Community Health Representative
JOB SUMMARY:
The Community Health Representative (CHR) works closely with the Health Team and others to promote wholistic community health and wellness, protect health, prevent injury and illness and to support and assist in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of health servies and programs. As a member of the KBC Health Team, the CHR serves as a key liaison between patients, families, community members and health care providers; ensuring that clients/families understand their conditions and treatments and are being provided with appropriate and timely care.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
*Provides services as needed in all or some of the following areas to help implement the KBC work plan: health and wellness promotion; client care; health protection; community advocacy; cultural liaison; and administrative duties.
*Assists in the development, implementation and monitoring of worlk plans/reports (annual, monthly or as needed) for the delivery of primary and secondary prevention programs, and/or intervention services for individuals, groups or community at large.
*Researches the health and wellness needs of the community and the "best practices" of successful programs that improve health and wellness of KBC members.
*Maintains confidential and accurate records of interactions with clients and provides reports and other information as requested for monitoring, evaluating and reporting purposes.
*Assists and/or takes the lead in organizing health and wellness education workshops and creates culturally appropriate education materials.
* Assists in delivery of health and wellness promotion and injuiry prevention programs such as prenatal classes, immunization clinics, communicable disease control, parenting programs, etc.
*Conducts visits or hospital visits to build relationships with community members and provide information and support (Including advocacy home).
*Assists in the monitoring of clients with chronic illness or special health needs.
*In conjunction with other Health Team members, carries out health and wellness screening programs.
*Refers clients and families to appropriate resources and services and helps them overcome any access barriers.
* Provides information about personal hygene, safe food handling, safe water quality and waste disposal.
*Develops respectful and effective partnerships/relationships with KBC departments and external stakeholders as needed to support integrated/coordinated service delivery.
*Assists when needed in Patient Travel (i.e, coordinate patient travel for community members).
*Support Elder's lunch with grocery shopping and delivery.
*Support Kwakiutl Health Centre programs with pick up and delivery services-program groceries, program supplies deliveries, and Red Cross equipment.
*Adheres to all Kwakiutl First Nation policies and procedures.
*Assists in the developmnet, implementation and evaluation of any health and wellness work plans, and community health and wellness plans and other initiatives as requested (including documentation of overall health services).
*Performs other duties as required to assist in implementation of the health work or to provide back fill coverage when directed.
REQUIREMENTS:
*Knowledge of the Kwakiutl community, culture and language an asset.
*Completion of Community Wellness Certificate Program; Community Health Representative Certificate Program; Community Health Care Certificate Program or a certificate deemed comparable by the KBC (i.e, 10-month diploma in the health field).
*Strong computer skills (i.e, knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Word, Internet research, and Email) or be willing to undergo training when directed.
*Willingness to successfully undergo criminal records check (see below).
*Must role model behavior that encourages clients and members of the community to live a healthy and responsible lifestyle.
*Maintain a valid BC drivers licence as a condition of employment and preferably have access to a reliable vehicle.
*Should have a telephone at home.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
*Work closely with the various health agencies, medical professionals, and other First Nations.
*Maintains good relations with the Kwakiutl community promoting good health and wellness.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
It is paramount that all positions within the health team strive to communicate and serve the Kwakiutl people in a manner that respects, enhances and promotes the cultural identity and well-being of both the individual and the health care providers. This position will strive for cultural safety by:
*Gaining cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity.
*Understanding and complying with any Kwakiutl policies or position statements on "cultural safety" (and ensuring it is reflected in individual training/professional development plans)
*Ensuring that plans, policies and activities undertaken promote the holistic health and well-being of the Kwakitul in a way that incorporates and promotes the cultural aspects of the Kwakiutl people and traditions.
*Assisting in the articulation and establishment of cultural influence expectations in the Kwakiutl Health Centre planning and day-to-day operations.
*Must successfully and periodically undergo (i.e, every year or as needed) an appropriate criminal records review and police record check to demonstrate that there are no relevant charges or convictions. KBC will reimburse the cost of undergoing the criminal records review and police records check.
*Required to work in a variety of different enviroments.
*Respected within the community.
*Demonstrated ability to work well with others.
*Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential information.
*May be required to periodically work outside of normal working hours, and to function independently.
*Successful applicant must agree to abide by Kwakiutl Band organizational polices (i.e, personnel, confidentiality, conflict of interest, and code of conduct).
*Smoke and scent free enviroment.
*Harassment and violence free enviroment.
TO APPLY: Send your resume and cover letter to Caitlin Hartnett, Health Director, at