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                     FREE NARCAN TRAINING
       Presented by Western Plains Public Health

*Must be 18 years or older

*Training is approximately 45 minutes

*Available for individuals & group settings

*To schedule your free training, submit your request form today!


   For more information on opioid Safety, Overdose & Addiction, visit:
                                  https://www.hhs.nd.gov/opioids

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YOUTH QUITTING PROGRAMS

RESOURCES

Office Assistant-Billing Specialist

Job Summary


 

Position Summary:

Work activities are associated with performing office support duties of a clerical or secretarial nature.  Position performs duties of a general office nature with an emphasis on medical billing.

Essential Duties:
  • Utilize an electronic filing system which requires scanning and filing on a computer network or electronic medical records system. 
  • Create and maintain paper filing; locate documents for staff members; and file documents in their corresponding location. 
  • Receive, sort, and distribute incoming mail; prepare outgoing mail by sorting materials.
  • Daily data entry or computer work into electronic medical records system or excel spreadsheets. 
  • Needs to have a thorough understanding of basic Microsoft Office operating systems. Occasional proofreading of documents include correcting spelling and grammar, and ensuring that letters and reports are accurate before sending them to clients and vendors.
  • Prompt and effective communication and customer service skill.  Display common courtesy in everyday contact with employees, clients, and the public.  Provide basic, factual information to customers by phone, face-to-face, email or routine correspondence.
  • Receive and secure money; complete associated transaction procedures; and process and manage billing claims
  • Provide bill pay and payroll support to Office Manager
  • Maintain confidentiality and follow HIPAA policies and procedures.
  • Follow policies and procedures; complete administrative tasks correctly and on time; support organization’s goals and values.
  • Maintain office systems and related procedures.
  • Provide support to all staff members as requested.
  • Assist in response to public health emergencies.
  • Note:  The duties listed are not intended to be all-inclusive.  Duties assigned any individual employee are at the discretion of the appointing authority.

Specialty Duties & Responsibilities

Medical Billing Specialist

  • Manages and coordinates timely performance of medical billing activities for the department
  • Monitors compliance with federal billing standards and those of third-party payers
  • Maintain electronic medical records system with insurance carrier billing information
  • Ensure accuracy of patient insurance registration information
  • Review claims within electronic medical records system for accuracy prior to electronic submission with regard to accuracy in patient info, subscriber info, coding accuracy, and insurance billing requirements
  • Serve as insurance company contact person for agency, with specific knowledge of communication processes, claim processing, and agency contracts with insurance companies
  • Post insurance payments, remittance advices/explanations of benefits to patient claims through electronic medical records system

Minimum Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Occasional weekend and/or evening hours will be required.

The job requires an associate’s degree and three or more years of insurance claim processing experience. Previous experience involving information dissemination, records organization and retention or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the specialty duties of this job such as those listed above. A medical billing and coding certificate is recommended.

A valid driver’s license is required as there is limited travel during specific times of the year.

Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 While performing the duties of this job, the employee should be able to do the following:

  • Use a computer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, and audio-visual equipment
  • Must own a vehicle and be able to drive
  • Be able to lift and move supplies up to 50 pounds
  • Must be able to speak to people on a one-to-one basis and in large/small groups
  • Must be able to be fitted and wear a NIOSH 95 mask
  • Engage in the following movements: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, digging, shoveling, writing, and repetitive motions

Work station will be located within Western Plains Public Health’s service area and will include a general office setting, as well as community sites including clients’ homes, restaurants, or other workplaces.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to conditions that range from inclement weather to dangerous conditions such as snow/ice, cold, heat, noise, wetness/humidity, vibration, sudden temperature changes, and poor illumination at the job site or due to travel on the job. Travel to and from field locations may subject worker to increased risk of driving hazards. Community locations may subject worker to communicable diseases, insects and other disease vectors, toxins, hazardous materials, chemicals, and animals. In all settings, employees may need to relate to members of the public who exhibit challenging, atypical, or hostile behaviors and/or communication.

Full-time (40 hours/week), non-exempt position

Hourly rate: $22-24/hour

100% paid single/family health insurance plan, Vision and Dental insurance, NDPERS Defined Benefit Retirement plan, and more!

