Community Health Representative

SUMMARY

The Community Health Representative (CHR) is a key member of the Grand Traverse Band community health care team. CHR is expected to deliver high-quality, confidential services including health promotion/education, and health advocacy. The CHR is primarily responsible for providing a variety of health promotion and disease prevention services to individuals and families in the home and community to which the CHR is assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• Must have current Michigan Certified Nurse Aide certification, or completion of CNA training within 90 days of hire date.
• Must be able to use blood sugar monitor, and to monitor basic vital signs, etc.
• Must have basic knowledge of meds.
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains patient rights to confidentiality of health information at all times in accordance with tribal, federal and state laws.
• Work as a team with the Satellite Office Receptionist, Benefits Administrator and BH Department.
• Assist with maintaining GTB community member's health appointments, including transportation (for medical appointment reasons only), scheduling appointments (local and outlying areas) as referred from health providers, do pharmaceutical pick-up and delivery, coordinate referrals, and other support as deemed necessary.
• Provide home visits/cure services to follow-up on care provided by health providers. Home visits may include encouragement, support and guidance of daily living skills, personal hygiene, and/or monitoring of vital signs and blood sugars as deemed necessary.
• Coordinate work schedule/client appointments with Office Receptionist. Throughout the day keep the Office Receptionist informed about availability and whereabouts in case patient care is needed.
• Establish a cooperative network with health care professionals and other resource agencies to assist clients' medical and social needs.
• Maintain regular contacts with all tribal members in assigned geographical area to identify health needs. Be proactive in calling and/or visiting tribal members to determine types of service needed.
• Educate people about health hazards (lifestyle behaviors) such as cigarette smoking, lack of exercise, obesity, poor stress management, alcoholism, drug abuse, etc. Educate on a variety of safety issues, including, home safety, care seat safety for infants and children, seat belt usage, storage of medications, danger of drinking and driving, etc., as identified and specified within CHR's scope of experience.
• Staff tables for health fairs, and assist with foot check clinics, etc.
• Assist in organizing workshops to help educate people on health topics.
• Be a health advocate for GTB members by keeping the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Clinic Physicians, Clinic administration and Tribal Council aware of public health concerns impacting the community. Be an advocate for positive health changes in the Tribe.
• Work in cooperation with other health care agencies to eliminate harriers to services currently offered to tribal members.
• To keep updated on health related topics, especially diabetes, hypertension, healthy behaviors, and Medicaid, Medicare, CHS benefits.
• Coordinate with Home Health Aide/Intake Coordinator in follow-up on referrals.
• Assist Benefits Administrator in assisting tribal members in completing Medicaid, SSI, and SSA applications.
• Be in compliance with GTB Home Health Care policies and procedures when program/accreditation is in place. Maintain accurate written records of daily activities and travel. Maintain chart documentation and storage in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Work in collaboration with Billing & Revenue Manager to maintain RPMS entry, filing and reporting requirements for CHR visits.
• Provide reports and data as requested by the Doctor of Nursing Practice.
• Submit monthly report of all activities to Department Manager on date specified.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of traditional cultural customs, traditions and healing practices.
• Serve as a visible role model for health and wellness.
• Attend and successfully complete the CHR Basic Training Course, and Certified Nurse Assistant Program.
• Attend other professional development trainings as indicated. Participate in Clinic Administration staff meeting as requested. Attend community and/or Tribal meetings to provide input and education about community health issues.
• Provide supervisor with daily itinerary. Maintain current and accurate record of flex time, vacation and GPT hours. Submit weekly time sheet to Department Manager Administrative Assistant by EOD on Friday.
• Maintain patient confidentiality as per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and complete HIPAA compliance training.
• Other duties as assigned.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have excellent written and verbal communications and organizational skills.
• Essential to be neutral, caring, positive force in the community.
• Able to work independently.
• Able to physically transfer patients.
• Willing and able to work in a team approach.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and office management (filing, scheduling, telephone, documentation) skills.
• Be well-trusted by GTB community.
• Have in-depth knowledge of community.
• Have knowledge of GTB's culture, customs and traditions.
• Willing and able to work, travel after hours at times and maintain accurate record of times.
• Willing to attend professional development courses to further knowledge in health topics.
• Willing and able to leave home and travel outside state for intensive 3-week CHR Basic Training Course and Certified Nurse Assistant Program.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Must have high school diploma or GED
• Must have current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, or completion of BLS certification with 180 days.
• Must have current Michigan Certified Nurse Assistant certification, or completion of CNA training within 90 days of hire date.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have basic health care experience, knowledge and skills.
• Knowledge of basic anatomy/physiology, medical terminology, nutrition and dietary needs, disease concepts.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certified.
• Able to use blood sugar monitor, and to monitor basic vital signs, etc.
• Basic knowledge of meds.
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

Blood sugar and vital signs monitor, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and standard office equipment, such as telephone, computer, printer, copy and fax machines, etc.)

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This position requires bending and some lifting when assisting the client with health care needs.
• Must be able to physically transfer patients.
• Frequent driving to client homes, medical appointments, etc.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

• Sound reasoning and good judgment in order to provide quality care.
• The complexity and responsibility inherent in this position requires the candidate to be able to perform independently, calmly, and decisively, in response to the demands of the position adhering to policy and procedure.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The CHR is required to work in a variety of home settings. There will also be times when this employee will be in an office setting at the satellite office.
• Medical office is compliant with OSHA requirements; employee may be exposed to hazardous materials.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regards to confidentially is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time through approved motion by Tribal Council. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Community Health Representative Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians