DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The Community Health Assistant is a vital part of the public health team, supporting individuals and families across Iredell County who are facing challenges related to opioid use, addiction, recovery, and mental health. This position will assist the Opioid Program Coordinator and helps carry out programs that are designed to help people move toward recovery, improve emotional well-being, and access life-saving support services. The person in this role will work directly in the community. That means going out into neighborhoods, schools, shelters, recovery centers, and local events to connect with people where they are. Much of the work will involve supporting people who are currently using drugs or in early recovery. The Community Health Assistant will help link these individuals to care, such as recovery services, housing programs, treatment providers, employment support, and mental health resources. This position also plays a key role in supporting mental health programs for young people. These programs may be offered in schools or youth-serving organizations and aim to increase awareness, build resilience, and connect young people to help before problems get worse. The assistant will help plan and carry out these programs, including trauma education and emotional wellness efforts that give young people the tools to better manage stress and challenges. Additionally, part of the job is helping coordinate and lead community outreach efforts, including health events and training. This includes offering Narcan training in the community and distributing materials that raise awareness about opioid misuse and recovery resources. The assistant will also help collect basic data and write short reports that show how the programs work and where more help is needed. This is a hands-on, people-first job. It involves building relationships, being dependable, and earning the trust of people who may feel overlooked or unsure where to turn.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: One year of experience working in a health, school, behavioral health, substance use, or community setting is required. This includes experience in clinics, treatment centers, shelters, schools, or nonprofit organizations. Personal experience with recovery, or supporting someone through addiction or mental health challenges, is also considered.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES: The ideal candidate understands the challenges people face when dealing with addiction and knows how to talk to individuals with respect and compassion, especially those who are in active addiction or early recovery. The person in this role must be comfortable working with people from all backgrounds, including youth, families, and adults facing mental health or substance use issues. They should be familiar with, or willing to quickly learn about, local resources such as recovery programs, mental health services, shelters, transportation assistance, and employment or job training support. This person must also feel confident working in both one-on-one and group settings and should be able to stay organized and follow up consistently. The job also requires basic computer skills, including using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The ability to write simple reports and share updates about community needs is important.
WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday / 8:00am – 5:00pm Working hours outside the normal working schedule and/or on weekends is needed occasionally also.
HIRING RANGE: $33,511.98 - $52,278.67 (Grade 319C)
DEADLINE DATE: Please post for 7 days.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Please go to www.iredellcountync.gov to submit an electronic application. Applications are NOT accepted past the deadline date. Internal applicants should apply using the link provided to them. Under NC Office of State Human Resources, all application fields MUST be completed. All information must be on the application. Information on the resume will not be considered for candidate qualification.
This position is subject to pre-employment screenings. Iredell County does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, genetic information, or handicapping condition in employment or the provision of services.
When uploading attachments to submit with your application, please DO NOT upload any documents that could allow for discrimination defined in the above paragraph. This may include Driver’s License/Photo ID/Passport, Birth Certificate, High School Diploma/GED, Marriage License, U.S. Citizenship, Medical Records, and/or Social Security Card.