GROUP FACILITATOR/FAMILY HEALTH ADVOCATE (BIH)

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Group Facilitator/Family Health Advocate of the Black Infant Health Program is responsible for the management, co-facilitation, and organization of the prenatal and postpartum group intervention as well as providing one on one supportive services to assigned BIH participants.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this position.

• Completes all required documentation accurately, in a timely manner, and thoroughly in accordance with department standards; in addition, documentation compiles with all program/ grant requirements;
• Follows and maintains the fidelity of the State Black Infant Health Program;
• Fully embraces and supports the BIH governing Concepts of cultural competence, client- centered, strength- based, and utilization of cognitive building approaches;
• Group preparation: A) Sets up room or virtual platform for groups as appropriate B) Has handouts and activities prepared in advance C) Is prepared to facilitate healthy exchange of information, dialogue, etc. D) Ensures that healthy snack/ food is provided for in person groups E) Starts and ends group on time;
• May facilitate or co-facilitate other groups and/ or trainings as needed (i.e. nutrition, breastfeeding, etc.);
• Will maintain a BIH participant client caseload providing one on one supportive services to participants enrolled in the BIH  Group Module and /or the BIH One:to:One Support Services Module  
• May participate in recruitment and engagement efforts for the BIH program;
• Use of curriculum: A) Group materials are available and distributed B) Conducts group check-in that supports the previous week and prepares for current week’s activities C) Ensures the intent of each activity is met as defined by the curriculum D) Reminds participants of next session at end of group ;
• Performs other duties as assigned;
• Working with a co-facilitator: A) Demonstrates respectful interaction with co-facilitator B) Provides support to co-facilitator;
• Supports administrative/ clerical functions of the BIH program in conjunction with other program staff;

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of: 

• Basic administrative skills including scheduling, documentation, report writing, computer skills, and MS Office skills;
• Women’s health, including prenatal and postpartum health, life course perspective, infant behavior and development;
• Health education, including breastfeeding, nutrition, and physical activity;
• Local and community services;
• HIPPA requirements and issues of client confidentiality;
• Basic counseling skills, such as reflecting, active listening, and paraphrasing;
• Local and community services and familiarity with particular communities in which services will be provided;
• Understanding and respect of the values and beliefs of African American women and the African American community;

Ability to:

• Maintain good interpersonal interactions with clients and coworkers as a member of multi-disciplinary community health team with a diverse multi-cultural population;
• Maintain exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, time management skills, and strong motivation to meet deadlines and achieve goals;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the unique challenges of potentially high risk pregnant and/ or parenting African American women;
• Demonstrate professional and positive role modeling;
• Exercise appropriate judgment and discretion in answering questions, releasing information, and maintain confidential information;
• Maintain composure in situations which require a high degree of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy;
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills;
• Demonstrates cultural competency and ability to operate in a culturally affirming manner; 

Education and/or Experience:

One (1) year of experience in a community based or health care setting providing direct services to women and African Americans required; Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Health; Health Education, or Social Science or health related field required;  Must attend CDPH/ MCAH sponsored group facilitation training prior to facilitating groups; Ability and means to travel as needed in a timely manner within San Diego County, to locations that may have limited access to public transportation, proof of liability and property damage insurance on transportation used is required; Licensed driver for a minimum of three (3) years with no more than two (2) violations and accidents within the last three (3) years; no vehicle related suspensions/ reinstatements, DUI’s, reckless or felony driving within the last seven (7) years;

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATES:

A valid Class C California driver's license with current California automobile insurance. Current certification as a breastfeeding educator OR willingness to take a recognized breastfeeding education certification course and test (and pass).  The program will be responsible for paying for the course. Current CPR certification is required or to be obtained within 90 days of employment; TB test required upon hire and must be maintained every four (4) years. 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, or stand for long periods; talk or hear in person; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may be required to carry, lift, pull, and/ or push up to 25 pounds.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; perform work on multiple, concurrent tasks; and interact with program management, staff, clients, client care givers and others encountered in the course of work. The employee may have occasional contact with abusive and physically violent patients.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee works under typical medical office conditions; the noise level is usually quiet.