Community Health Worker (Oral Health)

Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent
• Graduate of an approved community health worker program or willing to complete semester-long community health worker training program (tuition paid by Delta Dental)
• Safe driving record, a current driver’s license, and access to an insured vehicle. Mileage is paid  by Delta Dental
• Clean background check and fingerprinting upon hire
• Strongly encourage CDC-recommended vaccines for healthcare workers
• Computer literate with experience and comfort using technology for e-mail and virtual communication, scheduling, and documentation
• Must be a trusted member of and/or have a strong understanding of the community

Duties and Responsibilities

Reduce barriers to care by:

• Helping patients find providers and make appointments
• Helping families complete appointment paperwork
• Arranging transportation to a dental or medical appointment
• Assisting a patient with insurance navigation
• Helping a patient find other relevant community resources
• Making regular contact (phone calls, in person, mail) with patients and families
• Maintaining knowledge of area dental offices and their scheduling/referral protocols
• Advocating for patients

Health prevention, education, and coaching for children and families:

• Educate patients in effective dental self-care and help patients/families understand the importance of regular dental visits and preventive oral health services
• Provide education on the effects of nutrition and tobacco use on oral health
• When needed, assist clinical staff during treatment
• Provide fluoride treatments to children after appropriate training
• Learn about and adhere to infection control, HIPAA, OSHA, and CDC policies and guidelines

Provide culturally appropriate health information and education in the community, such as:

• Educational presentations to larger groups (school classrooms, community meetings, etc.) on the importance of oral health and prevention
• Outreach to community-based agencies (WIC programs, Head Start programs, Schools, etc.) in an effort to promote oral health and dental care for children

Other Desired Qualities

• Effectively work with people (staff, patients, doctors, agencies, etc.) from diverse backgrounds in reducing cultural and socio-economic barriers between patients and institutions
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both without supervision and as part of a team

Work Arrangements and Physical Requirements

• This position is a field-based position with a home-based office to serve communities of the Pine Ridge Reservation. You will work from home when not in the field.
• Travel is required within the surrounding area (up to 80%)
• 40-hour per week schedule. Some evening and week-end work may be required
• Ability to help carry boxes/equipment up to 40 lbs. is helpful but not required

Compensation and Benefits

Delta Dental provides an excellent compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, continuing education, and 401k. More information about benefits and company culture is available on our Careers page.

How to apply

Applying for a job with Delta Dental of South Dakota is easy! Send us an email with your:

• Cover letter;
• Resume; and
• Professional references.

Please send only .docx or .pdf files.