Health Associate

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Team Lead of Health, the Health Associate is responsible for working with families to develop and initiate Child Health Plans & Individual Health Development Plans. Navigate families through various health services available within the community to ensure that the unique health needs of program participants (children) are met in accordance with state and federal regulations (HHS/OECPDHS). Manages the various healthcare needs of program participants to ensure compliance with health program requirements. Set a precedent within limits and/or administer operating rules and procedures under management guidance. Performs advanced troubleshooting or analysis; uses judgment to select from known alternatives—frequent interaction to provide various levels of information and regular interaction requiring detailed procedural explanations or technical responses.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Responsible for activities involving compliance with applicable regulatory requirements as they relate to health/dental. Reviews and analyzes medical documentation and data on program participants to ensure accurate records are maintained.
• Perform screenings, assist with examinations, and any necessary follow-up (WCC, Lead, Sensory, Growth, and Dental) as needed, using state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• Submit health screening results to parents, schools, and partners; electronically attach and track highly confidential medical records in the ChildPlus database system, state immunization and lead databases, and any other applicable record-keeping databases. Compile weekly and monthly reports as to daily work performance and status on screenings, exams, and follow-up progress.
• Refer clients to various medical/dental providers and follow up with providers and families as necessary.
• Foster positive relationships with families, children, school staff, and collaborative community partners in order to navigate various medical/dental needs to obtain necessary medical/dental care or resources including, but not limited to: the child’s initial health status, access to medical/dental care, medication, health concerns, health insurance, EPSDT (immunizations, well-child visits, sensory screening status and laboratory screenings), or any other applicable needs.
• Check and document all parental consent forms before administering any health screenings and assessments; obtain releases for medical information; contact agencies, clinics, and health care providers to obtain pertinent medical/dental information; coordinate and document financial assistance plans if families are unable to pay for health-related services.
• Implement and oversee care plans for children with special health care needs, monitor health records and contact parents regarding due dates; monitor health records for problems/restrictions and monitor child’s files as needed or requested.
• Support staff at school sites through various methods regarding health/dental-related concerns; participate and give feedback in scheduled meetings to ensure children and families are receiving the necessary attention for health/dental needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Education/Experience

• Associate degree required, Bachelors degree preferred. Will consider 4 years of commensurate experience in lieu of a degree
• 2 years of related work experience
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) or (English/Zomi) preferred

Certification/license

• Must obtain food handlers permit and CPR/First Aid Certification within 30 days of employment.
• Must obtain state certification for vision screening and medication administration certification within one year of employment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Must have proven successful interpersonal relationship skills to maintain effective and satisfactory working relationships with intra-department and inter-department staff, vendors, clients, visitors, and contractors.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions with the ability to read, interpret, and present information efficiently and effectively.
• Must be able to accurately audit records and ensure compliance with written or oral guidelines.
• Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work well under pressure.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality of extremely sensitive data, records, files, conversations, etc. Intermediate MS Office skills, working knowledge of accounting and budgeting practices.
• Advanced organizational skills, efficiency skills, and excellent attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to completing assignments on a timely basis.

Essential Physical & Mental Requirements

Work is a normal office environment. Employee is subject to standing, stooping, walking, lifting, and carrying objects throughout daily job performance. Intermittent effort involving lifting of amounts between 5 and 25 pounds is required. Work requires moderate attention to detail and deadlines between 15% and 45% of the time. Driving is required intermittently (exposure to normal traffic hazards).