Itinerant Community Health Aide

Position Summary

The Itinerant Community Health Aide provides village primary medical coverage under the direction of the Supervisor Instructor or Clinical Instructor (CI)/Coordinator and the Yukon Flats Health Center (YFHC) in Fort Yukon. This position travels to multiple villages throughout the CATG service area to deliver essential health care services to Alaska Native communities.

Primary Responsibilities

Primary Health Care Delivery

• Provide primary medical care to patients in village clinic settings
• Assess, diagnose, and treat common illnesses and injuries
• Administer medications and immunizations as authorized
• Perform emergency medical care and stabilization
• Conduct health screenings and preventive care services
• Follow Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) protocols and guidelines

Patient Care & Documentation

• Conduct patient assessments and take vital signs
• Document patient encounters in electronic health records
• Maintain accurate and complete medical records
• Communicate patient information to supervising providers
• Schedule and coordinate patient referrals and evacuations
• Follow up on patient care plans and treatments

Health Promotion & Education

• Provide health education to individuals and families
• Conduct community health promotion activities
• Promote preventive care and healthy lifestyles
• Support traditional wellness practices
• Address health concerns specific to rural Alaska
• Participate in public health initiatives

Travel & Multi-Site Coverage

• Travel to assigned villages on rotational schedule
• Provide clinic coverage during regular and after-hours
• Respond to medical emergencies in assigned communities
• Maintain clinic supplies and equipment
• Ensure continuity of care across multiple sites
• Adapt to varying community needs and resources

Collaboration & Training

• Work under supervision of Clinical Instructor/Coordinator
• Communicate with YFHC providers and staff
• Participate in ongoing training and continuing education
• Maintain CHAP certification and required credentials
• Collaborate with other health care team members
• Support and mentor other health aides as needed

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Current Community Health Aide/Practitioner (CHA/P) certification
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Valid Alaska driver’s license
• Ability to pass background check and drug screening
• Strong assessment and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Ability to work independently in remote settings
• Physical ability to perform required duties

Preferred Qualifications

• Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT) certification
• Previous experience as a Community Health Aide
• Knowledge of Alaska Native culture and traditions
• Fluency in Gwich’in or other Athabascan language
• Experience with electronic health records
• Advanced CHAP training levels (CHA-I, CHA-II, CHA-A, CHP)
• Experience in emergency medicine or rural health care

Working Conditions

• Itinerant position requiring regular travel to multiple villages
• Travel by small aircraft, snow machine, boat, or ATV as needed
• Extended stays (typically 1-2 weeks) in village communities
• On-call availability for medical emergencies
• Work in varying clinic facilities and conditions
• Exposure to rural Alaska weather and environments
• Irregular schedule including evenings, nights, and weekends
• May require housing in village communities

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move patients and equipment (up to 50 lbs)
• Ability to perform CPR and emergency procedures
• Stamina to work extended shifts during emergencies
• Ability to travel in small aircraft and on rough terrain
• Comfortable working in remote, isolated settings
• Visual and hearing acuity for patient assessment
• Manual dexterity for medical procedures

Travel Requirements

• Frequency: Weekly to bi-weekly rotations
• Duration: Typically 1-2 week assignments per village
• Method: Small aircraft, boat, snow machine, ATV
• Locations: Villages throughout Yukon Flats region including Arctic Village, Beaver, Birch Creek, Chalkyitsik, Circle, Fort Yukon, Stevens Village, and Venetie

Benefits

CATG offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive hourly wage ($22-$28/hour based on experience and certification level)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off: vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Continuing education and training support
• CHAP advancement opportunities and tuition assistance
• Travel compensation and per diem
• Housing provided during village assignments
• Relocation assistance may be available

Certification & Training

This position requires:

• CHAP Certification: Must maintain current CHA/P certification through ongoing training
• Continuing Education: Regular participation in CHAP training modules
• CPR/First Aid: Annual recertification required
• ETT Training: Encouraged for career advancement

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit the following:

1. Completed CATG employment application
2. Current resume and cover letter
3. Three professional references with contact information
4. Copies of current certifications (CHA/P, CPR, First Aid, ETT 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 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.