Community Health Promoter (CHPLA)

Through partnership with Community Health Project Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County (County) Department of Health Services (DHS) Office of Overdose Preventino and Response Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) program increases access to naloxone across the County. In both formal and informal settings, educate and inform other health and social service professionals about strengths and needs, as well as cultural worldviews, experiences and perspectives of the community or communities in which the CHW lives and works.

Through partnership with Community Health Project Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County (County) Department of Health Services (DHS) Office of Overdose Preventino and Response Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) program increases access to naloxone across the County. The aim of the OEND program is to reduce overdose mortality rate by providing training and naloxone to people who use County services and to those who are likely to be present at the scene of an overdose.  OEND also provides field-based technical assistance with multiple partner agencies to support the expansion of service provision across LA County. The Community Health Promoter (CHP) position supports all these efforts while also engaging largely in direct service provision to at-risk populations.

The Skid Row Care Campus and Maple Health Hub provide services to Skid Row residents including: hygiene care, case management, health care, social services and more. 

This is a full-time benefitted position. Employment is provided by Heluna Health.

The pay rate for this position is $29.06 per hour.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Education and Supply Distribution 

• Provide overdose prevention and substance use education to those at risk of drug overdose 
• Distribute naloxone and related health supplies at stationary sites at Skid Row Care Campus and Maple Health Hub in Skid Row. 
• Connect with and engage participants in program activities and services.
• Build and maintain non-judgmental relationships with participants and partner organizations on the campuses rooted in foundations of trust and consistency.
• In both formal and informal settings, educate and inform other health and social service professionals about strengths and needs, as well as cultural worldviews, experiences and perspectives of the community or communities in which the CHW lives and works.

General Operations, Data Collection and Preparation 

• Contribute to the activities on the campus that support program activities. 
• Ensure that supply bins are stocked daily, and distribution stations are organized daily. 
• Assemble kits and materials for distribution to participants.
• Complete all necessary and required documentation, which includes Naloxone tracking tools, supply distribution trackers, and linkages and services provided.
• Maintain a safe and OSHA compliant environment by monitoring the proper disposal of medical supplies. 
• Complete assignments and other duties as delegated in a competent and timely manner.
• Assure that all guidelines and criteria are met.
• Communicate clearly, professionally and effectively with fellow team members.
• Participate in team building efforts to promote positive interpersonal relationships with team members.

Linkage and System Navigation 

• Assess participant eligibility/suitability for appropriate linkage and referrals to other service providers at Skid Row Care Campus and Maple Health Hub for services such as medical care, housing, education, employment, substance use treatment, etc.
• Maintain participant confidentiality and privacy by protecting participant health information. 

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Other duties as assigned

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience 

• Applicants with harm reduction background are preferred.

Relevant Work and Lived Experience

• Lived experience in one or more of the communities of focus: people experiencing homelessness, people coming out of incarceration, people who use drugs.
• Experience living or working in the Skid Row community 
• Member of the community, close affiliation, or shared life experience with the community being served. 
• Ability to work appropriately and effectively within a variety of communities with varying populations.
• Potential or demonstrated community leadership. 

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation 

-or- 

• the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. 
• Background check clearance required.

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Existing relationships and trust within communities of focus.
• Familiarity working with or navigating within the health and social services system, preferably as a result of lived experience.  
• Ability to work independently in a constantly changing environment.
• Personal strength, resilience, and stability to allow the CHP, with support of supervisor and work team, to face very challenging situations and avoid re-traumatization and vicarious trauma.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand     Frequently

Walk     Frequently

Sit     Frequently

Handling / Fingering    Occasionally

Reach Outward     Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally

Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs

Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs

See Constantly

Taste/ Smell Not Applicable

Not Applicable  Not required for essential functions

Occasionally      (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently    (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly    (5+ hrs/day) 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled. Some off-site work may be required. 

Staff may encounter environmental hazards such as stray animals, moving vehicles, high-crime areas, and individuals who may be aggressive or in crisis. The position requires collaboration with team members and community partners, and the ability to work in unpredictable or high-pressure situations. Work may occur outdoors and may involve exposure to weather conditions, noise, odors, fumes, pollen, and other environmental factors common to field-based outreach work. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Interested candidates should submit a resume for consideration.  

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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