Community Health Worker/ Representative

Description

Position Title

Community Health Worker/ Representative CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt DEPARTMENT: Tribal Health SUPERVISOR: Community Health Manager or designee GRADE: NE9 $17.83 ($37,103.25) - $26.75 ($55,654.77)

Position Summary

Under direct supervision, the Community Health Worker/ Representative (CHW/R) is responsible for helping patients and their families to navigate and access community services, other resources, and adopt healthy behaviors. The CHW/R supports providers, case managers, and dieticians through an integrated approach to care management and community outreach. Activities will promote, maintain, and improve the health of patients and their families. CHW/R provides social support and informal counseling, advocates for individuals and community health needs, and provides services such as basic first aid, blood pressure screenings, and simple wound care. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information. Essential

Duties and Responsibilities

· Provides patient care, health education/counseling, health promotion/disease prevention, monitors clients, and provides transportation/delivery for healthcare needs. · Promotes healthy lifestyles/ healthy eating and active living to avoid chronic illnesses. · Serves as a liaison between people in the communities and physicians and other health facility care providers. · Conducts home visits to include physical and emotional care as well as addressing health promotion and wellness. · Plans, organizes, and collaborates with other departments to direct education and community health services for the Washoe Tribal Health Center (WTHC). · Responsible for establishing trusting relationships with patients and their families while providing general support and encouragement. · Provides ongoing follow-up, basic motivational interviewing with patients/families, help patients set personal health-related goals, and arrange for health-related appointments. May attend appointments. · Provides referrals for services to community agencies as appropriate. · Helps patients connect with transportation resources and provide appointment reminders in special circumstances, transporting patients based on Washoe Tribal Health Center (WTHC) policy. · Participates in ongoing education on health promotion and disease prevention i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, family planning, physical wellness, nutrition, smoking cessation, etc.. · Helps those elderly or debilitated with their hygiene. · Provides basic screening tests (e.g. height, weight, blood pressure). · Provides basic services (e.g. first aid, diabetic foot checks, home monitoring). · Works closely with medical providers to help ensure that patients have comprehensive and coordinated care plans. · Records patient care management information in the electronic health record (EHR) and other software no later than 24 hours after patient contact. · Attends regular staff meetings, trainings, and other meetings, as requested. · Manages an assigned caseload of patients. · Maintains HIPPA compliance at all times. · Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• · High School Diploma or GED and two years’ experience working in a health-related field, such as nursing, health education, nutrition, or equivalent combination of education and experience. · Must become CHW/R certified within six months of employment through State of Nevada certified programs and be capable of maintaining the certification. · Must be Basic Life Support (BLS) certified within thirty (30) days of hire. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of the functions and structure of the Washoe Tribe. · Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with Native American communities. · Knowledgeable about community resources appropriate to the needs of patients/families. · Knowledge of health-related issues, medical terminology, and healthcare education. · Knowledge of medical/dental terminology preferred. · Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels. · Ability to communicate effectively in the English language both verbally and in writing. · Ability to professionally represent the organization, instilling respect and confidence. · Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines efficiently. · Ability to counsel, educate, and motivate patients to achieve personal goals and objectives. · Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules. · Ability to maintain accurate client records while protecting confidentiality of patient records. · The ability to speak Washoe is a plus. · Ability to physically lift, stand, and assist patients when transporting. · Ability to use wheelchairs or walkers when necessary with patients. · Skills in operating business computers and office machines, including MS 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams). · Knowledge of electronic health record systems (Epic, NextGen, Etc.) and patient charting. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to operate a motor vehicle; stand, walk, or sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. The employee must assist with lifting patients, which may require using leverage to lift and/or move clients. Work Environment: Work is performed in the clinic, patient homes, on the road, and within the community. Situations where caution must be exercised sometimes occur when contacting individuals at home. Evening, weekend, and/or holiday work will be required. Travel is required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events. The Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California requires a background check of each new hire for employment purposes. Therefore, all conditionally offered positions will be subject to the following: · Negative alcohol and drug screen · Meet requirements of Public Law 101-630 · Obtain or possess a valid driver’s license for either the State of Nevada or California within 30 days · Must be insurable under the Washoe Tribe’s driving policy · Preference will be given to qualified Native Americans