Description

We are looking for an individual to serve as an Advocate with the Native American Outreach Program, a voluntary home visiting program within the Maternal Child Health Division at the Ingham County Health Department. In this role, the person will connect with and serve the Native American community throughout Ingham County. Primary roles include connecting individuals and families to health insurance, helping them to identify a primary health care provider, address any challenges in attending those medical appointments (transportation, child care, etc.), along with connecting to other services.   We encourage members of the greater Lansing Native American community to apply

Under general direction, performs outreach services to at-risk pregnant women and families with children under the age of three.  Makes home visits, assesses client needs, refers services and monitors client's participation in eligible programs.  Develops a network of service providers and promotes programs throughout the community.    

Essential Functions

1. Contacts prospective program participants to inform them of available services.  Explains benefits and encourages participation.    
2. Conducts detailed assessments regarding client's social history, medical history, economic status and support systems.  Determines eligibility for services.
3. Provides education and information about pregnancy, labor & delivery, infant care, child development and parenting skills.  
4. Assists clients in navigating the social service agency system.  Helps establish goals, develop decision-making skills and learn problem-solving techniques.  
5. Arranges transportation for clients to keep appointments with health care providers and social service agencies.  
6. Provides intervention for such crisis circumstances as child abuse and neglect.  Provides families with appropriate referral information and testifies in court regarding child welfare issues.  
7. Maintains good working relations with other community agencies.  Advocates for clients by identifying their needs to individual, community and service agencies.  
8. Performs various outreach activities.  Markets programs and services to individuals, agencies, schools, physicians and other groups to create awareness and increase participation.  
9. Maintains detailed case records.  Runs departmental reports.  

Other Functions: Performs other work duties as assigned.

During a public health emergency, the employee may be required to perform duties similar to but not limited to those in his/her job description.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.  During a public health emergency, the employee may be required to perform duties similar to but not limited to those in his/her job description.  

Employment Qualifications

Education:  A high school diploma or equivalent is required.   *Experience: *Experience with social services or public health systems is strongly preferred.  Experience assisting diverse groups including Native Americans in navigating social service systems, court systems and community agencies is strongly preferred.  Experience working with infants is also preferred.   

Requirements and Working Conditions

Other Requirements: 

(The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description.  The qualifications shou