The specific client-facing role that has been identified in the context of the Portland Refugee
Support Group (PRSG) is Community Health Worker (Who we are, 2021). By playing the role,
human services professionals within the organization are able to assess the health needs of
refugees in the community setting and offer proper health and medical services that are aligned
with their health needs. An in-depth insight has been presented into the role and responsibilities in
the PRSG agency setting.
Role – Community Health Worker
Responsibilities – The chief responsibilities that are carried out by the Community Health Worker
within the Portland Refugee Support Group are as follows:
• Facilitation of communication and engagement between refugees in the community and
healthcare organizations.
• Ensure the facilitation of healthcare access among the vulnerable refugee groups in the
community so that their health outcomes can be positively impacted.
• The human service professional is also responsible for advocating and educate the
vulnerable group about healthy practices and behavior so that the health outcome and
quality of life can be enhanced.
• The Community Health Worker serves as the frontline public health worker who builds
effective and long-lasting relationships with the community members by focusing on trust
and respect.
• Establish strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders in the community setting in
order to support and strengthen the community outreach and referrals.
• Empower individual refugees in the community setting so that they can effectively manage
their own health and well-being. c
The Community Health Worker plays an instrumental role in the context of PRSG to minimize the
vulnerability of vulnerable individuals in the society. They work along with the refugees and focus
on their health needs so that their life can be rebuilt. These human service professionals have a
close understanding of the community that they serve. They use their position to not only identify
the health needs of the vulnerable refugees but also create trust-based relationships with them.
They furthermore create an opportunity for the refugees to form connections with other members
of the community so that they can form valuable relationships and associations with others in the
society.
The professionals adopt a comprehensive approach while engaging with refugees in the
community setting. They not only focus on the health needs of the individuals and families but
also on their social needs so that their core needs can be optimally met, which can improve their
life while living as refugees in Portland. The professionals use their position and knowledge to
educate refugees about the importance of health and available healthcare services so that a well-
defined path can be navigated for the clients, which can enable them to lead a successful life in the
U.S. (Who we are, 2021).
The Community Health Workers working in the Portland Refugee Support Group take a number of
steps that contribute to the larger helping process for refugees. For example, the human service
professionals focus on community collaboration so that the health and social needs of the refugees
and their families can be met. Emphasis is laid on trust so that a sincere and honest relationship
can be established between the professionals and the clients, and refugees can get the opportunity
to reside in a community where they have a sense of belongingness. The professionals carry out
their functions in a compassionate and empathetic manner by promoting diversity and inclusion.
Every refugee in the community is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their diverse
attributes. The Community Health Worker adopt a multidisciplinary approach and acts as a vital
part of the support group, which helps in creating a safe, nurturing and comfortable environment
for refugees where their fundamental health and social needs are fulfilled in an effective manner.
References
Who we are. (2021). Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://www.pdxrsg.org/who-we-
are.html
