Diabetes Prevention Specialist I

JOB

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The Diabetes Prevention Specialist I provides instruction on diabetes prevention through education, support, and guidance. This position provides education to students in classroom settings and emphasizes the importance of nutrition and physical activity. The incumbent provides services to children in schools, Head Start sites, Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) programs, and participates in public functions and events. The incumbent provides case management to families receiving services from the Genesis Diabetes Prevention Program with expertise in diabetes prevention, child development, and management of obesity in childhood.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Coordinate diabetes education with GRIC elementary schools and other tribal programs in providing services to students, teachers, parents, caregivers, and families in the community; coordinate care with Genesis program staff and other Tribal Programs in providing services to families and individuals throughout the Community.
Promote health, nutrition, and physical activities to students in schools, Head Start program, Early Head Start programs, and programs that provide services to children in the community; activity for high-risk children; and child health development.
Actively work with parents, caregivers, school personnel, and other health care providers to achieve program goals.
Demonstrate positive interaction with students, teachers, parents, caregivers, and others to elicit support and cooperation;
Assist in the drafting, design, implementation, and coordination of program outreach activities (i.e., seasonal events, health promotion activities, and marketing diabetes prevention activities, school events, and Head Start parent events);
Monitor client and provide referrals to other agencies as needed. Document client contact on a daily basis.
Track and record progress of infants/children to include height and weight.
Perform other related duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY:
Knowledge of geographical area to be served.
Knowledge of Tribal Health Department Services, health care systems and facilities and other community resources for referral.
Knowledge of SDPI program goals & objectives and added measures.
Ability to exercise good judgment in the development and implementation of lesson plans or health promotions. Work requires good composure, a positive attitude and organized work practices.
Ability to input daily activities on a daily basis in established department databases;
Ability to coordinate and adjust school schedules with PE Teacher, coordinate parent events, after-school activities and maintain school attendance, sign-in sheets;
Ability to be flexible, adjust to change, last minute requests, multi-task, and be a team player;
Must have the ability to communicate effectively in public functions such as classroom instruction, meetings, and community events;
Ability to demonstrate positive interaction with clients, families, and others to elicit support and cooperation.
Ability to maintain strict client confidentiality.
Ability to prepare required records and reports in a timely manner.
Ability and willingness to accept both formal training in the field of pediatrics or health or diabetes prevention.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the public.
Ability to lift over 25 pounds.
Ability to perform physical activities in extreme weather conditions, hot & cold.
Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-free workplace.
Ability to conduct research and network with other programs.
Must be proficient in computers, knowledge of Microsoft Office, ACCESS, Excel, Word, and Outlook.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Health Science, Nutrition, Public Health, Family and Consumer Science, or a closely related field and a one (1) year experience in a Public Health field which may involve health promotion, health education, exercise science, or health and wellness; Or
Three (3) years’ experience in a Public Health field, which may involve health promotion, health education, exercise science, or health and wellness.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must currently hold a Diabetes Prevention Certification, Certified Diabetes Educator, or Certified Nursing Assistant certification or obtain within one (1) year of employment.
Maintain current CPR & First Aid Certification. Must show proof of current CPR & First Aid Certification at the time of applying for position.
Must have a Physical Education or Fitness Certification from an accredited organization such as ACE, NASM, ACSM, AFPA, AFAA, or the Native Fitness Council or obtain within six (6) months of date of hire;
Must have GRIC food handler’s certification or obtain within ninety (90) days of hiring date and must be maintained during the course of employment;
Required to pass a background check and fingerprint clearance as a condition of employment and must continue to maintain throughout duration of employment.
Background checks are required for positions that involve regular contact with or control over Community children in accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S. C. Sections 3201 through 3210 and C.F.R. Part 63 and positions that have regular contact with the Elderly;
Must pass a TB skin test and provide proof/results prior to hire date.
Required to obtain a Tribal Operator’s permit. Valid state driver’s license with a current proof of driving record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit. Proof of driving record must be submitted with application and must not be more than 60 days old from the date of submission of the application.