Career Opportunities

Benton – Franklin Workforce Development Council (BFWDC)

Vision: The BFWDC contributes to our prosperous community by elevating human potential.
Mission: Promoting a prosperous community by providing a progressive workforce system.

Position Title: Community-Based Worker
Reports to: Executive Director
Type of Position: Hourly – 40 Hour/week (January 1, 2026-December 31,2026)
Pay Range: $25.00-$28.00
Benefits: Full package provided/available
Schedule: Monday through Friday (Onsite) 8 am – 5 pm

If interested, please apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to
Jessie Cardwell, Workforce Programs Director.
Submissions should be made via e-mail at admin@bf-wdc.org.
All cover letters and resumes must be received on or before, February 6th, 2026.

SUMMARY:
The Community-Based Worker provides culturally responsive, relationship-based care coordination and resource navigation services to individuals and families accessing services through WorkSource Columbia Basin (WSCB) and partner agencies. The position addresses health-related social needs and barriers that impact stability, well-being, and employment readiness — including housing, food access, transportation, healthcare access, benefits navigation, and family support.

Working across systems and in partnership with community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and public agencies, the Community-Based Worker builds trusted relationships, conducts need assessments, develops client-centered care plans, facilitates referrals, and ensures follow-through through closed-loop referral processes. The Community-Based Worker plays a critical role in reducing systemic barriers, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and improving access to services for rural and underserved populations.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Care Coordination and Client Engagement – 35%
• Provide in-person and appointment-based services at the WSCB and partner locations.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to identify health-related social needs and barriers.
• Develop client-centered care plans with clearly defined goals and action steps.
• Provide ongoing follow-up, coaching, and problem-solving support.
• Support transitions and discharge planning upon completion of care coordination services.
• Build trusted relationships using trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.

Resource Navigation & Closed-Loop Referrals -25%
• Identify and maintain up-to-date knowledge of local, regional, and state community resources.
• Assist clients with applications, referrals, and appointment-based services.
• Coordinate warm handoffs to healthcare, behavioral health, housing, food, transportation, and benefits providers.
• Complete closed-loop referrals to confirm services were accessed.
• Advocate for clients experiencing access, eligibility, or transportation barriers.
• Collaborate with WSCB staff to align support services with employment goals.

Community & Cross-Sector Partnerships — 15%
• Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, healthcare providers, housing
agencies, and social service partners.
• Participate in partner meetings, cross-sector workgroups, and coordinated service efforts.
• Identify service gaps and emerging community needs.
• Support outreach activities and community engagement events.
• Promote awareness of available programs and resources.

Documentation, Data Tracking & Reporting — 15%
• Document client encounters, assessments, referrals, and outcomes in accordance with program standards.
• Maintain confidential records in compliance with HIPAA and privacy laws.
• Track follow-up and service utilization.
• Support reporting, evaluation, and quality improvement activities.
• Identify service barriers and recommend operational improvements

Professional Development & Team Participation — 10%
• Participate in supervision, training, and workforce convenings.
• Engage in case consultation and team problem-solving.
• Maintain required certifications and credentials.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and service delivery enhancements.
• Model professionalism, cultural humility, and equity-centered practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications
• Experience working with diverse, rural, and/or underserved communities.
• Experience providing care coordination, case management, community health work, outreach, navigation, or human services support.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with individuals and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Knowledge of health-related social needs, social service systems, and community resources.
• Strong communication, organization, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, electronic documentation systems, and data tracking tools.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally as required.

Lived experience and community knowledge may be considered in place of formal education.

Preferred Qualifications
• Community Health Worker (CHW) certificate or willingness to obtain certification within a specified timeframe.
• Experience in health care, public health, behavioral health, housing services, benefits navigation, or community-based organizations.
• Experience working in rural communities and/or with agricultural, immigrant, or farmworker populations.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or other language common to the community preferred.
• Knowledge of Medicaid, public benefits programs, and local health and social service systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to conduct comprehensive needs assessments and develop client-centered care plans.
• Ability to navigate complex systems and coordinate across multiple agencies and service providers.
• Ability to identify barriers and design practical strategies to address them.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with people experiencing crisis, instability, or high levels of stress.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing compassionate support.
• Ability to document accurately and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, community-based environments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Primary work location is based at WorkSource Columbia Basin, with services delivered in office, community, and partner settings.
• Frequent interaction with the public, including individuals experiencing housing instability, food insecurity, health challenges, unemployment, and other barriers.
• Regular collaboration with community-based organizations, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and public sector partners.
• Open office environment with frequent interruptions and walk-in client engagement.

PHYSICAL, SENSORY, AND ENVIRONMENT DEMANDS:
• Regular walking, standing, sitting, bending, and lifting of light materials.
• Frequent use of a computer, phone, and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to travel locally to partner agencies, outreach events, and community meetings.
• Occasional evening or weekend work for outreach or community events.
• Work may occur in varied environments including offices, community centers, shelters, clinics, and outdoor settings.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
• Travel required to attend partner meetings, conduct outreach, and support clients.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and travel in varied weather conditions.

The Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council, TC Futures, and WSCB are equal opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. WA Relay Service: 711