Community Outreach Nurse Practitioner

Description

Valley Healthcare System (VHcS), Inc., formerly known as Community Health Center of South Columbus, has been providing medical, dental, outreach, behavioral health, and pharmacy services since August 1994. Originally a small service in the Baker Village community of South Columbus, we have grown to serve residents from the Chattahoochee Valley region and beyond.

Position Summary

The Community Outreach Provider provides high-quality primary care and preventive services to underserved and vulnerable populations in the community. Working within an FQHC model, the Provider conducts health screenings, chronic disease management, patient education, and outreach activities in community settings such as schools, shelters, senior centers, and mobile health units. This role bridges clinical care and community engagement to improve access, reduce health disparities, and support population health initiatives.

Purpose of Outreach

The Community Outreach Provider serves medically unhoused patients or individuals without a medical home, including those experiencing homelessness, living in shelters, or facing instability due to substance use disorders, domestic violence, or other challenges. The goal of the outreach program is to extend comprehensive, compassionate care to individuals who face significant barriers to accessing traditional healthcare settings, ensuring they receive the medical support and continuity of care needed for improved health outcomes.

Objectives

• Connect underserved populations to consistent medical, dental, and vision care.
• Provide preventive services (vaccinations, screenings, education) to reduce health disparities.
• Build trust with vulnerable populations through compassionate and professional engagement.
• Strengthen partnerships with shelters, recovery centers, ministries, and community organizations to enhance coordinated care.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical Care & Patient Services

• Provide culturally competent primary care, chronic disease management, and preventive health services in community settings.
• Conduct physical exams, health screenings, diagnostic tests, and immunizations.
• Assess, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic medical conditions within scope.
• Develop individualized care plans and promote self-management strategies.
• Prescribe medications and durable medical equipment in accordance with state licensure.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Participate in community health events, mobile clinic operations, and outreach programs focused on underserved populations.
• Provide onsite clinical services and health education in partnership with community organizations, to include but not limited to: New Horizon, Enrichment Center, Teen Challenge, Able Ministry.
• Deliver health education on chronic diseases and preventive health.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, shelters, churches, social service agencies, and community partners.
• Identify health trends and barriers to care and support strategies to increase access.

Care Coordination

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Make referrals to providers, social services, and community resources.
• Support patients in navigating insurance, transportation, specialty care, and social needs.

Compliance & Quality Improvement

• Follow FQHC and HRSA guidelines.
• Participate in quality improvement and population health initiatives.
• Maintain credentials and compliance with regulations.

Requirements

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Nursing from an accredited program.
• Current licensure (Family preferred).
• National certification.
• DEA registration and prescriptive authority.
• CPR/BLS (ACLS preferred).

Experience

• 1-3 years' experience preferred.
• Experience with underserved populations strongly desired.
• Bilingual ability is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of health disparities and social determinants of health.
• Ability to work in non-traditional settings.
• Strong communication and cultural humility.
• Independent clinical judgment.

Evaluation Criteria

Performance is evaluated by the Chief Medical Officer in accordance with center policies. Criteria include clinical competence, patient care, communication, professionalism, and teamwork.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $121,424.00
• $10,000.00 Sign-On Bonus (Limited Time Offer)
• Full Benefits Package includes: 100% employer-paid Medical coverage (valued at $10,000/year), Long-term Disability coverage, and free Dental and Vision services in our clinics. Additional Dental, Vision, and Short-term disability coverage is available for purchase at a reduce cost.

Compliance & Confidentiality

• Adherence to all federal, state, and local healthcare laws and regulations, including HIPAA Privacy & Security standards
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all patient information (oral, written, and electronic)
• Comply with all security protocols, including log-off and secured workstations

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand, walk, reach, bend, and lift (occasionally exceeding 50 pounds).
• Must have full range of body motion to assist or lift patients.
• Visual, auditory, and hand-eye coordination required.
• Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous substances, and clinical equipment.
• Must be able to work under stress and maintain flexibility with irregular hours.
• This role is considered high risk for occupational exposure to blood and bodily fluids.