If you are interested in this position, please email your resume to Vonda Bechtel at vbechtel@westernplainsph.org. We will accept resumes for this position through June 24, 2024 at 4pm.

Careers



Western Plains Public Health has a wide range of benefits and perks such as:

  • NDPERS retirement plan
  • 100% paid health insurance plan (single and family)
  • Dental and Vision insurance
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Family friendly

We would love to have you as part of our team!

If you have any questions regarding our open positions or future positions, please contact our administrator, Erin Ourada, at 701.667.3370 or eourada@westernplainsph.org.

 

Public health nurse testimonial

Public Health Nurse I

Accepting Applications Until
Location
Morton County
Job Summary

Salary: $27-28.00 per hour

Provide professional public health nursing services to the community.

Essential Duties:

  • Assist with/or provide health maintenance clinics, immunization clinics, blood pressure testing, rapid strep testing, tuberculosis screening, and medication management.
  • Provide home visits as assigned and nursing care to meet physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and cultural needs of the patient by means of teaching and referral.
  • Utilize the nursing process to identify individual client problems and to develop, implement, and evaluate patient care.
  • Document observations, nursing interventions, therapeutic measures administered and status of coordinated activities between nursing and other professional disciplines utilizing the problem oriented electronic record system.
  • Provide and promote community health services.
  • Serve on health related coalitions and taskforces.
  • Attend staff and branch office meetings as scheduled and continuing education opportunities as approved.
  • Collaborate with emergency response planning and training in order to accurately respond to public health emergencies.
  • Follow current HIPAA guidelines to ensure client confidentiality.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Specialty Duties & Responsibilities

HIV/Hepatitis C/STI Nurse

  • Provide HIV and Hepatitis C documentation to the State Health Department using designated electronic record program.
  • Conduct Hepatitis C, HIV, STI testing per State Health Department requirements and protocols.
  • Provide treatment of STI’s per Medical Directors standing orders.
  • Conduct the Hepatitis C/HIV/STI testing for high risk inmates in jails as requested.
  • Follow grant guidelines and deliverables.

Mandan Good Neighbor Project Nurse

  • Conducts harm reduction education and syringe exchange in accordance to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Program plan guidelines.

Morton County Nurse

  • Offer Public Health nursing services to Mandan, rural Morton County, Sioux County and the Standing Rock Reservation as assigned. Morton County is the major work site. Office is located in Mandan ND.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

  • Driver's License (Required)
  • ND Registered Nurse license (Required)

Work Location: In person at Mandan, ND office and in client's homes or other predetermined locations

Please email resume to jfetsch@westernplainsph.org or call 701-667-3370 to speak with Director of Nursing, Jodie Fetsch.

Environmental Health Practitioner

Job Summary

Salary: $27-29/hour

Carries out a variety of environmental health regulatory and consultative activities across a broad range of programs; funded by local levy, grants, and fees. Analyzes data for all Western Plains Public Health programs.

Essential Duties:

1. Educates the regulated public and enforces health and sanitation regulations for body art facilities, onsite sewage treatment, aquatic venues, food and beverage establishments, water supply, tanning facilities, and public health nuisances.

2. Assists and consults as needed with solid waste, hazardous materials, vector control, and air quality.

3. Responds as necessary to public health emergencies to ensure protection of responders and the public, as well as restoration of facilities to ensure the public health.

4. Collaborates with partners to interpret and promote environmental health.

5. Conducts training in environmental health subjects.

6. Prepares reports and submits them to the Administrator at regular intervals.

7. Pursue and participate in professional development to maintain REHS credential.

8. Attend required meetings and conferences.

9. Participation in professional organizations related to environmental health is encouraged.

10. Respond to a wide variety of situations which could entail numerous job tasks not specifically assigned.

11. Development of informational resources.

12. Other duties as assigned.

Specialty Duties & Responsibilities

  • Assists Environmental Health team with creation of inspection programs for mobile home park/RV campgrounds and lodging facilities based on NDCC 23-09 and 23-10.
  • Educate the regulated public and enforce health and sanitation regulations for mobile home park/RV campgrounds and lodging facilities.
  • Provide consultation with department heads, program supervisors, and staff in developing and formulating short- and long-range public health program goals, objectives, and activities.
  • Collect and analyze program data to strengthen a program’s effectiveness in addressing community health issues.
  • