Community Health Worker I

The Position

Bargaining Unit: Local 856 - Health Services Unit

COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER I

Why Join Contra Costa Health?

Contra Costa Health is the largest county department in Contra Costa County with over 4,700 employees. Our mission is to care for and improve the health of all people in Contra Costa with special attention to those who are most vulnerable to health problems.

The Contra Costa County Health Services Department is offering an excellent career opportunity for qualified individuals interested in the Community Health Worker I position. There are currently 3 open positions: 2 in the Detention Health Division and 1 in the Alcohol and Other Drugs Division.

Community Health Workers work closely with professional staff and perform a variety of tasks associated with the public health program(s) to which they are assigned. Typical tasks routinely performed by Community Health Workers include providing information/referrals to patients, completing applications, charting and documenting in patient charts, stocking and distributing information/referral materials, arranging transportation for patients being discharged from the hospital, and assisting professional staff with interview of patients.

For Detention Health Division:

Detention Heath is comprised of three (3) adult Detention facilities and one Juvenile Detention facility with a multidisciplinary team. You will be able to assist with providing a full spectrum primary care to our vulnerable and clinically complex patients in a challenging environment and experience positive work-life balance. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a difference in our community.

Community Health Workers will support the discharge team and play a key role in CalAIM initiatives, including Medi-Cal applications and facilitating communication among patients, external facilities, and healthcare providers. This position serves as a vital link between detention medical services and community resources, ensuring adequate staffing to deliver quality patient care and advocate for health needs in alignment with the National Commission on Correctional Health and CalAIM. Responsibilities include assisting with Medi-Cal insurance and benefits, collecting data for Medi-Cal and billing forms, and documenting care coordination activities and care plans in the electronic health record.

For Alcohol and Other Drugs Division:

Alcohol and Other Drugs (AODS) within the Behavioral Health Division is a planned, comprehensive continuum of care for providing alcohol and other drug treatment and prevention services in Contra Costa County. The continuum of care benefits residents and providers by combining a strong clinical and administrative oversight that supports compassion that emphasizes no wrong door. The goal is to give clients high-quality yet cost effective care in a timely manner. Community Health Workers assist clients and the community with system navigation, providing education, and referrals to resources.

We are looking for someone who:

• Effectively responds to urgent requests in a timely manner in an atmosphere with competing demands
• Works effectively with people who may have difficulty cooperating with the interview or assessment process due to a physical or behavioral health related medical condition
• Is knowledgeable of computer software and office practices and procedures, including filing and record keeping
• Is able to prepare, organize, and maintain accurate files, reports and records.
• Communicates effectively verbally and in writing in a timely manner
• Has excellent interpersonal skills with a strong ability to work in a team environment
• Acknowledges and respects cultural and linguistic differences of the County's diverse population
• Effectively analyzes and prioritizes situations as they arise during the day
• Is flexible and able to adapt

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Assisting with medical application, initial intakes, and re-assessments
• Interviewing patients for discharge and submitting information to the discharge team
• Maintaining stock of informational and referral materials
• Faxing and maintaining internal and external referrals and paperwork
• Navigating and updating patient’s records and database systems
• Arranging transportation for patients being discharged from the hospital
• Working closely with staff to perform other clinical duties as needed

A few reasons why you might love this job:

• You will gain personal satisfaction as your work will impact the lives, health, and well-being of all residents
• Personal development and growth within the organization
• You will be working with a team of people who are dedicated and have a passion for their work, focusing on our common mission and goals to serve our community
• You will work and communicate with a diverse group of patients

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will work with a variety of personalities and conflicting demands
• At times, patients may be uncooperative or not adhere to instructions
• There may be unpredictable daily workflow and work assignments at times
• You will work in a fast-paced environment providing support for team members who provide direct services to populations experiencing complex needs

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

To read the complete job description, please click here .

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to 6 months.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate.

Experience: Six (6) months or its equivalent of full-time experience having direct responsibility or participation in providing community outreach, client education, training, and support services in a community program that promotes health and health education.

Substitution: Completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college coursework which must have included 6 semester or 9 quarter units in health-related coursework, or completion of a Community Health Worker Associates Degree or Community Health Worker Certification Program from an accredited college or university may be substituted for six (6) months of the required experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of medical terminology
  
• Experience with nursing or health care
  

Selection Process

Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application. Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.

Behavioral Consistency Questionnaire and Multiple-Choice Exam: Candidates that clearly demonstrate that they possess the minimum qualification, will be invited to participate in the online examination. Candidates will be asked to answer multiple-choice questions, and provide written responses to scenario-based questions, designed to evaluate candidates core competencies as they relate to the job. Candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the competencies assessed, as well as an overall passing score of 70% of higher. These competencies may include but are not limited to: Self-Management, Reading Comprehension, Using Technology, Building and Maintaining Relationships, and Critical Thinking . (Weighted 100%).

The assessments may be administered remotely using a computer or mobile device such as a tablet. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment.

TENTATIVE EXAM DATES

The Behavioral Consistency Questionnaire and Multiple-Choice Exam is tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) during the week of February 23 rd, 2026

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment questions, please contact Health Services Personnel, Recruitment Team at Exams@cchealth.org . For any technical issues, please contact the Government Jobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1-855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 2/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• Contra Costa County Human Resources Department

• 925-655-2100

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