Community Health Representative II/III

SUMMARY:

Performs community contact work, assists in providing services to clients and their family members, and acts as an advocate and resource person in accordance with the Community Health Care Section (CHCS) Department Policy & Procedure Manual under supervision of the (CHCS) Public Health Nurse Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Uses principles of confidentiality and maintains boundaries between staff and clients.

• Builds trusting partnerships with clients and families.

• Applies principles of a strength-based approach in assisting clients and families.

• Uses appropriate communication, resolves differences in constructive ways and promotes an attitude of teamwork   throughout the organization. 

• Responds to referrals in a timely manner. 

• Follows appropriate Home Visiting Procedure according to client need, i.e. postpartum home visits, elder home visits, safety and prevention home visits, Family Spirit home visit, etc.

• Reports problems and concerns about clients to CHCS Public Health Nurse or CHCS Registered Nurse.

• Demonstrates cultural competency while working with the community.

• Uses observation skills, knowledge and training to gather information about family members to develop a plan of care.

• Assists with development, selection and distribution of culturally specific health education materials.

• Provides individual and community education addressing chronic disease, prenatal, early childhood development, injury prevention and other identified topics.

• Follows CHCS Policy and Procedures when encountering serious issues such as: Domestic Violence, Child Abuse and Neglect, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Adult Mental Illness, Family Member Incarceration, Suicide Prevention, Medical and Dental Emergencies.

• Promotes healthy lifestyle choices in the areas of, but not limited to:  nutrition, physical activity, safety/injury prevention, parenting, etc.

• Assists clients in obtaining therapy or preventive health care as needed.

• Networks with other resources such as:  Public Health Department, Northern California Indian Development Council, Tribal Partners, California Rural Indian Health Board, and others.

• Maintains current community health trends as advocated by UIHS standards.

CHR II – 

• Assists with training of CHR I.
• Able to perform all CHR I duties satisfactorily.
• Participates in the training of new CHR staff.
• Participates in the Peer Review Process during annual and six-month evaluation of other CHRs.
• Collaborates with UIHS staff, community served, and outside agencies to implement culturally sensitive services.

• Participates in ongoing efforts to support the development of a comprehensive UIHS cultural competency program.
• Plans activities that promote community wellness, education, and action, such as:  Breast Health, Water Safety, Bike Safety, Child Safety, Autism, etc.
• Plan activities to participate in community events promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
• Participates in networking and planning meetings to share information as it relates to heath care needs and issues of their community.  

• Performs essential duties and responsibilities at the intermediate level.

CHR III - Assists with training of CHR Level II position.

• Assists is supervision of CHR level I and II while working in the field. 

• Performs essential duties and responsibilities at the expert level.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no supervisory responsibility. 

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Educational degrees must be from a US Department of Education accredited school

• Level I - High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and two or more years of related experience, or an AA degree in a health care related field.  Must be able to obtain a CPR, Basic First Aid certificate, Community Health Representative (CHR) certificate and National Traffic Highway Administration (NTSA) certificate within six months of hire.  Must be able to obtain a Venipuncture certificate within one year of hire.
• CPR certification and Basic First Aid certification within six months of hire. 
• Level II – Certificate such as:  Nurse’s Aide or Home Health Aide (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), California Medical Assistant (CMA), and three or more years of related experience or five (5) years as a CHR.  Must be able to obtain a CPR, Basic First Aid certificate, Community Health Representative (CHR) certificate and National Traffic Highway Administration (NTSA) certificate within six months of hire.  Must be able to obtain a Venipuncture certificate within one year of hire.
• Level III – California Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA) with five (5) years of related experience.