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The Equity and Inclusion Division (E&I) is hiring a Regional Engagement Specialist (Program Analyst 2)

The primary purpose of this position is to engage and build relationships in their assigned region with communities most impacted by health inequities, with health care providers, with Coordinated Care Organizations, as well as with OHA and ODHS staff and contractors who work locally on behalf OHA and ODHS. This position will collaborate with multiple staff, across OHA and ODHS, to ensure best approaches to community engagement in the context of REALD (race, ethnicity, language, and disability) & SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) demographic data collection. By having REALD & SOGI Regional Engagement Specialists in local communities throughout Oregon, OHA assures that local voice, via a broad variety of stakeholders, is elevated and captured to guide the implementation of the REALD & SOGI data standards, particularly given that local understanding, engagement, and implementation varies across communities.

Due to the large number and diversity of constituents of the program, each Regional Engagement Specialist will be responsible for administering the program in one of four distinct geographic areas of Oregon:

1) Northwest (including the following counties: Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Tillamook,

Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, Marion, Polk, Lincoln, Benton, and Linn)

2) Northeast (Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa)

3) Southwest (Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine, Jackson, and Klamath)

4) Central and Southeast (Jefferson, Wheeler, Grant, Baker, Deschutes, Lake, Harney, and Malheur)

This position is expected to be the lead expert for OHA on the impact and perception of REALD & SOGI among communities and providers in their assigned region. This includes ensuring that the concerns and perspectives of communities and providers in their assigned region are represented and considered in the administrative, programmatic, and management aspects of agencywide operations with regards to REALD & SOGI implementation.

In addition to the responsibility for administering and representing the Community Engagement Program of the REALD & SOGI Section in their designated region, this position is responsible for monitoring and supporting SB3159 grantees receiving state funding to further support safe data collection for communities. Additionally, this position is conveys the input and feedback collected from communities in their region to inform the design of the statewide grant program.

This work is complicated by the reality that communities in the assigned region will frequently have conflicting and evolving interests that this position will be required to navigate. This position is tasked with developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships even when not all community needs can be met. The work of the Regional Engagement Specialists is coordinated by the REALD & SOGI Communities Administrator. Under the guidance of the Communities Administrator, the Regional Engagement Specialist will be responsible for creating guidance and procedures for this new community engagement program. This position will conduct research and collect data to inform procedures and administration of the community engagement program of the REALD & SOGI Section.

The knowledge generated by this position ultimately informs the work of not only the Divisions’ REALD & SOGI Section (22 staff), but also 17 additional dedicated REALD & SOGI internal staff across OHA to ensure that community input is considered in all decision-making processes related to REALD & SOGI with fidelity to the ORS and OARS and in accordance with best practices as well as policy and agency wide operations.

If you are interested in the work we are doing with in the Equity and Inclusion Division (E&I) we want you to apply now!

WHAT WE ARE SEEKING:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or a degree related to the agency program that demonstrates the capacity for the knowledge and skills needed in this position; and two years of experience coordinating or administering a program

OR

Any combination of experience or education equivalent to five years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skill requirements listed for the classification.

Requested Skills/Attributes:

Any combination of experience and education equivalent to seven years of experience that typically supports

the knowledge and skills required for this position relating to community engagement and/or organizing, regional expertise, social justice, racial justice, disability justice, anti-racism, dismantling institutional privilege, social determinants of health and equity, and policy development OR degree related to Communications, Public Health, Human Services, Social Work, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Education, Race and Ethnic Studies, Disability Studies, Gender Studies, Public Administration or other degree related to the agency program that demonstrates the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and two years’ experience coordinating or administering a program.

Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and connection with communities and community-based organizations in one of the regions specified in the position description is strongly preferred.

Generic:

Demonstrated ability to engage and work effectively with Tribes, racially, ethnically, linguistically, disabled, and gender-diverse communities, including existing working relationships with diverse community leaders throughout Oregon. Must be comfortable with reaching out and engaging with communities most impacted by health inequities as well as health providers and insurers.

Experience developing or implementing programs that promote equity and inclusion and reduce disparities.

Experience advancing state and community-based programs on initiatives that promote equity and reduce disparities.

Models collaborative problem-solving skills and solution driven discussions. The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, work cooperatively, and influence to resolve issues. Previous experience in alternative dispute resolution, motivational interviewing, and conflict resolution valued in this position.

Ability to understand and communicate data and complex concepts; familiarity with state and local best practices that can help to advance health care in Oregon.

Ability to persuade and communicate across a variety of forms including strong written and oral communications and with a broad range of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Ability to use empathy and active listening to understand others’ concerns and to articulate and address those concerns in a proactive, resolution-focused way.

Rigorous adherence to the highest standards of confidentiality regarding workforce and patients’ information is required. Prefer those with:

 A deep understanding of the local communities in the region

 Has the lived experience of one or more of the communities most impacted by health inequities

 A deep understanding of how to operationalize equity in this work

 Experience in health care policy and in community-based work

 Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws and regulations

 Knowledge and experience in establishing long-range objectives and specifying strategies to achieve them

 A deep understanding of identities (racial, ethnic, disability, LGBTQIA2S), non-dominant cultures as well as the issues and concerns of communities most impacted by health inequities.

Working Conditions:

Duties are performed in an environment of independence and require moderate supervision. Extensive regional and statewide travel is expected. There is a possibility of travel requirements in hazardous weather conditions. Evening and weekend work is likely with a probability of occasional overnight stays (as approved by the manager).

Employees are expected to work flexible hours to accommodate community meetings and events where representation is essential. State agencies will facilitate telework and work-at-home by employees to the maximum extent possible. When telework options are not possible, physical distancing of at least 6 feet between people must be maintained to the maximum extent possible.

Requires frequent use of a computer for prolonged periods to produce written documents. Must be willing to learn new technologies, especially remote-based learning programs and other applications. This position regularly works with internal and external groups composed of racially, ethnically, linguistically, disability and gender-diverse individuals.

What's in it for you?

The Equity & Inclusion division is a team of passionate individuals working to identify and address health inequities. You will receive a comprehensive, competitive, and affordable benefits, leave, and wellness package, including:

This is a full-time, permanent, Non Represented, Management Service Managerial position.

This position will be a hybrid mix of in office / remote work. Candidates will need flexibility to come into the office a few days a week.

OHA’s strategic goal is to eliminate health inequities in Oregon by 2030. OHA definition for health equity:

“Oregon will have established a health system that creates health equity when all people can reach their full potential and well-being and are not disadvantaged by their race, ethnicity, language, disability, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, social class, intersections among these communities or identities, or other socially determined circumstances. Achieving health equity requires the ongoing collaboration of all regions and sectors of the state, including tribal governments to address: the equitable distribution or redistribution of resources and power; and recognizing, reconciling, and rectifying historical and contemporary injustices.”

OHA values health equity, service excellence, integrity, leadership, partnership, innovation and transparency. Click , to learn more about OHA’s mission, vision and core values.

How to apply:

Please ensure you’ve provided a thorough and updated application as it pertains to the position for which you are applying. Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the homepage.

Need Help?

If you need assistance to participate in the application process including an accommodation request under the American with Disabilities Act, please call or email Umulkher “Uma” Abdullahi

Voice: (503) 569-8811

Email:

Additional Information

The Oregon Health Authority is committed to fair employment practices and non-discrimination, including pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected class (race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation) in the payment of wages or screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. We determine salary by completing a review of your application materials to evaluate your related education, experience, and training for this position. (critical elements of process).

The Oregon Health Authority is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to work force diversity and anti-racism.