Public Health Technician

Navajo Preference Employment Act :
In accordance with Navajo Nation and federal law, TCRHCC has implemented an Affirmative Action Plan pursuant to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act. Pursuant to this Plan and corresponding TCRHCC Policy, applicants who meet the necessary qualifications for this position and (1) are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, or San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe will be given preference in hiring and employment for this position, (2) are legally married to enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, or San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and meet residency requirements will be given secondary preference, and (3) are enrolled members of other federally-recognized American Indian Tribes will be given tertiary preference.

Overview:

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Public Health Director, Project Manager, and Lead Public Health Technician or local supervision, the Public Health Technician will provide public health interventions to include pandemic/epidemic preparedness; infectious disease case investigation/contact tracing; screening for infectious disease; vaccination outreach; community health work; community connecting & resource delivery; health education & coaching related to primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention; population health measurement; and public health data support. The incumbent will conduct case investigation/contact tracing in response to infectious disease(s). The incumbent will provide evidence-based intervention, education and public health communication to community members. The Public Health Technician will support community members in reaching optimal health without discrimination. The Public Health Technician will utilize patient tracking and data collection software and EHR to provide and document services provided. This is a CDC CHW CCR grant-funded position.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

High School Diploma or GED

Experience:

Six (6) months customer service or contact tracing experience.

Certification:

Must have and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification by the American Heart Association (AHA) or obtain within six months from date of hire.

Other Skills and Abilities:

A record of satisfactory performance in all prior and current employment as evidenced by positive employment references from previous and current employers. All employment references must address and indicate success in each one of the following areas:

• Ability to speak, read, and write English.
• Positive working relationships with others.
• Possession of high ethical standards and no history of complaints.
• Professional, positive attitude and work ethic to patients and colleagues.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally during a time of crisis and distress.
• Ability to show empathy to distressed individuals.
• Ability to multi-task efficiently and effectively; develop well written reports, notes, and letters.
• Excellent customer service skills and telephone etiquette.
• Proficiency with computers and computer software.
• Completion of and, above-satisfactory scores on all job interviews, demonstrating to the satisfaction of the interviewees and TCRHCC that the applicant can perform the essential functions of the job
• Successful completion of and positive results from all background and reference checks, including positive employment references from authorized representatives of past and current employers demonstrating to the satisfaction of TCRHCC a record of satisfactory performance and that the applicant can perform the essential functions of the job
• Successful completion of fingerprint clearance requirements, physical examinations, and other screenings indicating that the applicant is qualified to be employed by TCRHCC and demonstrating to the satisfaction of TCRHCC that the applicant can perform the essential functions of the job
• Submission of all required employment-related documents, applications, resumes, references, and other required information free of false, misleading, or incomplete information, as determined by TCRHCC.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL EFFORT

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical:

Work is mostly sedentary requiring prolonged periods of sitting, talking, and hearing. However, does require at times prolonged periods of up to three to four hours of standing and walking at a time. The incumbent must be able to frequently reach with hands and arms; and, use hands to finger, handle or feel. This position does require the ability to occasionally lift, push, and pull up to 25 pounds. Work does require the ability to hear client calls, instructions from physicians/department staff, and, overhead pages over loudspeaker. The job requires the ability to see close, distance, color, and peripheral vision. Incumbent will need to be able to repetitively move using both hands in grasping simple/light; grasping firm/heavy; and, fine dexterity.

Mental:

Incumbent must be able to effectively communicate to the patient what specific information is needed, the reason for requesting such information and be able to ascertain that it is accurate as possible. Must be able to effectively manage high-stress situations, such as urgent or emergent medical needs, while maintaining infection prevention standards. Must have ability to cope with high levels of stress, make decisions under high pressure, cope with anger/fear/hostility of others in a calm way, manage altercations, concentrate, handle high degree of flexibility, handle multiple priorities in stressful situation, work alone, demonstrate high degree of patience, adapt to shift work, and work in areas that are close and crowded.

Environmental:

Work may occur outdoors in various types of weather conditions, frequently while wearing personal protective equipment. Noise level of work area is typically moderate.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Complete Contact Tracing training as follows: John Hopkins COVID19 Contact Tracing, Navajo Nation Contact Tracing, and other relevant trainings prior to being assigned contact tracing and case investigation duties.
2. Conduct interviews of individuals with infectious disease, including STIs, to identify every possible contact (or partner) during the time the patient may have been infectious. Communication may be face-to-face, by phone, by text, or by email, but must comply with TCRHCC HIPAA policy. If completed face-to-face, required PPE will be worn.
3. Adhere to the infectious disease prevention guidelines and measures, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Navajo Nation Health Command and Operation Center, and TCRHCC EPI Response. Provide up-to-date evidence-based information to patients, including those with negative test results, positive cases, and their contacts
4. Work closely with a team of contact tracers, clinical staff, and support staff to efficiently complete timely case investigations, contact notifications, and follow-up calls.
5. Assess needs, status, risk, and submit welfare check assessment for patients and Coordinate the patients needs with community connectors, nurse practitioner/physician assistant, and public health nursing.
6. Create follow-up plans with cases and contacts for isolation or quarantine guidelines, vaccine scheduling, and recommended supplies if needed.
7. Follow a script to inform case and contacts about need for isolation or quarantine, testing, self-care, and emergency signs, symptoms, and recommendations.
8. Connect community members to available resources, such as food, water, housing, electric, health care services, public health interventions, and social services. Support individuals and families in navigating systems and obtaining culturally appropriate, science-based information.
9. Provide welfare checks and support to community members at high-risk and/or in isolation/quarantine.
10. Deliver evidence-based public health interventions related to mental and physical health promotion, such as the Family Spirit home visiting program. Practice trauma-informed care.
11. Deliver public health communication and messaging on various prevention topics.
12. Provide health coaching to support individuals and communities in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
13. Deliver vaccination efforts and promote public health services to communities, households, and individuals by phone, telehealth technology, or face-to-face in the community.
14. Provide front-line epidemic response and disease surveillance support.
15. Carry out community health assessment surveys across Service Area, gathering data on the health of community members, social determinants of health, and other assessment data.
16. Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA; includes conducting case and contact interviews without violating
17. Responsible for accurate and timely electronic health records and contact tracing software data entry pertinent to patient service
18. Communicate clearly and effectively on the telephone and face-to-face to provide excellent customer service regarding any and all public health needs with accurate, timely, and up-to-date information.
19. Uses EHR and available data systems to track public health data. Contacts patients to obtain missing data and to promote public health services.
20. Assists the Screener/Greeters at various entry points to ensure appropriate screening for all patients and visitors entering the TCRHCC campus.
21. Ensure proper PPE is used at all times while on duty. Face surgical mask is to be worn in all hospital areas. Proper handwashing is required. If water is not available use hand sanitizer. Social distancing will be practiced by department.
22. Proper PPE is used inside assigned Clinics or Unit. NIOSH-approved N95 mask filtering face piece respirator or higher, is available, this included eye or face masks shield, gloves, and isolation gown.
23. Complete all donning and doffing tasks in a safe acceptable method and discard of used PPE accordingly. Complete provided training.
24. Performs other duties as assigned.