Health Educator

Job Title: Health Educator
Reports to: Regional Project Manager/Medical Director

I. General Purpose of Position:

ACCESS II is a new demonstration program that will build on Carolina ACCESS by assisting local providers to develop managed care delivery systems that coordinate a continuum of care with processes to influence cost and quality of care. The program is sponsored, by the Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) and the N. C. Foundation for Alternative Health Programs, Inc. and is funded, in part, by the Kate B. Reynolds Health Care Trust.

AccessCare is one of seven Access II programs. AccessCare local care managers will work with local providers to develop community-based managed care networks and infrastructure that will be able to meet the health care needs of the Medicaid population, while providing the State with greater budget predictability. The primary purpose of the Regional Project Manager is to oversee program development and provide education, leadership implementing, and evaluating the educational processes needs to assure that the Access II Medicaid eligible clients receive comprehensive and cost-effective health care knowledge.

II. Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

The Health Educator will work in concert with the AccessCare Medical Director, Regional Project Mangers, Primary Care Providers (PCP), Local Care Managers (LCM), and the community to coordinate a full continuum of health education services considering the patient's unique social and cultural dynamics. Examples of these may be, but are not limited to:

• Act as a liaison between the PCP, AccessCare, local Health Department (HD), Department of Social Services (DSS), and local hospitals by arranging health educational services in concert with the PCP and LCM.
• Assisting the LCM in development of educational workshops, for those client populations at greatest risk.
• Collaborate with team members to innovatively consolidate work, solve problems, and/or reduce costs.
• Assist in developing educational tools based on the importance of medical care management and the proper method to access care in the Carolina Access program.
• Coordinate, develop and provide health care education programs and training that are applicable to the patient and families' needs.
• Coordinate and develop education programs and training that are applicable to the PCP and AccessCare staff with the Regional Project Manager's and Medical Director's input.
• Build and maintain relationships with community service providers through collaboration and networking.
• Provide network training on how to implement outreach to AccessCare targeted population.
• Organize meetings.
• Maintain records of staff and practice
• Provide administrative support to Regional Project Managers and Medical Director.
• Work to resolve conflict constructively; seek guidance regarding conflict resolution when necessary.
• Perform other duties as required.

III. Nature and Scope of the Position

A. Supervision of Duties: Not Applicable

B. Organizational Relationships

C. Scope of Responsibilities:

• Budget Responsibilities: Not applicable - will review at a later date.
• Confidential Information: Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all internal, practice, and patient information.
• Equipment used: Computer with various software programs such as Internet, Excel, and word processor; computer printer; digital pager; telephone; personal automobile; fax machine; copier; calculator; and paper shredder.

IV. Decision Making

Make occasional significant decisions within the standards of the position. Is generally guided by established policy and, as familiarity with organization and position within, only unusual questions or problems are referred to a superior.

V. Knowledge/Skills Required

Education/Experience: Graduation from a state accredited school of health education; a minimum of 3 years experience working with the Medicaid population; two years of community based health education experience is preferred; must possess a valid NC Driver's License.

Training/Skills

• Excellent communication skills both orally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of care management principles.
• Knowledge of government, private organizations and community resources.
• Skill in establishing rapport with a patient and applying techniques of assessing psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological aspects of a client's problem.
• Knowledge of and compliance with federal and state regulations applicable to the position.
• Analytical skills necessary as independent decisions and problem solving are required.
• Strong organizational and computer skills required including various office software and Internet.

VI. Working Conditions

Physical Demands – The job environment is primarily an office environment although practice and patient home visits may be required. Exposure to general office and household conditions as well as communicable diseases could occur. Routinely there may be some minor physical inconveniences or discomfort in the work setting. A moderate amount of traveling/driving is required, as well as sitting for moderate periods of time. There is occasional lifting of 20-30 pounds necessary to complete a task.

Work Environment – Time will be spent visiting PCP offices, other health care providers, community organizations, and homes of clients and their families. Frequent changes are expected on a daily basis; therefore, flexibility and adaptability are needed. Evening and weekend work may be required. Travel may be part of daily routine based on network needs and establishing community links within the provider service area. Local travel in your personal automobile could vary between 25% - 75%.