Oregon State Hospital Diversity Liaison- OPA3

Diversity Liaison at Oregon State Hospital (Operations & Policy Analyst 3-SR 30)

On behalf of Oregon Health Authority and the state of Oregon, the Equity & Inclusion Division is leading the most ambitious, equity-centered health system transformation in the nation, reflecting a continuum of physical, behavioral and oral health. The Equity and Inclusion Division works in partnership with priority populations, all Oregon Health Authority divisions and the statewide health delivery system—including Medicaid, the Oregon State Hospital and Public Health—to eliminate health inequities in Oregon by 2030. 

The Oregon Health Authority is committed to:

• Eliminating health inequities in Oregon by 2030
• Becoming an anti-racist organization
• Developing and promoting culturally and linguistically appropriate programs, and
• Developing and retaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce that represents the diversity, cultures, strengths, and values of the people of Oregon.
• to learn more about OHA’s mission, vision and core values

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

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Equity and Inclusion Division (E&I) is recruiting for a full-time Diversity Liaison primarily dedicated to the Oregon State Hospital (OSH). This position reports directly to the E&I Compliance, Civil Rights, Diversity and Training Executive Manager.   This position is funded by OSH and therefore will also be overseen by the OSH Superindendent   The incumbent’s primary work location will be at OSH Salem.

OHA strives to create inclusive environments that welcome and value the diversity of the people we serve. OHA fosters fairness, equity, and inclusion to create workplace environments where everyone is treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, political affiliation and any other factor applicable by state or federal law.

E&I, a division of OHA, works with diverse communities to eliminate health gaps and promote optimal health in Oregon. By connecting people and programs, we can make substantial, measurable progress in improving the health of all Oregonians. OEI is organized into three units: 

Compliance, Civil Rights, Diversity and Training (including civil rights processes for employees (internal) and the public (external) and affirmative action/EEO); Health Equity, Policy and Community Engagement (including Developing Equity Leadership through Training and Action (DELTA), Regional Health Equity Coalitions (RHEC), Cultural Competence Continuing Education (CCCE), Traditional Health Workers Program (THW), and Healthcare Interpreter Program (HCI); and Administration (including RealD, Language Access)

What are the responsibilities of the Diversity Liaison?

The OSH Diversity Liaison's primary purpose is to facilitate OSH's diversity and equity programs and initiatives as overseen by E&I to meet the unique needs of OHA's largest division, OSH.   Those needs include promoting an increased understanding of the relevance of cultural competence, culturally appropriate care, and diversity in building an organization that effectively meets the needs of its diverse patient population and employees.

The Diversity Liaison fosters the implementation of culturally appropriate policies and practices that are consistent with state and federal requirements. The OSH Diversity Liaison coordinates OSH's implementation of various laws and regulations such as Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, Joint Commission regulations related to health equity, and SAMHSA Tip 59. The Diversity Liaison uses their expertise to educate and provide consultative advice to the Program Executive Team (PET) and Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) on culturally appropriate care to reduce barriers to engagement in treatment and discharge. The Diversity Liaison will help facilitate removal of such barriers by meeting with patients from indigenous, ethnically, culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds and inform IDT of options to frame treatment approaches that are culturally appropriate and responsive. The Diversity Liaison works with internal and external OSH and OHA workgroups and committees to promote diversity, inclusion and health equity, and provides technical assistance to OSH's various programs and departments and treatment teams.

Works in conjunction with OHA, E&I, and OSH partners to fulfill OHA’s diversity, inclusion and affirmative action programs, initiatives and obligations including but not limited to:

• Support in partnership with E&I training coordinator and OSH partners the implementation of training and development opportunities and diversity events that promote cultural competence and culturally appropriate and responsive care
• Research local and national culturally competent best practices for providing services to vulnerable Oregonians
• Provide diversity and inclusion consultation and technical assistance to HR Analysts, OSH Managers, Supervisors and staff and to partners in the external health system
• Provide technical assistance to OSH committees and managers to implement inclusive environment assessments and activities

Designs, develops and coordinates hospital-wide cultural competence and diversity processes, with measurable goals and objectives that align with OHA’s programs and federal and state requirements. This will require, among other things:

• Regular meetings with the Equity and Inclusion Division, hospital administration, and hospital departments;
• Developing, delivering, or coordinating training and education regarding OHA initiatives and federal and state requirements to OSH employees, volunteers, and contractors.
• Reviews and provides consultative advice on relevant state and OHA policies and practices, state and federal requirements, accreditation requirements and best practices related to diversity, equity and cultural competency.
• Provides technical assistance to PET to ensure practices are in compliance with State and Federal requirements related to addressing cultural competence and diversity issues and to promote improvement.
• Reviews relevant administrative rules, policies, procedures and practices to ensure cultural competence and diversity issues are addressed and consistent with OHA processes and state and federal requirements.
• Ensures that patient Treatment Care Plans include culturally appropriate care practices to develop short and long term plans to address specific treatment issues.
• Consult with Interdisciplinary Teams to ensure that culturally appropriate care practices are included in the coordination of care upon discharge from Oregon State Hospital. 

*This is a full-time, permanent position and is considered management service and not represented by a union.

What's in it for you?

Oregon Health Authority is a team of passionate individuals working to promote health across the lifespan of individuals, families, and communities. We value and support unique perspectives using a trauma-informed approach and aim to reflect these values in our hiring practices, professional development, and workplace.

• We offer exceptional benefits packages for you and your qualified family members, with very low monthly out-of-pocket costs. Try this free virtual benefits counselor by clicking here:  
• Paid Leave Days:
  • 11 paid holidays each year
  • 3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" each year
  • 8 hours of paid sick leave accumulated every month
  • Progressive vacation leave accrual with increases every 5 years
• Optional benefits include short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.
• Click to learn more about State of Oregon benefits.

What we are looking for:

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and four years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work.
OR;
Any combination of experience and education equivalent to seven years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification.

Desired Attributes

The person in this position must have excellent communication skills to be able to communicate effectively with OHA staff, OSH patients and family members, County Health Departments, Community-based organizations and advocacy groups, and other public or private entities of the organization. The position also requires the knowledge, skill and demonstrated ability to successfully work with individuals from diverse backgrounds including individuals who are experiencing significant mental or behavioral health issues.