Community Health Aide

Position Summary

The Community Health Aide provides village primary medical coverage under the direction of the Clinical Instructor (CI)/Coordinator or Supervisor Instructor and the Beaver Clinic. This position is responsible for delivering comprehensive primary health care services to the residents of Beaver and surrounding areas, following the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) protocols.

Primary Responsibilities

Primary Medical Care

• Provide first-line medical care for acute and chronic conditions
• Assess, diagnose, and treat common illnesses and injuries
• Administer medications and immunizations per CHAP protocols
• Perform emergency medical interventions and stabilization
• Conduct routine health screenings and wellness checks
• Monitor and manage chronic disease conditions
• Provide prenatal and maternal health support

Clinical Operations

• Operate and maintain Beaver Clinic facility
• Manage clinic supplies, medications, and equipment
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized clinic environment
• Ensure proper storage and documentation of medications
• Conduct inventory and order medical supplies
• Maintain clinic equipment and coordinate repairs
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards

Patient Documentation & Communication

• Document all patient encounters in electronic health records (EHR)
• Maintain accurate and complete medical charts
• Communicate with supervising Clinical Instructor/Coordinator
• Coordinate patient referrals and medical evacuations
• Follow up on patient care plans and treatments
• Report communicable diseases and health concerns
• Participate in telehealth consultations

Emergency Response

• Respond to medical emergencies 24/7 as needed
• Provide emergency trauma care and life support
• Coordinate emergency medical evacuations
• Stabilize patients for transport to higher level of care
• Maintain emergency medical equipment and supplies
• Participate in emergency preparedness planning

Community Health Promotion

• Conduct health education programs for community members
• Promote preventive care and healthy lifestyles
• Support traditional wellness and healing practices
• Address community-specific health concerns
• Participate in community health events and screenings
• Collaborate with community leaders and organizations

Professional Development

• Maintain current CHAP certification through ongoing training
• Participate in required continuing education
• Work toward CHAP advancement (CHA-I, CHA-II, CHA-A, CHP)
• Attend staff meetings and trainings
• Maintain required certifications (CPR, First Aid, ETT)
• Stay current with CHAP protocols and procedures

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Current Community Health Aide/Practitioner (CHA/P) certification through Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC)
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Valid Alaska driver’s license
• Ability to pass background check and drug screening
• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for Alaska Native communities
• Commitment to serving rural Alaska

Preferred Qualifications

• Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT) certification
• Advanced CHAP certification (CHA-I, CHA-II, CHA-A, or CHP)
• Previous experience as a Community Health Aide
• Experience with electronic health records systems
• Knowledge of Gwich’in Athabascan culture and language
• Training in chronic disease management
• Experience in emergency medicine or trauma care
• Behavioral health training or Mental Health Aide certification

Working Conditions

• Position based in Beaver, Alaska (population approximately 84)
• Work in village clinic setting with limited resources
• On-call 24/7 for medical emergencies
• Irregular hours including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• May work alone or with limited staff
• Exposure to infectious diseases and bodily fluids
• Work in rural Alaska environment with extreme weather
• Isolation from larger medical facilities
• Limited access to specialty care and resources

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move patients and equipment (up to 50 lbs)
• Ability to perform CPR and emergency medical procedures
• Stamina to work extended hours during emergencies
• Manual dexterity for clinical procedures and injections
• Visual acuity for patient assessment and documentation
• Hearing acuity for auscultation and patient communication
• Ability to respond quickly to emergency calls at any hour
• Comfortable working in close quarters and home visits

Living in Beaver, Alaska

Beaver is a small Gwich’in Athabascan village located on the Yukon River in Interior Alaska. The community offers:

• Close-knit community with strong cultural traditions
• Access to subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering
• Beautiful natural setting along the Yukon River
• Opportunities to learn Gwich’in language and culture
• Village school, community center, and basic services

Important Considerations:

• Remote location accessible by air or river
• Limited commercial services and amenities
• Extreme seasonal temperatures (-50°F to 90°F)
• Housing may be limited; assistance available
• Internet and cell service may be limited

Benefits

CATG offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive hourly wage ($22-$28/hour based on experience and CHAP certification level)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (employer contribution)
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off: vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Continuing education and CHAP training support
• Tuition assistance for career advancement
• Professional development opportunities
• Housing assistance in Beaver
• Relocation assistance may be available
• On-call compensation for emergency response

Certification Advancement

CATG supports career advancement through the CHAP system:

• CHA (Community Health Aide) - Entry level
• CHA-I - Intermediate level with expanded scope
• CHA-II - Advanced level with additional skills
• CHA-A - Advanced level with prescribing authority
• CHP (Community Health Practitioner) - Highest level with expanded autonomy

Training Support: CATG provides time off and financial support for CHAP training and advancement.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit the following:

1. Completed CATG employment application
2. Current resume and cover letter describing your interest in serving Beaver
3. Three professional references with contact information
4. Copies of current certifications:
   • CHA/P certification
   • CPR certification
   • First Aid certification
   • ETT certification (if applicable)
5. Copy of valid Alaska driver’s license

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Submit Applications:

• Online: CATG Employment Application Portal
• Email: hr@catg.org
• Mail: CATG Human Resources, P.O. Box 33, Fort Yukon, AK 99740

For questions about this position, living in Beaver, or the application process, please contact:

Human Resources Department Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments Phone: (907) 662-7534 Email: hr@catg.org

The Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital or veteran status, place of national origin, or any other category protected by law. We encourage Alaska Native applicants and give preference to qualified tribal members in accordance with applicable law.