Community Health Worker (CHW) Indigenous Wellness

NATIVE HEALTH•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Community Health Worker provides culturally relevant education on prevention and holistic wellness for Indigenous people residing in Maricopa County. The role serves as a liaison among the NATIVE HEALTH Community Health and Wellness Department, Medical Department, and community members to facilitate access to services and improve diabetes-related health outcomes. The position reports directly to the Indigenous Wellness Program Coordinator. The CHW delivers individual and group diabetes education, supports community outreach and patient engagement, connects participants with medical, dental, behavioral health, and community resources, and performs blood pressure checks and blood glucose testing at events. The role also contributes to program development, quality improvement, reporting, the annual Indigenous Wellness Camp, traditional garden activities, and organizational projects. Work may include evenings and weekends for outreach and other activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field.
At least two years of specialized experience working within the AI/AN community.
Must be flexible to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Must have a valid and unrestricted Arizona driver’s license; out-of-state applicants must obtain one within 30 days of hire. Must meet the stated driving-record requirements and be insurable under NATIVE HEALTH’s liability auto policy.
Must pass a criminal background check and obtain a Class I Fingerprint Clearance Card within the first 90 calendar days of employment.
Must pass a substance abuse test upon employment and submit to random testing during employment.
Must have an updated Immunization (IZ) Record and a current Tuberculosis (TB) skin test upon employment, with annual updates.
Must obtain a CPR Card within 90 calendar days of employment and maintain a valid CPR card.
Ability to pass blood pressure and blood glucose testing competencies.
Ability to lift and carry items and perform physical activities for workshops, indoor and outdoor events, walking groups, exercise demonstrations, and setup and breakdown of supplies.
Ability to facilitate group classes using a range of skills and techniques to help participants understand and achieve shared objectives.
Understanding of how social determinants of health affect the community and participants.
Knowledge of Arizona Indigenous Tribes’ farming, gardening, and traditional food practices; community health and social service resources; AI/AN Tribal governments; and how cultural values and beliefs may influence nutrition and health.
Knowledge of client confidentiality and client rights under HIPAA.
Strong interpersonal skills, including tact and flexibility when working with supervisors, staff, and participants.
Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to facilitate group discussions and educational classes.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate and comprehensive records.
Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to new situations, policies, procedures, and changing priorities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and potentially stressful environment.
Ability to develop creative ideas and deliver diabetes-related digital education using websites, social media, and other platforms.
Proficiency with Electronic Health Records (EHR), Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and internet-based applications, and ability to learn additional software and technology.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience in community outreach or health education is a plus.
Knowledge of Electronic Health Records (EHR) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Create and deliver individual or group education on diabetes self-management and collaborate with agency programs to provide diabetes-related education.
Recruit and enroll patients and community members, track referrals, and ensure follow-up is completed.
Facilitate classes, workshops, and other education on diabetes management and prevention, hypertension, weight management, healthy eating, stress management, and chronic diseases, using written materials, in-person or virtual sessions, and videos.
Create diabetes prevention education social media campaigns in collaboration with the Communications Department.
Conduct community outreach, provide diabetes prevention education, and perform blood pressure checks and blood glucose testing at internal and external events.
Refer community members to medical, dental, behavioral health, and other services, and provide proactive follow-up and monitoring.
Attend outreach events, which may include evenings and weekends, to offer program services.
Call patients who have not met with their primary care provider and assist with rescheduling; ensure timely follow-up on patient care.
Communicate with supervisors, management, community members, and care teams, and build productive collaborative relationships in support of program goals and patient care plans.
Support program goals, quality improvement and assurance activities, program planning and design, and timely completion and reporting of deliverables.
Recruit American Indian/Alaskan Native participants for the annual Indigenous Wellness Camp; assist with evaluation reporting, speaker bookings, planning, and implementation; and maintain camp filing systems.
Complete and submit documentation and forms on time; enter and maintain patient and client data; support monthly and annual reporting; track meeting minutes, services, and equipment inventories; and maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
Assist with traditional garden maintenance, seasonal planting, supplies, harvesting schedules, and produce transport and delivery; work with the Garden Educator on workshops and volunteer activities.
Support patients through outreach, education, encouragement, and connections to programs and community resources; help patients stay engaged with available care, programs, classes, and workshops.
Work with the diabetes care team, Registered Dietitian, and Medical Providers to support high-risk diabetic patients’ enrollment and continued participation in care.
Follow up with patients about classes, workshops, and services; use motivational interviewing to encourage re-engagement and assist with medical appointment scheduling as needed.
Assist with the annual Indian Health Services Diabetes Care and Outcomes Audit.
Collaborate with schools, partner organizations, CHW department programs, and agency departments; support departmental initiatives, special projects, accreditation activities, and organizational events.
Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.