National Indian Health Board

CMS TTAG Project Assistant

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:31:04 -0500

The National Indian Health Board is accepting applications for the position of Project Assistant. The Project Assistant will be responsible for the administrative support for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Tribal Technical Advisory Group (TTAG), TTAG subcommittees and the Medicare & Medicaid Policy Committee (MMPC). Position Summary: The Project Assistant will be responsible for the administrative support for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Tribal Technical Advisory Group (TTAG), TTAG subcommittees and the Medicare & Medicaid Policy Committee (MMPC). The administrative tasks includes, but is not limited to: drafting agendas, communicating with meeting participants, preparing minutes and supporting documents for meetings, as well as distributing minutes and preparing quarterly and annual reports for CMS. The Project Assistant will assist with organizing meetings and trainings at NIHB conferences to support program activities and objectives. The Project Assistant will support the preparation of quarterly reports to the NIHB Executive Director; and assist with the coordination of quarterly Board meetings, special meetings, and conferences. This entry-level position is based in Washington, DC. Roles and Responsibilities: 1. Coordinate logistics for TTAG, MMPC and TTAG subcommittee meetings, both in-person conference and teleconferences 2. Coordinate agenda development and photocopying and organizing supporting documents for the TTAG meetings, including preparing meeting briefing binders 3. Take minutes and notes during meetings, prepare and distribute these to the group 4. Prepare quarterly reports for CMS 5. Assist with preparation of quarterly reports to the NIHB Executive Director and Board 6. Assist with coordinating logistics for special meetings and conferences 7. Maintain membership lists for the CMS TTAG 8. Prepare and send official correspondence 9. Maintain all program-related documents, letters, position papers, testimony, etc. 10. Assists with preparations for NIHB�s conference events, such as the Public Health Summit and Annual Consumer Conference. 11. Assist with telephone receptionist duties for NIHB�s main office line 12. Assist staff with other administrative activities, as assigned by Executive Director. Job Qualifications Education: Bachelor�s degree from an accredited college or university in a health or social-science related field. Skills and Experience: � Excellent written and oral communication skills � Highly organized � Good people skills � Ability to use automated office equipment and software programs, specifically Microsoft Office Suite � Knowledge or interest in Indian health care programs and activities a plus Specialized Knowledge, Licenses, etc.: Must have a valid state driver�s license. Working Conditions: �Incumbent must be able to: � Work in an office environment and structure with both workstations and offices. � Sit for long periods of time and use a personal computer. � Retrieve documents from book shelves, file cabinets, etc. � Travel extensively, via airplanes and automobiles. � Own and operate personal vehicle and obtain valid liability insurance. � Work under pressure and deadlines within short time frames. � Work after hours, as needed. Other Qualifications: Except as provided by Title 25 CFR, Section 472 which allows for Indian preference in hiring, the NIHB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical handicap, marital status, politics, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. Salary: $35,000- $ 38,000 To Apply: American Indians or Alaska Natives strongly encouraged to apply. Email resume/cover letter/salary history to jobs@nihb.org. Position closes: OTF

