COMMUNITY HEALTH REPRESENTATIVE

Position Summary

Provides health and safety related services to Sandia Pueblo community members. Services include safety checks, home visits; screening and identification of health problems; education and outreach; monitoring patient status; planning, development and implementation of health or safety related projects; and patient transportation.

Supervision Exercised

Reports to the Public Health Nurse.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The scope of this position can be in two major areas; medical and safety related.

Safety-

1. Monitors and assists with community safety functions such as seat belt surveys, animal health programs, smoke alarm education and other home safety issues.
2. Participates in development and implementation of Environment of Care plans,  

       including life safety, security, utility management, emergency preparedness plan

      for the Pueblo.

1. Provides information to the community on various safety related services and

programs; coordinates with other departments and the Indian Health Service in providing safety education and injury prevention activities.  

1. Prepares and submits written reports and related correspondence to supervisor.
2. Acts as liaison with IHS Environmental Health Department.
3. As time and qualifications permit, may cross train with the Medical CHR.
4. Supervises all safety, fire-prevention and protection programs, including the Indian Health Service Injury Prevention Program, to whatever extent necessary to insure accomplishment of objectives.
5. Assist the Sandia Casino/Resort and other tribal programs with health and safety inspections.
6. Serves on the Safety Committee and is responsible, as co-chair, for the EOC meeting.
7. Provide safety inspections and fire drills in accordance with AAAHC requirements for the Sandia Health Center.
8. Coordinates and manages spay and neuter clinics, vaccinations clinics, and animal control within the Pueblo.
9. Back up van driver for non-emergency transport of patients to medical appointments; may accompany fragile patients to such appointments.
10. Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned or necessary.

Medical-

1. Conducts home visits to monitor patient’s conditions and take readings of vital signs and provides blood glucose monitoring for diabetic patients.
2. Assists Sandia Health Center professional staff in scheduling patient services at health clinics and specialty clinics.
3. Coordinates Audiology, WIC and optometry clinics.
4. Provides community members information on health services available from the tribe, Indian Health Services, State and other health and social service agencies.
5. Under the direction of the Public Health Nurse, changes sterile dressing, applies binders, bandages, and other dressings as directed.
6. Schedules, with the van driver, non-emergency transportation for Tribal members to and from hospitals and clinics. Accompanies patients and acts as and advocate for those who are elderly and in frail condition.
7. Conducts health education sessions individually or with co-workers for families and tribal members.
8. Provides one to one education in such areas as aftercare, breast feeding, infant care, child development and family planning also coordinates clients to sign up for WIC.
9. Reports abnormal pediatric, adult, geriatric, findings to primary care provider ands or nurse via telephone or in person.
10. Coordinates and provides health education classes to head start children, parents, staff, and youth regarding Health Promotion / Disease Prevention.
11.  Assists the Safety CHR with the Spay/Neuter and vaccine clinic for family animals.
12.  Coordinates the blood drives and mammogram vans.
13. Other related duties as assigned.

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

Cross train in both Safety and Medical aspects of the job.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to prepare and deliver oral and written reports.
2. Ability to respect confidentiality of patient information.
3. Ability to travel and attend meetings, conferences and training seminars.
4. Ability to perform physical requirements of the position.
5. Ability to take vital signs and enter data accurately.
6. Ability to render basic First Aid and CPR.
7. Ability to learn new skills and information as needed.
8. Knowledge of tribal health concerns and available community resources.
9. Knowledge of CHR and Health Center policies and procedures.
10. Knowledge of safety regulations, standards and practices.
11. Skill in relating to patients and other staff.
12. Ability to protect the confidentiality of all patient information.
13. Ability to recognize abnormal symptoms in adults and children.

Minimum Qualifications, Education and Experience

Required:

1. High School Diploma, GED certification or equivalent 
2. Two (2) years of experience and/or training in a community health and safety related capacity.
3. Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted New Mexico Driver’s License
4. Must possess and maintain the following license and/or certifications:
   1. CPR card and first aid training

Preferred:

1. Specific knowledge of federal safety laws including the Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations.

Licensing Status

1. Must be able to successfully pass a stringent background and character investigation in compliance with PL 101.630.
2. Will require a post-offer, pre-employment and random drug screening.

Working Conditions

1. Work is performed primarily indoors.
2. Occasional travel within immediate area of Clinic to visit patients in their homes; some outdoor work required.
3. Work may require handling of average weight objects (up to 25 Pounds), assist with patient lifts and transfers using appropriate body mechanics; walking, standing, sitting, crouching.
4. Environment involves some exposure to physical risks which require following basic safety procedures.
5. Work environment involves some exposure to contagious diseases and or blood borne pathogens and may require use of personal protective equipment.
6. May be required to submit to annual TB and Hepatitis screening.
7. Employee will adhere to all applicable Pueblo of Sandia Employee Manual policies and procedures and other Health Center Administrative policies and procedures.
8. HOURS:  Primarily 8:00 – 5:00 pm weekdays.  May be asked to adjust schedule to see or transport clients outside of regular hours.