Volunteer Diabetes Educator

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION: Developing/ teaching individuals and educational classes related to diabetes management.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to Volunteer Coordinator.

NEEDED FUNCTIONS:

1.	Develops diabetes management classes and related materials, emphasizing diet, exercise, glucose monitoring, and medication management.
2.	Assesses the lifestyle and eating habits of individual patients and determines appropriate diet/ dietary restrictions.
3.	Teaches classes, individualizing as appropriate.
4.	Follows up with patients with phone calls, including problem-solving and positive reinforcement.
5.	Documents patient progress for medical records.

The Volunteer must demonstrate current competencies applicable to job position.

EDUCATION: 

EXPERIENCE:   Minimum of one year experience in instructional planning and delivery.

REQUIREMENTS:   

KNOWLEDGE:

1.	Knowledge of Diabetes principles and application to medical management.
2.	Knowledge of how to plan curriculum and use adult learning instructional techniques. 
3.	Knowledge of lifestyle assessments and dietary considerations.

SKILLS:

1.	Skill in accurately assessing a patient’s level of diabetes control and understanding, and adjusting material and technique appropriately to educate the individual.
2.	Skill in developing/ delivering classes in enthusiastic, motivational manner. 
3.	Skill in participating effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team, interacting appropriately with physicians, nurses, and other health educators.

ABILITIES:

1.	Ability to communicate and work effectively with variety of patients, families from a variety of social and ethnic backgrounds. 
2.	Ability to speak persuasively in front of groups with professional manner / image.
3.	Ability to use office and media equipment to develop / deliver programs.
4.	Ability to help patients problem-solve about making appropriate lifestyle changes.
5.	Ability to demonstrate compassion and caring in dealing with others in a way that supports the center’s mission to share the love of Christ through quality healthcare to those in need.

ENVIRONMENTAL & WORKING CONDITIONS: Primarily office, classroom, public settings. There will be minimal exposure to communicable diseases.  OSHA Category 3 – Involves no regular exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, and tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues are not a condition of employment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: Variety of activities including sitting, walking, bending, reaching. The applicant must be able to stand for 2-4 hours while making presentations. Occasionally must push/lift/ carry up to 50 pounds of equipment and materials.

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities. knowledge. skills. abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.