Meeting & Event Coordinator

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:52:00 -0500

Job Announcement: The National Indian Health Board is hiring for the position of Meeting and Event Coordinator. The Meeting & Event Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating all meeting logistics, travel and hotel accommodations for the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Board of Directors to attend NIHB-sponsored functions, all national Tribal Advisory Committees served by NIHB, such as the Tribal Technical Advisor Group (TTAG) and the Tribal Public Health Accreditation Advisory Board (TPHA). Position Summary: The Meeting & Event Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating all meeting logistics, travel and hotel accommodations for the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Board of Directors to attend NIHB-sponsored functions, all national Tribal Advisory Committees served by NIHB, such as the Tribal Technical Advisor Group (TTAG) and the Tribal Public Health Accreditation Advisory Board (TPHA). The Meeting & Event Coordinator will be responsible for logistics planning and implementing at least two (2) NIHB National Conferences per year; the Public Health Summit and the Annual Consumer Conference. The Meeting & Event Coordinator will collaborate with NIHB program staff and external organizations to prepare meeting logistics, such as, meeting rooms, banquet and event orders, rooming lists for hotel accommodations, hotel contracts, and arranging airfare and travel needs for meeting participants. The incumbent will maintain, update and enforce NIHB�s travel policies. They also will assist the Executive Director with developing and implementing internal staff travel policies, approvals and accountability. The Meeting & Event Coordinator will conduct site visits and attend all NIHB meetings and conference events to ensure smooth operations and provide on-site logistical support, as required. The Meeting & Event Coordinator will assist with obtaining sponsorships for conferences and be the point person to order conference materials, such as bags, promotional items, and awards. The incumbent will work closely with Executive Assistant to ensure the coordination and organization of the national meetings and conference vendors and registration planning and implementation is running smoothly and on time. The Meeting and Event Coordinator also will be responsible for the timely coordination of all travel-related correspondence and reimbursement. The Meeting and Event Coordinator may be called upon to assist other Tribal organizations, such as the Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee, the Council of Large Land-Based Tribes, the Self Governance Advisory Committee, or others, with meeting planning. This position is based in Washington, DC Roles and Responsibilities: 1. Provides travel arrangements and schedules for NIHB staff, Board Members, Tribal Advisory Group members, presenters, scholarship recipients, and special guests; 2. Maintains travel itineraries and necessary documents for finance and accounting, using and maintaining automated systems; 3. Processes all travel vouchers and ensures that claims are within established federal and NIHB policies/regulations. Works directly with Accounting Office to process travel claims; 4. Conducts site evaluations and visits for meeting and conference locations; 5. Provides recommendations about Annual Consumer Conference; Public Health Summit; and other annual NIHB-sponsored events to Executive Director and, at ED�s request; Conference Planning Committees and NIHB Board with cost analysis. 6. Serve as on-site point-of-contact for all logistics and trouble shooting during NIHB-sponsored conference and meetings. 7. For meetings, prepare and conduct onsite registration, name tag and name card creation and coordination; 8. Maintain, timely, proactive and reliable communications regarding meeting plans to all impacted Tribal leaders, their staff and technical assistants and well as appropriate NIHB staff. 9. Travel a maximum of 40% of the time. 10. Manages functions associated with conference (i.e., contract negotiations, conference agenda format/schedule, logistical requirements for conference, acquire & confirm conference speakers/presenters, obtain speaker�s bios and format for agenda books, conference promotional material, conference participant�s material, work with printer, obtain conference art and artist�s permission, etc). 11. Ensures that all post conference activities are completed, i.e., conference evaluation and analysis, thank you letters for all presenters, payment on all contracts/invoices associated with conference, awards provided to allrecipients etc. 12. Assist staff with other administrative activities, as assigned by Executive Director. Job Qualifications Education: Bachelor�s degree from an accredited college or university. Skills and Experience: � Professional experience working with Tribally-elected leaders a plus; � Minimum two years demonstrated experience with conference planning and development on a national level. Five years experience preferred; � Must enjoy travel and expect to travel a maximum of 40% of the time � Certified Travel Agent a plus; � Excellent written and oral communication skills � Highly organized; � Attention to detail; � Proactive and work well independently; � Good people skills: diplomacy, maturity, pleasant demeanor under pressure; � Ability to use automated office equipment and software programs, specifically word processing programs; � Knowledge of Indian health care programs and activities a plus. Specialized Knowledge, Licenses, etc.: Must have a valid state driver�s license. Working Conditions: Incumbent must be able to: � Work in an office environment and structure with both workstations and offices. � Sit for long periods of time and use a personal computer. � Retrieve documents from book shelves, file cabinets, etc. � Travel extensively, via airplanes and automobiles. � Own and operate personal vehicle and obtain valid liability insurance. � Work under pressure and deadlines within short time frames. � Work after hours, as needed. Other Qualifications: Except as provided by Title 25 CFR, Section 472 which allows for Indian preference in hiring, the NIHB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical handicap, marital status, politics, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. Salary: Commensurate with Experience Benefits: Generous and Competitive To Apply: American Indians or Alaska Natives strongly encouraged to apply. Email resume/cover letter/salary history to jobs@nihb.org Position is open until filled.

