The American Heart Association (AHA) has an excellent opportunity for a HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE NAVIGATORthat will be based in ATLANTA, GA . Over two years, AHA will support the implementation of Target: BP , a sustainable, coordinated high blood pressure treatment program, at four clinics in the metro-Atlanta area. We will provide resources and training for clinic staff to help patients manage hypertension. Target: BP will continue to serve the community without AHA's direct involvement for years after the grant period through the leadership of the trained clinic staff, as well as tools and support still available at no cost.
The program provides a high blood pressure treatment plan based on each patient’s blood pressure reading – when to schedule the next appointment, introduce medication, etc. The best practice is not a set dosage for all patients, but a tailored approach for touchpoints that meet the individual needs of each patient. To create a team approach, all healthcare providers at each clinic have a defined role in blood pressure management. Clinics also gain access to online tools and resources to counsel patients to help them understand the urgency of controlling hypertension and steps they can take.
The primary focus for the HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE NAVIGATOR will be related to implementation of blood pressure focused initiatives within clinics that support’s the AHA’s Blood Pressure Control strategic plan. This is a grant funded, part time (less than 30/hrs. per week). AHA staff will work with each clinic’s healthcare teams to design and implement an evidence-based treatment plan that fits their clinic and clients.
AHA will contract with a registered nurse to act as a High Blood Pressure Navigator (HBPN) at the partner clinics during the grant period. The Navigator is key to success, establishing new patient monitoring, education and coaching protocols for thousands of existing high blood-pressure patients at the clinics. Also, the Navigator will work with clinical staff to implement a health-coaching program that incorporates shared-decision making and motivational interviewing to transform patient interactions into opportunities for partnership and empowerment.
The HBPN will work with patients in clinical settings on blood pressure self-monitoring and to increase clinic control rates for high blood pressure patients to 70% or better. The interaction could include but not be limited to calls to patients for BP check and entry, life style modification counseling and other patient education topics. Navigator must be able to modify program components based on the needs identified by clinic staff.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
- Work with clinics to Implement the AHA Target BP Program M.A.P. Framework;
- Communicate with clinic administrators to monitor and support implementation, and plan any adjustments to ensure program success;
- Train care teams at all clinical sites;
- Review adherence to treatment plans to improve patient outcomes;
- Provide education and support to help high blood pressure patients adopt healthy lifestyles;
- Deliver intensive coaching to select group of high-risk patients total among the four partner clinics;
- Review data collected from various sources, collaborate with clinical teams on quality and process improvement recommendations to improve performance;
- Identify, cultivate and manage relationships with clinic accounts, and other key healthcare stakeholder activities with regards to blood pressure control processes;
- Work with clinical teams (Physicians, Nurses, Quality Improvement, etc.) on quality and process improvement initiatives, specifically with regards to blood pressure;
- Engage and educate the clinical teams with regards to blood pressure resources (coordinate and facilitate market workshops, trainings, teleconferences, etc.);
- Build meaningful volunteer partnerships to advance the mission of the AHA.
- Exceptional oral and written communications skills.
- Ability to productively participate in a multi-disciplinary team environment and manage large projects ensuring deadline compliance with minimal supervision
- Highly effective organization, multi-tasking, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to conduct meetings with internal staff and volunteers including interacting with external partners/sponsors representing AHA to the public as necessary
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and collaborate daily with staff from various teams
- Ability to work, as needed, outside standard business hours and travel within territory served, and daily commuting to key areas of Atlanta.
- Knowledge of health care systems, clinical settings, public health, voluntary health organizations or nonprofit organizations.
- Experience in volunteer recruitment and management to drive health impact goals
- Experience with medical electronic systems
- Experience with data analysis
Attracting talented, committed employees means offering a competitive benefits package, ongoing professional development and training, and a diverse and inclusive environment in which to work and grow.
Benefits include comprehensive health benefits, retirement plan with generous employer contributions, 12 paid holidays per year, paid time off, flexible spending accounts and a Fit-Friendly work environment.