POSITION TITLE: Wellness Advocate

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Tribal Health

SUPERVISOR: Director – Healing Center or Designee

GRADE: NE9 $17.84 ($37,107.30) – $26.76 ($55,660.80)

Position Summary:

Under direct supervision, the Wellness Advocate performs a variety of tasks that require engaging with and advocating for at risk individuals that are struggling with or at risk of developing a variety of mental health and/or drug and alcohol concerns and supports clinical team with community outreach events and activities. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Meets with identified at risk adults, elder, and disabled adult clients in the community and in the homes to engage, inspire, and facilitate meaningful conversation with the members served to assist the person to explore, and create goals and identify needs.
• Acts as an advocate for assigned clients.
• Works directly with the case management team and clinical team to identify needs and concerns and seeks out resources to assist.
• Assists families with resources, education, and support the needs of the clients served.
• Documents client encounter and calls into the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Able to complete crisis intervention training within an initial 30days of employment.
• Able to provide crisis interventions with clients on the phone or in person until a clinical staff is available to support.
• Able to recognize, assist and remain calm while providers manage severely mentally ill and/or clients in psychiatric crisis.
• Facilitate screening tools at intake and when checking in for each appointment and take blood pressure and pulse and record in the EHR.
• Prepares program flyers and promotional materials as directed.
• Assists in planning, organizing, and implementing community outreach events and programs.
• Calling clients to remind them of upcoming appointments and rescheduling canceled or missed appointments.
• Assists providers and case management in coordinating care with outside entities including but not limited to court, inpatient rehab, social services, law enforcement and hospitals.
• Promotes positive image for the Healing Center to Tribal members and professional contacts.
• Maintains patient files in accordance with HIPPA and Confidentiality policies.
• Assists in computer data entry for the purpose of medical billing and grant reporting.
• Maintains and operates office machines, equipment, and computers. Performs or coordinates general maintenance and repair.
• Maintains confidentiality, within the confines of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) of all privileged information.
• Maintains inventory of office supplies.
• Maintains a log for vendor expense.
• Performs errands for the Healing Center Manager or providers as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience working in mental health or medical related field a plus.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of records management and basic accounting procedures.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn CDMIS, RPMS, NextGen and GUI computer programs.
• Knowledge of general goals and purpose of the Washoe Tribal Health Center
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner, building respect and confidence.
• Adheres to all healthcare standards as related to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines in stressful situations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; occasionally is required to operate a motor vehicle; stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level.

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California requires a background check of each new hire for employment purposes. Therefore, all conditionally offered positions will be subject to the following:

• Negative alcohol and drug screen
• Meet requirements of Public Law 101-630
• Obtain or possess a valid driver’s license for either the State of Nevada or California within 30 days
• Must be insurable under the Washoe Tribe’s driving policy
• Preference will be given to qualified Native Americans