Health Aide-Chatham

Georgia Department of Public Health•Savannah, GA

About The Position

The Health Aide works within the Coastal Health District of the Georgia Department of Public Health, supporting public health services and the agency’s mission to protect lives and promote health. The role supports clinicians and clinic operations by preparing clients and clinic areas, collecting specimens, taking vital signs and measurements, performing laboratory tests and screenings, documenting results, and completing related clerical and data-entry duties. The position also includes HIV-related testing, counseling, and linkage to care; reinforcing care instructions; and helping develop culturally appropriate health education materials. Coastal Health District County Health Department employees are considered essential during emergencies and may be required to assist with activities such as staffing shelters, Specimen Point of Collection sites, or Points of Dispensing. This participation may occur during or outside regular work hours. The posting describes a Monday–Friday schedule and lists benefits for eligible full-time employees.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Six months of experience in a related field.
One year of experience at the lower-level Health Aide 1 (HCS020) or an equivalent position.
Provide education documentation; provide a license or certification if required for the position.
Selected applicants are subject to criminal background check and fingerprinting, reference checks, and required immunizations; a pre-employment drug screen may also be required.

Nice To Haves

One or more years of experience in health services delivery.
A license or certificate in a health services delivery field, such as certified nursing assistant or emergency medical technician.

Responsibilities

Prepare clients for procedures and examinations, assist with physical preparation, and support the clinician during examinations.
Perform laboratory tests, including hematocrit, urine, sickle cell, lead, and pregnancy tests; prepare and collect laboratory specimens; and perform HIV-related testing, counseling, and linkage to care.
Measure and record vital signs, height, weight, head and chest circumferences, and hearing and vision screening results.
Prepare clinic areas by assembling and arranging equipment and supplies for clinics and clinicians.
Clean and assemble equipment and supplies according to health department procedures and policies; perform test controls and CLIA proficiency testing.
Reinforce instructions given by nurses or doctors to help clients follow recommended therapeutic regimens.
Assist in developing and using health education materials appropriate to the target population’s cultural context.
Attend educational updates and workshops to keep current with advances in health care.
Prepare and maintain client records, including demographic and identification information, laboratory results, and anthropometric or growth data.
Maintain reports required for local, district, and state audits.
Perform filing and retrieve charts.
Enter laboratory results, client appointments, orders, and treatment choices into data systems.
Observe and document patient data, behavior, and activity.
Order and ship laboratory supplies and assist with clinic flow and clinicians as needed.
Participate in emergency response activities when called, including possible staffing of shelters, specimen collection sites, or dispensing sites.

Benefits

Training opportunities and tuition assistance.
Health insurance.
Employee retirement plan, including a defined benefit retirement plan.
Deferred compensation plans, including 401(k) and 457 plans, with employer match.
13 paid holidays.
Annual and sick leave, described as three weeks of each accrued.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Long-term care insurance.
Life insurance.
Health care and dependent care spending accounts.
AD&D insurance.
Disability insurance.
Legal insurance.
Specified illness coverage.
Educational support leave.
Employee assistance program.
Employee discount program.
Physical activity breaks.
Supportive and rewarding work environment.