Health Educator - Diabetes Prevention Program

Position Status

Full

Site

Chicago

NHC Position Type

Health Education

Position Summary

The purpose of the member service is to coordinate the execution of the national diabetes prevention program as designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The member will serve collaboratively to identify partnerships to host and sponsor the program in various communities. The member will serve to recruit participants through various mechanisms and educate participants in diabetes prevention per CDC protocol.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program and is a structured program—in person or online—developed specifically to prevent type 2 diabetes. It is designed for people who have prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes, but who do not already have diabetes. A trained lifestyle coach leads the program to help individuals change certain aspects of your lifestyle, like eating healthier, reducing stress, and getting more physical activity. The program also includes group support from others who share your goals and struggles.  This lifestyle change program is not a fad diet or an exercise class. And it’s not a quick fix. It’s a year-long program focused on long-term changes and lasting results.  Classes and activities are conducted weekly over a year-long time period.
Diabetes Prevention Programming: The NHC member will coordinate diabetes prevention cohorts through recruitment, screening, and participant follow-up. The member will engage with community partners to develop relationships for the coordination of new groups targeting African Americans and Hispanic individuals. The participant may also facilitate cohort sessions and assist with food demonstrations. Finally, the member will be responsible for collecting and entering data on cohort outcomes. The member will work closely with the community health coordinator and the trained lifestyle coaches. Members will have the opportunity to engage with participants in- person and over the phone.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The Health Educator will educate and monitor the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention program per the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Among other responsibilities, the educator will coordinate and facilitate components of the health education program and participate in multiple sites of activity and provide reporting and evaluation responsibilities.
 
1.    Provide group facilitation for the CDC Diabetes Prevention Program, Healthy Lifestyle and Active Living Education Monday-Friday as determined by schedule 
2.    Provide wellness services to on-site and off-site class management activities including but not limited to:
(a)    Data Collection – assist with class sign-in sheets, homework review, assessment tests, and evaluation activities.
(b)    Recruitment – assist with recruitment and retention of program participants
(c)    Class Preparation - prepare for each class session and lesson plan as required before each class.
(d)    Follow-up Activities -perform follow-up to class participants as needed.
(e)    Documentation - document and record all contact and follow-up activities with class participants which occur outside of class time.
(f)    Evaluation - participate in the review of class evaluations to determine improvements needed for program activities.
(g)    Equipment and Supplies – assist with the security of program supplies and equipment after each class by ensuring that equipment and supplies are properly placed in the designated area.
(h)    Program Planning – attend scheduled meetings with program staff for the planning of programs as needed.

Characteristics of an Ideal Candidate

  • Familiar with health equity-related issues
  • Team-oriented
  • Flexible
  • Multi-tasker; able to balance
  • Detail-oriented
  • Writing skills
  • Comfort speaking with others, individually or in groups
  • Community engagement/outreach skills
  • Able to communicate effectively with individuals or diverse backgrounds and identities
  • Compassionate
  • Creative problem-solving skills
  • Self Starter

Knowledge Required for the Position

  • Knowledge of AmeriCorps/Health Corps member requirements
  • Skill with Microsoft Office or other software for a variety of data processing operations involving a range of problem solving, record keeping, correspondence, and service tracking options.

 

Supervision

  • Member uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments following set procedures, independently
  • The supervisor assigns service activities, advises on changes in procedures, and is available for assistance when required
  • The supervisor assigns service activities in terms of project objectives and basic priorities and is available for consultation in resolving controversial issues.

Review

  • The service activities are reviewed for accuracy through spot checks, through complaints from customers, and through observation of the member at service.
  • Completed projects are reviewed very generally to determine that objectives have been met and are in compliance with policies and regulations.

Guidelines

  • Written and oral guides provide specific instructions for doing service
  • Most instructions are easily memorized and require little interpretation
  • Detailed guidelines exist, including regulations and directives, handbooks, precedents, industry standards, and files of previous projects
  • Guidelines are generally applicable, but the member independently makes adaptations in dealing with problems and unusual situations
  • Member must use considerable judgment in adapting current or developing new guidance

Complexity

  • Member has to develop, analyze, or evaluate information before the service position can progress
  • The facts or conditions of the service position are clear cut, predictable, and apply directly to the assignment
  • The service position assignments vary significantly or often involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data

Language Proficiency Requirements

None

Requires Personal Vehicle

No