Human Services Assistant

Fairfax County Health Department is a progressive public health leader serving 1.2 million residents, providing services that promote population health, protect public health and the environment, and ensure residents' equitable access to health services and information.

About the role

Provides interpretation for limited English proficiency clients in clinic, community site, or home visit settings. Works closely with public health nurses and medical personnel to solicit health history information and communicate a plan of care to clients. Translates written materials as directed by public health nurses and medical personnel. Communicates results of health assessments and laboratory tests to clients. Instructs clients about the need for preventative health care and early intervention. Provides culturally sensitive client/community education and health care services. Documents according to agency guidelines and policies. Supports the car seat program by teaching car seat classes to expectant parents in both English and Spanish. Completes other tasks as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Interpret for limited English proficiency clients in various settings (clinic, community sites, home visits).
• Work with public health nurses and medical personnel to gather health history and communicate care plans.
• Translate written materials as directed.
• Communicate health assessment and laboratory test results to clients.
• Educate clients on preventative health care and early intervention.
• Provide culturally sensitive education and health care services.
• Document services according to agency guidelines.
• Teach car seat classes to expectant parents in English and Spanish.
• Complete other assigned tasks.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D. issued by a state department of education.
• Three years of work experience, including two years in some area of human services (a related two-year associate degree may substitute for the required human service experience).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of Foreign Language Proficiency assessment within one week of hire and maintain required certification for the duration of employment.
• Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Low-Income Safety Seat Distribution Program Certification (required annually after hire).
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification (required within 30 days).
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification (required within 30 days).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (required within 30 days).

Skills

• Knowledge of basic principles of human behavior.
• Proficiency in word processing and data management programs (Excel, survey software).
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients.
• Ability to organize information and records.
• Ability to communicate in written format.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills (must pass language proficiency assessment).
• Knowledge and experience working in a fast-paced clinical setting.
• Two or more years of experience working in a high-volume health clinic.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience working with children and adults.
• Experience as a medical interpreter in a clinical setting.
• Experience using a team approach for service delivery.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and positive community relationships.
• Ability to work well with multi-disciplinary team members and community partners.
• Ability to exercise tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment.
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Professionalism in dealing with customers and colleagues.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Experience organizing information and records.

Schedule

Flexible schedule dependent on department needs. May occasionally start as early as 7:00 a.m. or work as late as 9:30 p.m. based on service demands, and may include weekends. Must be available to report for duty during inclement weather and other emergencies.

Physical Requirements

• Generally sedentary but requires walking, standing, sitting for long periods, kneeling, reaching, and bending.
• May be required to lift or carry up to 25 lbs.
• Uses hands to grasp, handle, or feel.
• Visual acuity required to read data from paper and computer monitors or other electronic devices.
• Ability to operate keyboard-driven equipment and use touchscreens.
• Frequent communication required to exchange accurate information verbally and in writing.
• Works primarily in an office environment but may occasionally perform duties outside the typical office setting.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle.
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, driving record check, sanction screenings, and tuberculosis (TB) test to the satisfaction of the employer.