to professional development.
3. Associate’s Degree: Pursuing an associate’s degree in a related field, such as community health, public health, or social work, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of community health issues, health promotion strategies, and relevant skills. This level of education may be preferred by certain employers or can serve as a stepping stone to higher-level positions or further education.
4. Bachelor’s Degree: Although not always required, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field can provide a deeper understanding of public health principles, health disparities, and community engagement strategies. A bachelor’s degree can also open up more advanced job opportunities and serve as a foundation for pursuing higher-level positions or graduate studies in public health.
5. On-the-Job Training: In some cases, community health workers may receive on-the-job training and mentorship from experienced professionals or supervisors. This training can include specific job responsibilities, communication techniques, data management, and community outreach strategies.

It’s important to note that the specific education and certification requirements can vary by region, employer, and the level of responsibility associated with the position. Checking with local public health departments, community organizations, or job listings can provide more information on the specific requirements and opportunities available in your area.

Who can apply to this job?

The employer accepts applications from:

• Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents of Canada.
• Other candidates with or without a valid Canadian work permit.

How to apply
Online: Apply On Company WebSite

What is the work environment like for COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER?

The work environment for community health workers can vary depending on the setting and specific role they occupy. Here are some common work environments where community health workers may be employed:

1. Community-Based Organizations: Many community health workers work for non-profit organizations, community health centers, or social service agencies. These organizations often focus on providing healthcare services, health education, and outreach programs to underserved populations within the community.
2. Public Health Departments: Community health workers may be employed by local, state, or federal public health departments. They may work on initiatives aimed at improving public health, such as disease prevention, health promotion, and community engagement.
3. Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Some community health workers work within hospitals or healthcare facilities, particularly those that serve communities with limited access to healthcare services. They may help bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the community, assisting with patient navigation, health education, and care coordination.
4. Schools and Educational Institutions: Community health workers may be employed by schools or educational institutions to promote health and wellness among students and their families. They may organize health screenings, provide health education sessions, and connect families to community resources.
5. Home Visits: Community health workers often conduct home visits to reach individuals who may face barriers to accessing healthcare services. They may visit homes to provide health education, conduct assessments, assist with medication management, or offer support for chronic disease management.
6. Community Events and Outreach: Community health workers frequently engage in community outreach activities, such as health fairs, workshops, and community meetings. They may set up booths, distribute informational materials, provide health screenings, and engage with community members to address their health concerns.
7. Virtual/Remote Work: With the advancements in telehealth and remote work capabilities, community health workers may also engage in virtual outreach and education. They can conduct telephonic or video-based consultations, provide health information through online platforms, and connect individuals with appropriate resources and services.

It’s important to note that community health workers often work directly with individuals and families, requiring frequent interactions and building relationships within the community. The work can involve a combination of office-based tasks, fieldwork, and community outreach activities. Depending on the specific role and organization, the work environment may include a mix of indoor and outdoor settings, with varying levels of autonomy and collaboration with other healthcare professionals and community stakeholders.