Office Manager and Billing Clerk

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:22:00 -0500

Job Announcement: The National Indian Health Board is hiring for the position of Office Manager and Billing Clerk. The office manager and billing clerk is responsible for maintaining the physical facility, equipment and supplies and the processing of accounts payable/receivable bills for the National Indian Health Board. Position Summary: The Office Manager and Billing Clerk is responsible for maintaining the physical facility, equipment and supplies and the processing of accounts payable/receivable bills for the National Indian Health Board. Among these duties are keeping a complete and systematic set of records of business transactions for the National Indian Health Board (NIHB). The Billing Clerk portion of the position will prepare reports to show receipts, expenditures, and accounts receivable and payable, and various other tasks pertinent to NIHB billing operations. The Billing clerk will also be responsible for Receptionist duties, which include answering NIHB�s main office line, directing calls and providing clerical support to the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) staff. The receptionist will work closely with other support staff to ensure that the objectives of the NIHB�s programs are completed as directed. Must be a productive team member, with a high degree of organization, excellent written and oral communication skills and an interest in health issues as they relate to American Indians and Alaska Natives. This position is based in Washington, DC. Roles and Responsibilities: 1. Assists accounting department to maintain a complete set of records to indicate financial transactions. Prepares disbursement vouchers, bank deposits and customer statements. Compiles statistics, such as cash receipts and expenditures, accounts payable, receivable, etc. 2. Assists accounting department to conduct bi-weekly payroll procedures. Ensures all employee benefits and deductions are properly maintained and documented. 3. Answer telephones, screen and greet all visitors to the NIHB office. 4. Process incoming/outgoing mail and record in NIHB mail log. 5. Responsible for copying and distribution of incoming and outgoing correspondence. 6. Provide general clerical assistance to support and professional staff: filing, faxing, and duplication of materials 7. Organize and maintain supply room. 8. Assists, as needed, with preparations for NIHB�s conference events, such as the Public Health Summit and Annual Consumer Conference. 9. Assist with preparation of quarterly reports to the NIHB Executive Director; and coordination of quarterly Board meetings, special meetings, and conferences, as required 10. Assist with special projects as assigned by Executive Director. Job Qualifications Education: Bachelor�s of Arts or Science degree from an accredited college or university in accounting or business administration. Professional experience may substitute for educational requirements, with a minimum of three years experience. Of which, one of the three years must be with a tribal organization, federal government, or non-profit organization. Skills and Experience: � Demonstrated knowledge of bookkeeping principles and practices. � Knowledge of standard accounting and auditing principles for non-profit organizations. � Knowledge in federal contracts and grants management. � Knowledge of inventory systems and maintenance. � Knowledge of federal government budget procedures. � Demonstrated skill in organizing, maintaining files management and record keeping. � Demonstrated experience with multi-line phone system; � Ability to use tact and diplomacy with all sensitive issues and special situations; � Ability to work with various public health officials and tribal leaders � Excellent written and oral communication skills � Highly organized, detail oriented and proven ability to meet deadlines � Computer and internet savvy � Must own a car and be willing and available to use it for work-related tasks. Specialized Knowledge, Licenses, etc.: Must have a valid state driver�s license. Working Conditions: Incumbent must be able to: � Work in an office environment and structure with both workstations and offices. � Sit for long periods of time and use a personal computer. � Retrieve documents from book shelves, file cabinets, etc. � Travel extensively, via airplanes and automobiles. � Own and operate personal vehicle and obtain valid liability insurance. � Work under pressure and deadlines within short time frames. � Work after hours, as needed. Other Qualifications: Except as provided by Title 25 CFR, Section 472 which allows for Indian preference in hiring, the NIHB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical handicap, marital status, politics, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. Salary: $30,000 - $40,000 To Apply: American Indian or Alaska Native strongly encouraged to apply. Email resume/cover letter/salary history to jobs@nihb.org Position Closes: Open Unitl Filled

IHS Information Management Conference

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:31:00 -0500

Training Session for New Technology, RPMS Programs and Applications. The Indian Health Service is hosting the Indian Health Information Management Conference December 15-19, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona. The Indian Health Service is hosting the Indian Health Information Management Conference December 15-19, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona. This conference is geared toward Tribal health entities, Executive Health Directors, Administrators & Facility directors, but more directly all IT Technicians, Site Managers, RPMS personnel, CACs (Clinical Application Coordinators), HIM/Medical Records, Business Office, Pharmacists, clinician providers. . The conference tracks include: 1. Electronic Health Management 2. Technical 3. Practice Management 4. Security 5. Clinical Systems 6. Hands on Lab For more information, a complete agenda and FREE online registration go to www.ihs.gov/cio/ihimc.

