Community Health Representative

Tule River Indian Health Center Inc•Porterville, CA

1h•$23 - $25

About The Position

Under the direction of the Public Health Nurse, the Community Health Representative (CHR) represents and supports the health program by making home visits, providing limited transportation and courier services, advocating for clients, and helping resolve barriers to obtaining needed medical care for Native American Indian community members in the program’s service area. The CHR follows the policies and procedures of the Tule River Indian Health Center, Inc. and the Community Health Outreach Department. The role requires effective communication and rapport-building with patients and families, sensitivity to the community’s cultures, traditions, and values, and genuine enthusiasm for its success. The CHR works primarily in the health center’s outreach area, in the community, or while transporting clients, and also moves throughout the health center to meet with physicians, patients, and coworkers. The position involves home visits, scheduled medical and dental appointment transportation, community events, documentation, and coordination with other health program staff. Flexible hours and long-distance driving may be required. The clinical setting has potential exposure to blood, body fluids and tissues, infectious waste, chemicals, biological materials, toxicants, and irradiants. The position is non-exempt and pays $23.00 per hour. Employment offers are contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check, post-offer drug test and physical, TB test, and verification of the candidate’s right to work in the United States. The employer maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Good communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and convey responsibilities to patients.
Ability to work independently while remaining reliable and dependable.
Professional competency in office and health care tasks, including maintaining client confidentiality.
Basic computer and database software skills, including functional knowledge of Microsoft Windows in an office setting.
Working knowledge of routine office equipment such as printers, copiers, and fax machines.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear, accurate reports, with attention to detail and the ability to review and verify data.
Ability to organize and follow a work schedule, set priorities, remain available during work hours, and meet critical deadlines.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Ability and integrity to maintain the confidentiality of organizational, employee, and client records.
Working home or cell phone for immediate contact.
Professional appearance and attitude.
Medical Assistant (MA) and/or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential, or ability to obtain CHR certification through IHS within six months of employment.
Current California driver’s license and continued insurability through the Tule River Indian Health Center, Inc. insurance agency.
Valid First Aid/CPR certification at the BCLS level, or ability to obtain it within three months of hire.
Ability to work flexible hours and drive long distances, including in large metropolitan areas.
Ability to walk, stand, or sit for extended periods; use standard office equipment; lift and carry supplies weighing up to 35 pounds repeatedly and up to 50 pounds intermittently; read printed materials and computer screens; communicate in person and by telephone; and drive for extended periods.
Successful completion of required pre-employment background check, post-offer drug test and physical, TB test, and verification of the right to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

One or more years of experience in a health care setting.
Familiarity with entering data into a health care database program such as an EHR.
Preference is given to qualified American Indians in accordance with the Indian Preference Act; applicants claiming Indian Preference must submit verification certified by their Tribe of affiliation or other acceptable documentation of Indian heritage.

Responsibilities

Make home visits to members of the Native American Indian community in the service area according to department policies, care plans, or direction from the Public Health Nurse.
Provide limited medication delivery on the reservation, deliver clinic messages, and transport clients to needed medical appointments as assigned by the Health Nurse.
Advocate for and educate clients, facilitate access to available health services, and assist with scheduling appointments.
Provide limited Home Health Aide-type services to seniors, at-risk adults, and ill or handicapped patients or clients as assigned or designated by care plans and policies.
Maintain required activity documentation, patient sign-in logs, and other forms for administrative, billing, and quality assurance purposes.
Cooperate with professional and ancillary health program staff and assist other departments as needed to support team-based health care delivery.
Participate in community events in collaboration with the Outreach Department as needed.
Provide First Aid/CPR at the BCLS level when needed.
Maintain vehicle logs and maintenance schedules, coordinating with the TRIHCI Accounting Manager to support safe vehicle operation and maintenance.
Work flexible hours as needed for scheduled medical or dental appointments, distant transports, and community awareness events.
Drive long distances and navigate confidently in large metropolitan areas.
Participate in required staff meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.