Health Specialist

Position Summary The Health Specialist provides clinical and public health expertise to support tribal health and wellness programs. This role delivers direct preventive services and screenings, conducts health assessments, coordinates referrals and care, supports chronic disease prevention and management initiatives, and collects and manages health data.

The Health Specialist ensures culturally responsive care aligned with tribal health priorities. This position operates under the supervision of the Program Manager, with guidance from the Public Health Director and the Catawba Service Unit’s registered dietitian.

Essential Functions

An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Perform community health screenings (e.g., blood pressure, BMI, tobacco/smoke exposure) and accurately document results.
• Provide health education and brief interventions; such as diabetes self-management, tobacco cessation, nutrition, and physical activity, while using culturally appropriate materials.
• Conduct individual and community health assessments and contribute to program planning and implementation.
• Coordinate referrals and follow-up with tribal clinics, IHS, behavioral health, and specialty providers.
• Track referral completion and outcomes.
• Engage respectfully with tribal members, elders, youth, and community partners, incorporating cultural practices into care approaches.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and tribal policies; adhere to professional and ethical standards.
• Travel locally for outreach activities, home visits, and community events as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This position description is not an exhaustive listing of the expectations associated with the role and additional tasks may be assigned as needed by management. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources team. Catawba Indian Nation reserves the right to amend this job description.

Catawba Indian Nation exercises INDIAN PREFERENCE:

Tribal Government Positions

Native American (Indian) preference applies to this position pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5301 et seq.; the Indian Reorganization Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5116; and other applicable federal and tribal laws, consistent with the sovereign authority of the Catawba Indian Nation.

Gaming Commission Positions

Native American (Indian) preference applies to this position pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq.; applicable regulations of the National Indian Gaming Commission at 25 CFR Chapter III; the Indian Reorganization Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5116; and other applicable federal and tribal laws, consistent with the sovereign authority of the Catawba Indian Nation.

Background checks and drug screening are requirements for employment. 

Qualifications  

Experience:

• Minimum 2 - 4 years of experience in community health, public health, nursing, or allied health settings.
• Experience conducting health screenings, health education, care coordination, and basic data collection/analysis.
• Experience working in diverse, tribal or Indigenous community health preferred.
• Experience with culturally responsive health approaches preferred.

Education:

• Associate degree in nursing, public health, community health, health education, or related field required with at least 2 years of healthcare experience OR bachelor’s degree in nursing, public health, or related field preferred.

Licenses & Certifications:

• If an RN/LPN: current state nursing license must be in good standing (as applicable).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Possess a clean, valid state Driver’s License and be insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy.
• Certification in community health, health education, diabetes educator, or tobacco cessation counseling preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of preventative health practices, chronic disease management (especially diabetes, obesity, hypertension), and population health principles.
• Familiarity with screening tools, point-of-care testing procedures, and client education.
• Proficient in data entry, Microsoft Office, and basic reporting.
• Demonstrated strong communication, interpersonal, and teaching skills, with the ability to assess client needs, build positive relationships, and effectively engage individuals across diverse age groups.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to tribal practices, traditions and culture and history; ability to incorporate traditional healing practices respectfully.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational time-management skills.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to participate in quality improvement processes.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Primarily community and clinic-based work within tribal facilities, community centers, schools, and occasional off-site events.
• May involve work in varied settings (indoor clinics, outdoor community events, home visits).
• Frequent contact with the public, tribal members, elders, youth, and partner organizations.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time during clinics and events.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting or moving supplies or equipment up to potentially up to 30 pounds.

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000