Agency

Department

As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation, Texas A&M Health encompasses five colleges and numerous centers and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovative research and team-based health care delivery.

What we want

The Program Assistant provides support to the team members and participants of the Coastal Bend Health Education Center’s Diabetes Education Program. Travels to various places and other locations within our 27 county-service area to perform health screenings, attend health fairs, and assist with diabetes education classes.

What you need to know

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Community Health Worker certification, or ability to obtain certification within three (3) months of employment. American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Diabetes Paraprofessional Level 1 certification, or ability to obtain certification within three (3) months of employment. Licensure/certification(s) must be maintained for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to speak English and Spanish.

• Two years of related experience in public health or health promotion/education.

• Experience interacting with/working alongside healthcare agencies and/or providers.

• Current Texas Department of State Health Services - Community Health Worker Certification

• Current American Association of Diabetes Educators - Diabetes Paraprofessional Level 1 Certification

• A Class “C” vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

Program Assistance

• Assists in coordinating activities for the Diabetes Education Program, including traveling to program locations to provide onsite support.

• Serves as a first point of contact for program inquiries and coordinates responses to requests for information as needed.

• Contacts program participants/patients with pre- and post-appointment reminders.

• Maintains daily activity logs regarding client activity and destinations. 

• Confers with Healthy South Texas staff regarding patient care plans as needed. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with patients, health care providers, and community organizations.

• Facilitates and coordinates services between health care providers.

• Contacts potential program participants after educational/outreach events. Adheres to all relevant rules, policies, and procedures. 

• Travels to various places and other locations within our 27 county-service area to perform health screenings, attend health fairs, and assist with diabetes education classes.

Patient Support

• Assists program participants/patients in reviewing care plans and results in an effective manner.

• Motivates patients to be active and engaged participants in their health and encourages them to identify current barriers/challenges and set goals.

• Provides culturally appropriate support and information to patients and their families by completing a series of structured follow-up calls and visits, including the patient’s home.

• Assists patients in obtaining needed medical care and social services, including scheduling appointments and assisting them in completing applications for different programs.

• Follows up with patients and providers regarding health management/care plans.

Administrative Support

• Prepares program correspondence.

• Creates and maintains program files, databases, and other program materials.

• Assists in logistical planning and coordinating travel for program classes, workshops, and other events.

• Recommends changes to the Diabetes Education Program and may assist in updating policies and procedures.

• Continuously expands knowledge and understanding of community resources, services and programs. 

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.