Diabetes Educator

Job Description:

SUMMARY:

The Diabetes Educator works within the Health Services Division to design, implement and manage a program to address education, prevention and management of diabetes. The Educator is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating a curriculum focused on nutrition and lifestyle changes for diabetes prevention.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops, implements and evaluates a diabetes prevention curriculum using culturally-based best practice models.
• Reviews, evaluates and selects appropriate educational materials for program participants.
• Provides classes and talks on diabetes prevention and lifestyle changes for individual participants, family members, community groups, and staff.
• Maintains diabetes/nutrition books, magazines, and video library.
• Manages related activities and programs, such as lifestyle change programs to encourage positive and healthy activities for Tribal member and their families.
• Administers class evaluations, monitors data for areas needing improvement and makes program changes as needed based on data.
• Works with participants to customize the program to the individual with consideration for lifestyle, cultural, social, psychological and economic needs.
• Completes and submits the Indian Health Service Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) new funding cycle grant application (every 5 years) as well as annual continuation grants during the 5-year funding cycle.
• Compiles and submits monthly/quarterly/annual reports as required by grant and by the Tribe, including the SDPI Outcomes System (SOS) and the Diabetes WebAudit.
• Attends Indian Health Service SDPI (Special Diabetes Program for Indians) webinars and virtual meetings.
• Works as part of the Health Services team to identify individual and/or family needs for other services not necessarily directly related to the Diabetes Prevention Program.
• Participates, as available, in Tribal activities, such as Tribal Family Gathering dinners, youth events, youth camps, and other events.
• Works with Community Health Representatives regarding diabetes education and prevention.
• Provides blood glucose testing at events.
• Maintains and manages blood glucose monitors, testing supplies and educational materials for distribution to Tribal members.
• Prepares diabetes-related articles and flyers for publication in the monthly Tribal newsletter.
• Interacts with Tribal members and the general public in a courteous, professional, and efficient manner.
• Other duties as directed by management.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY & RESTRICTIONS:

• No supervisory authority.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to walk, talk, hear, use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• May be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 40 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENT:

• Moderate noise level with frequent interruptions and distractions.
• May require local and out of town/overnight travel.
• May be required to attend Tribal youth camps and other Tribal activities.

Experience and Skills:

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 25 years of age per Tribal Vehicle Use Policy.
• Valid driver's license as well as the ability to be able to comply with Tribal Vehicle Use Policy. This position may include providing transportation for clients in tribally-owned vehicles.
• Must have an Associate’s Degree in community health education, nursing or public health nutrition/dietetics with 3 years’ experience in clinical hands-on patient care or equivalent combination of education, experience and training.
• Certified Diabetes Educator or Certified Health Education Specialist is required.
• Must have or obtain within 90 days of hire a Food Handler’s card. Re-certification must be maintained as required thereafter.
• Must have or obtain within 90 days of hire First Aid and CPR certification (or as soon as the training is available if there is no training scheduled in the 90-day window). Re-certification must be maintained as required thereafter.
• Experience in Diabetes education and/or nutrition is preferred; specialized training in Diabetes and/or nutrition may substitute for experience.
• Adhere to prescribed training requirements: HIPAA training, needlestick training, and biohazard training.
• Knowledge and skills with computer programs (e.g., Microsoft™ Office Suite, Excel and Publisher) is required.
• Must possess ability to work with a wide variety of people and have the ability and skills to communicate effectively both verbally and written.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Must possess reasonable ability to communicate in English.
• This is a  safety sensitive position and will be subject to pre-employment drug testing and criminal history background check, which will include fingerprinting.
• Must have employment eligibility in the U.S.
• Indian preference will be observed in the hiring process.