Job Posting: USET Director-THPS, Deadline: OTF

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:24:13 -0500

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Name of Position Open: Director-THPS
Date: November 10, 2008

Brief Description of Duties to be performed: The United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. (USET) Director-Tribal Health Program Support is responsible for looking for grants to sustain the program, developing and implementing programs, functions, services and activities in fulfillment of the existing contract scope of work. The incumbent provides support to the USET Executive Director, Health Committee Chairperson and Tribal Health Directors by serving as a primary resource for current health related information. Incumbent also serves as liaison between USET tribes and various health agencies and organizations to ensure that the USET tribes are represented, and their interests are protected. The incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for employees/contractors/consultants hired/retained under the auspices of the Tribal Health Program Support Office.

Minimum Requirements: Minimum of a Bachelors Degree in Health Administration or closely related field obtained from an accredited college or university that has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Masters Degree in a related field preferred, but not required. Documented experience in a paid health-related position will be considered in lieu of a degree. Minimum of five (5) years experience working with Tribal health programs, including health planning, management and analysis of health policy issues. Cultural sensitivity/ability to work within the customs and traditions of various tribal groups. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills. Must be computer literate and proficient. Ability to travel and work irregular hours as necessary.

Opening date for posting this position: November 12, 2008

Closing date: Open until filled

Please send cover letter and resume’ to:

Tammy Neptune, Human Resources Dept
United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc.
711 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Suite 100
Nashville, TN 37214

Office of Justice Programs - Summer Intern Program

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:41:05 -0500

TO: Tribal Leaders and Tribal Colleagues

National Tribal Organizations
Regional Tribal Organizations

The Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, Summer Intern and Enrichment Program begins in May 26, 2009. Interested high school, undergraduate or graduate students may apply via www.usajobs.gov - announcement number JP-09-01-SUM. Offers of summer employment will be subject to funds availability. Additionally, interns may not serve in the same office where a family
member (parent, step-parent or guardian) is currently employed.

SDPI Community-Directed and Demonstration Projects Grantee Conference - November 13-14, 2008

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:34:51 -0400

SAVE THE DATE!

November 13-14, 2008

Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
Washington, DC

SDPI Community-Directed and Demonstration Projects Grantee Conference

“It is truly an historical event for all of our Special Diabetes Program for Indians Grantees to come together in our Nation’s Capital. We hope everyone will take this unique opportunity to join us in DC to network with other grantees and to share program accomplishments with members of the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee.” Kelly Acton, MD, MPH, FACP Director, IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention

For more information

Important Information on Proposed Regulation to Change Code Sets (CMS-0013-P)

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:09:16 -0400

On September 9, 2008, the Federal Register published a CMS proposed regulation to change ICD-9 code sets to ICD-10-CM (diagnosis) and ICD-10-PCS (hospital procedures). HHS proposes to make the compliance date for this proposed rule for all covered entities October 1, 2011. Comments are due by 5 p.m. ET on October 21, 2008. The regulation may be viewed at ICD-10 PDF and a CMS fact sheet may be viewed here at CMS Fact-Sheet .

Based on conversations with IHS, these changes will have a negative impact in Indian Country in the areas of training and loss of productivity during the change over period. There is also a concern regarding the upgrading of software and hardware to facilitate the change, IHS indicated that if a Tribe were using RPMS then IHS would take care of the upgrades. If, however, the Tribe were using off the shelf commercial software then the Tribe would be responsible for the upgrade cost.

Other considerations are the following:

Possibility of a delay in reimbursement during the transition, which will affect revenues
Probability of having to have both ICD-9 and ICD-10 systems for an extended period of time in order to handle unpaid claims, contested claims or other related issues
A risk of increased unpaid or improperly paid claims because improper coding with the new system

NIHB believes that it is important that all concerned parties should submit comments on these proposed regulations. Not just because of the impact the changes will have, but also to put the thoughts and opinions from Indian Country on the record. The more comments submitted the more consideration CMS would give to those concerns. In order to assist in this process we have attached a template letter that may be used as is, or modified to suit your circumstances. The comments must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. ET on October 21, 2008. We apologize for the short notice and intend to give more timely notices in the future.

You may submit the comments electronically by:

Going to www.regulation.gov and
Type “8-12-08” in the search box and click on “go.”
Scroll down until you see “HIPAA Administrative Simplification: Modification to Medical Data Code Set Standards To Adopt ICD–10–CM and . . . .” just below it click on “Send a Comment or submission.”
Then follow all the instructions. (when commenting please refer to file code CMS-0013-P)

Or if you prefer, by regular mail:

You may mail written comments (one original and two copies) to the following address ONLY (remember to allow sufficient time for delivery by 5 p.m. October 21, 2008):

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-0013-P
P.O. Box 8016
Baltimore, MD 21244-8016

By express or overnight mail:

You may send written comments (one original and two copies) to the following address ONLY

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-0013-P
Mail Stop C4-26-05
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850

If you have any questions please contact John Johns, NIHB Federal Regulations and Policy Analyst, at 202-507-4070 or jjohns@nihb.org.

