****Hours Per Week: 40

Job Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Summary/Objectives of Position

The Health Educator position is responsible for assisting with health education services for American Indian individuals receiving services from the Bakersfield American Indian Health Project (BAIHP). Health education may take place at the primary location and satellite office, associated clinics and agencies, or outreach sites including client's homes. The Health Educator is responsible for leading groups or will co-lead groups on various educational topics. The Health Educator will provide individual education to clients of the Bakersfield American Indian Health on various topics. The Health Educator is part of a multi-disciplinary team working to establish services that enhance the health and well-being of the clients while developing their self-monitoring and/or healthier behaviors.

Health Educator uses research skills to define the educational needs of the target population; design, manage, and evaluate health education programs; and serve in a primary role in the provision of services to BAIHP patients and other residents of the service area. The position requires specialized skills and the ability to work well as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

Essential Duties, Functions & Responsibilities

• Identifies individual and community health education needs and implements a strategy to address those needs one-on-one or in group education events.
• Responsible for conducting individual one-to-one health education sessions on diabetes, nutrition, breastfeeding, or other health topics and developing a follow-up plan to monitor behavior modification.
• Delivers classroom presentations regarding general health (i.e., sleep, rest, safety, CPR. chronic illness, Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, etc.) as well as specific health topics (i.e., drugs, alcohol, teenage pregnancy, pesticide awareness).
• Works closely with case management and departments to ensure education for diabetes clients according to urban GPRA indicators and Indian Health Service diabetes audit indicators to ensure each client receives the standard screenings, evaluations, and follow-up.
• Ensures the successful implementation of the activities and services of the Special Diabetes for Indians (SDPI) program and assists in delivering Health Promotion/Disease Prevention activities.
• Supports the program by submitting monthly activity reports to the executive team (CEO) regarding annual diabetes care audits, and semi-annual grant progress reports.
• Participates in all required webinars, trainings, and workshops as determined necessary or required for related grant programs.
• Responsible for the development and coordination of all outreach components/activities of the Diabetes Prevention/Risk Reduction and Maintenance Program.
• Participates in the Quality Improvement committee meetings and works with other department supervisors to ensure health promotion and prevention focus is included in all center programs and services.
• Coordinates with in-house service providers to develop, implement, and monitor an individual care plan for each patient. Assists in the research of proposals for grant applications or renewals.

Minimum Mandatory Qualifications

Education:

• Associate Degree in Public Health, Health Education, Nursing, Science, Social Work or related Field. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a clinical setting. Community healthcare experience is preferred, but not required.

License/Certification:

• Valid CA driver’s license.
• Valid CPR Certification or can be obtained within six months of hire.

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability or willingness to work with culturally diverse populations, youth, and professionals.
• Knowledge of and/or sensitivity to the needs of the American Indian community/culture. Ability to create learning materials along with researching appropriate materials for use.

Communication Skills:

• Demonstrates proficiency in communication and writing skills.
• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general and professional documents.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to foster teamwork; train and direct the work of team members and colleagues.

Technology

• Familiar with electronic healthcare records systems.
• Proficiency with using computer-based applications (e.g. Microsoft Office) and clinical information management systems.