Physical Activity Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Since 1970, Indian Health Council, Inc. (IHC) has provided high-quality, compassionate healthcare and support services to the nine Federally recognized American Indian tribes in north San Diego County. With more than 200 employees serving 2 clinic sites, IHC is proud of the diversity of its staff as a reflection of the community it serves. The reward of working at IHC is more than a paycheck and excellent benefits; it is the impact and contribution to the Tribal community that employees value most. If you are passionate about improving the overall health and wellness of our tribal community, IHC is looking for people like you.

About Us
• Patient-Centered Care: Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health, Pharmacy, Social Services
• Research focused: Community Based Participatory grant-funded research programs; we are a Native American Research Center of Health (NARCH).
• Accredited as an ambulatory health care center by AAAHC

Our Philosophy
At IHC, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge to achieve their healthcare goals. We strive to treat the whole person using a multifaceted approach to include physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health and wellbeing.

Our Benefits
PPO medical, dental, and vision insurance with low employee contribution; company-paid life and disability insurance; malpractice coverage for providers; 403B retirement with company matching; generous PTO and Sick time; 14 paid holidays; paid jury service; and paid bereavement leave; reimbursement for professional license(s), and certifications such as CPR and continuing education units. Our facility also qualifies as a high-need area for provider CA State and Federal Loan Repayment Programs.

Reports To: Health Promotions Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Function: Non-clinical

Classification: Regular, Full-time

Schedule: Monday – Friday 1.0 FTE

Location: Onsite, position may be assigned to work at both IHC locations

Grant End Date: 12/31/2027

SUMMARY:

As a member of the Diabetes Team, the Physical Activity Specialist is responsible for patient case management, design, and implementation of exercise programs according to grant objectives and as referred to by other IHC departments. Prescribes based on graded exercise test results, evaluates client responses to exercise and conditioning, educates clients, interacts, and communicates effectively with the physician, program supervisor, participants, and community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of employees assigned to this job position. Duties and responsibilities may change (be assigned or removed) at any time with or without notice.

1. Plan and organize the daily operations of the department, or sub-section of the department and ensure that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks as assigned.

2. Implement, train employees, and monitor compliance with department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Contribute information to continuous quality initiative (CQI) activities.

3. Supervise and coordinate the work of subordinate employees, by establishing work schedules, creating assignments, setting priorities and monitoring productivity, and time and attendance. Responsible for ensuring adequate staffing coverage in accordance with minimum staffing plans.

4. Develop and communicate individual goals for subordinate employees, monitor and evaluate employee performance through the review of completed work.

assignments and work techniques. Identify employee development and training needs and ensure that training is obtained. Make recommendations for personnel actions.

5. Plan, implement, and evaluate the physical activity aspects of the diabetes program including individual and group activities (exercise classes, demos at events) at IHC facilities and in the community. Individuals or groups may have medical limitations.

6. Provide individual counseling and coordinates the development, revision, and implementation of patient education programs, materials, and resources in job scope.

7. Evaluate the physiological effects of exercise and possess the ability to incorporate individualized programs to meet the needs of DM and other clients.

8. Implement and facilitate suitable and innovative activities for everyone in Diabetes and other programs.

9. Exhibit expertise in motivational counseling, teaching, and behavior modification techniques.

10. Ability to emphasize current and valid health information and promote lifestyle changes.

11. Responsible for patient case management as defined by grant goals and objectives.

12. Design, develop, and maintain program databases and records system.

13. Participate in the preparation of program reports to meet the DM grant requirements.

14. Represent the IHC program at meetings and events as assigned by the DPHP.

15. Initiates, implements, and evaluates the program through the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process.

16. Position may be re-assigned during activation of EOP.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages one or more subordinate employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding, and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

TRAVEL & DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

· Travel is not required for this position.

· Driving is required for this position.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

· Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university.

· 6 months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

· Knowledge of American Indian culture. IHC consortium community knowledge is preferred.

· Knowledge of best and evidence-based practices and procedures for the development and implementation of physical activity promotion efforts.

· Knowledge of cultural, social, behavioral, and environmental factors that contribute to disease progression and health promoting behaviors as part of a physical activity program or intervention.

· Intermediate knowledge of diabetes.

· Skilled in educating and engaging with patients and external partners to promote physical activity.

· Skilled in developing evaluation plans for physical activity-related interventions using qualitative and quantitative analysis to determine outcome measures of physical activity programs.

· Skilled in leading and supervising others.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, staff, and the public.

· Ability to identify and use public health data as a tool to develop and prioritize community-based interventions, including policies to promote physical activity.

· Ability to write reports, correctly reflect treatment and document patient's progress.

· Productivity Software: Microsoft Office 365; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email & Calendar Management (outlook), Teams (video conferencing and meetings), and Share Point.

· Electronic health records software .

· Utilization of Paycom, Relias Learning, and PolicyTech systems.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, MEMBERSHIPS AND REGULATIONS

· Certified Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist from ACSM/NPAS preferred.

· Current AED CPR certification or attainment within 6 months of hire.

· Applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment physical exam, tuberculin skin test or x-ray and urine drug screen test that includes marijuana.

· Health must be adequate to perform all duties of the position.

· Must pass criminal background check.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

· Indoor gym environment. May attend occasional outreach events in the community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk and stoop. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds; may frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS

1. Respond promptly and with caring actions to patients and employees.

2. Maintain professional working relationships with all levels of staff, patients, and the public.

3. Be part of a team and cooperate in accomplishing department/organizational goals and objectives.

4. Adhere to Indian Health Council Core Values: Professionalism, Respect, Culture, Integrity, Compassion.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

1. Display knowledge of normal signs of human development and ability to assess and provide age-appropriate care.

2. Contribute to the success of the organization by participating in quality improvement activities.

SAFETY

1. Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices.

2. Follow all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions.

3. Use appropriate body mechanics to ensure an injury free environment.

4. Follow all infection control procedures including blood-borne pathogen protocols.

HIPAA/COMPLIANCE

1. Maintain privacy of all patient, employee, and volunteer information. Access such information only on a need-to-know basis and for business purposes only.

2. Comply with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations.

3. Report unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful behavior or activity.

Indian Preference shall be given in accordance with IHC’s Policies and Procedures.