Job Opening: Indian Child Welfare Caseworker - Deadline: October 24, 2008

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:21:12 -0400

Caddo Nation Indian Child Welfare Caseworker

Caseworker will be responsible for program management of the ICW program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Directly responsible to the Program Manager.
Responsible for Child Welfare Caseload
Administers all phases of ICW data reports, legal documentation, evaluations, pre and post dispositions, provide referrals, investigations, interventions to protect the best interest of the children and families.
Provides individual and group counseling in office and home site to families as well as children at risk, involved in child abuse or child custody proceedings.
Obtain and maintain communications with state and federal court systems.
Knowledge of court procedures, legal terminology, tribal/state agreements, case management in order to advocate for children and families.
Act as liaison between tribal members and other social services agencies.
Assist eligible tribal families in obtaining legal assistance in matters involving child custody.
Transports clients as needed to and from homes, foster homes, shelters, hospitals, adoptive homes, office or CFR-CIO State child welfare proceedings.
Must be able to work with resource agencies for child care and placement.
Acts as speaker to other agencies and schools.
Complies with child welfare codes and care guidelines
Is required to have Tribal Council conduct background investigation of employee in accordance with P.L. 101-630, Sec. 408 (a) & (b).
Other duties as assigned as they pertain to the roles of the ICW program.

Qualifications:

Possess Bachelor Degree in Human Service Field or related area and/or experience.
Three years experience in Social Welfare or Indian Child Welfare Services preferred.
Working knowledge of Oklahoma and Federal Legal System as it relates to child custody.
Ability to work well with Indian Families and children.
Possess valid Oklahoma motor vehicle operations license.
Is subject to a pre-appointment investigation.
An Indian preference position.

Closing Date: Friday, 4:30pm, October 24, 2008. Applications may be obtained at the Caddo Nation and must be submitted with a resume. Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, Intersection Hwy 281 & 152, PO Box 487, Binger, OK 73009.

Yvette Goodeagle
Porgram Manager
Caddo Nation
P.O. Box 487
Binger, OK 73009
Ph: (405) 656-2344
Fx: (405) 656-2892
ygoodeagle@caddonation.org

Families USA is accepting applications for two fellowships - Deadlines: Jan 15 and Feb 6, 2009

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:42:34 -0400

The Villers Fellowship

The Villers Fellowship for Health Care Justice was created in 2005 by Philippe Villers, Founder and President of Families USA. Villers Fellows work in our health policy department and assist our organization's efforts to improve access to health coverage for all Americans, especially for low-income and other vulnerable communities. Specifically, Villers Fellows will conduct research on a range of health care policy issues, and write and contribute to publications that are relevant to current health policy debates.

In creating the fellowship, Mr. Villers aspired to develop a network of young leaders who share a passion for health care justice. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to health care justice work following their year as a fellow. Additionally, in order to encourage the development of future leaders, Villers Fellows must commit to mentoring at least one person over the course of their careers.

The application deadline for the Villers Fellowship is January 15, 2009.

You can find more information, including a downloadable application form, on our Web site:

http://www.familiesusa.org/about/the-villers-fellowship.html

If you have any questions about the Villers Fellowship for Health Care Justice or would like to request hard copies of the application brochure, please contact villersfellowship@familiesusa.org.

The Wellstone Fellowship

The Wellstone Fellowship for Social Justice aims to advance social justice through health care advocacy by focusing particularly on the unique challenges facing communities of color. Through this fellowship, established to honor the memory of the late Senator Paul D. Wellstone, we hope to expand the pool of talented social justice advocates from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups.

The ideal candidate must demonstrate an interest in health care policy and racial/ethnic health disparities. Additionally, we are looking for an individual who displays the potential to contribute to social justice work after their year of hands-on experience as a fellow. You can find more information, including a downloadable application form, on our Web site:

http://www.familiesusa.org/about/wellstone-fellowship.html

The application deadline for the Wellstone Fellowship is February 6, 2009.

If you have any questions about the Wellstone Fellowship for Social Justice or would like to request hard copies of the application brochure, please contact wellstonefellowship@familiesusa.org.