Community Health Representative-TEMP

General Statement Of Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Community Health Nurse, the Community Health Representative (CHR) provides coordination of health care services such as providing transportation services for medical appointments, provides home visit, delivers medication, monitors homebound patient needs, performs health screenings at various public events according to health guidelines, provides referrals, and generally assists the clinic providers in meeting the needs of the community.

The CHR provides patient education according to standardized protocols, acts as a patient advocate, performs activities related to disease prevention and health promotion. The CHR explains the role of the clinic in Indian communities.

Specific Duties And Responsibilities

• Acts as a bridge between the Indian families and health services available in the clinic and explains the role of the clinic to the community.
• Acts within the scope of a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
• Accurately takes and records temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, blood sugars, height, and weight.
• Attends and Completes IHS Training Modules via the IHS.gov/chr.education website.
• In the home, the CHR/HHA, under the supervision of the Community Health Nurse, will assist with patient education and follow-up care.
• The CHR will follow-up on the patient’s plan of care, assist in the communication or information to the family, and document contact for the patient’s chart.
• Under the supervision of the Community Health Nurse, the CHR/HHA will address the patient’s health problems and refer clients to appropriate community resources.
• The HHA will provide referral to and assistance in obtaining health related social services.
• Keeps all information confidential pertaining to their patient’s health problems and family situations according to Federal HIPPA laws.
• Arranges medical transportation for patients as necessary.
• Provides assessment within the scope of a CNA/HHA and notifies the Community Health Nurse.
• Affords assistance in recognizing environmental and home safety factors.
• Attends staff meetings, participates in clinic continuing education programs and attends training courses, as requested.
• Knowledgeable regarding public health matters and preventive medicine.
• Utilizes other members of the health team and community agencies to effectively maintain an acceptable patient health environment.
• Instructs and educates patients on disease prevention and health promotion activities following SIHC guidelines.
• Identifies clinic and community programs for families.
• Responds with home visitation to patients on all referrals from health care facilities and/or social agencies with follow-through on needs assessed.
• Initiates home visits for patients, assesses needs, and levels of wellness on a prioritized basis as directed by the Community Health Director.
• Documents all in-home activities in the medical chart using a SOAP format.
• Participates in community health fairs, screening, etc.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule may be required based on need.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A valid CPR certificate, basic First Aid knowledge required. SIHC will provide training if not already possessed at hire date.
• A high school education or equivalent required. Post high school training in the medical field preferred.
• A valid California driver’s license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintain throughout employment.
• Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Must be responsible and able to exercise good judgment, accept administrative supervision, pay attention to detail, follow instructions, including the ability to interact effectively and communicate with people in a professional and courteous manner. Must be highly confidential and work as a team with other staff. Applicant should be sensitive to client’s needs.
• Strong team building, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective peer relationships with coworkers within the Department, clinic-wide, and the public. Must be able to express ideas clearly, concisely, address audiences effectively, and exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions. Willing to be part of a team and cooperate in accomplishing department goals and objectives. Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, take initiative, be proactive, and function in a rapidly changing environment. Ability to work with people of all social and ethnic backgrounds and to resolve conflicts, negotiate situations, and facilitate consensus.
• Normal clinic/office environment. Sit or stand for long periods of time. Reach, bend, climb, stoop, lift up to 25 lbs. repetitive hand movement; use and view PC.
• Reliable transportation and car insurance as required by the state. Travel as needed.

Physical and Personal Requirements

• Normal clinic/office environment.
• Sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Reach, bend, climb, stoop, lift up to 25 lbs.
• Repetitive hand movement; use and view PC.
• Reliable transportation and car insurance as required by the state.
• Travel as needed.