HEALTH EDUCATOR (Smoking)

Affiliate Name: Brigham & Women's Hospital
Job Category: Professional/Managerial
Department: BWH Health Promotion and Education
Shift: Days
Hours/Week: 1
Job Type: Regular
Employment Type: Per DiemResponsibilities:
GENERAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW STATEMENT
Responsible for providing Smoking Cessation Counseling in the hospital setting. The counselor will develop and implement protocols for assessment of smokers and smoking behavior, refer patients to group and individual smoking cessation classes and support activities and provide education/training for staff. Reports to Director, Occupational Health Service.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
DIRECT CARE
1. Identifies smokers in high risk populations in the inpatient setting.
2. Screens and counsels inpatients for smoking cessation
3. Documents patient information in patient charts and databases.
4. Designs programs based on individual health risks and acuity.
5. Assesses individual's interest and motivation for smoking cessation.
6. Assists patients in designing an appropriate plan for smoking cessation.
7. Monitors and evaluates individual patient progress.
8. Provides patients with individualized feedback to enhance the effectiveness of their smoking cessation efforts.
9. Involves significant others in support efforts to aid in the client's attempt to quit smoking.
10. Provides follow-up after program completion to monitor and reduce recidivism.
11. Refers smokers to outpatient counseling services after discharge.PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
1. Provides smoking cessation program information to patients and providers at the hospital and primary care practice sites.
2. Communicates with referring providers about program components, enrollment procedures, and patient progress.
3. Communicates with parties interested in the program in an effectively in providing program information, recruiting participants for the outpatient program and following up regularly.
4. Develops developmentally and culturally appropriate educational materials for smoking cessation.
5. Maintains flexibility in personal schedule to accommodate off hour sessions and programs.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH
1. Conducts a need assessment to determine incidence of smoking among patients, staff and community members.
2. Develops and implements Smoking Cessation Program protocols and procedures.
3. Keeps abreast of new tobacco control programs and efforts and evaluates their potential for use at BWH. Attends training and continuing education sessions as they are offered.
5. Collaborates with other community agencies to provide outreach and education.RESEARCH
1. Participates in the implementation of research protocols pertaining to smoking cessation.
REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Bachelor's Degree, with a focus on health care, nursing or health education.
2. Twelve months or more experience in health care, community work, or education.
3. Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.SKILLS AND ABILITIES
1. Ability to work independently and take initiative.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of educational and counseling methods.
3. Basic computer skills including familiarity with database software.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
5. Ability to interact with a multi-disciplinary team.
6. Ability to travel from site to site.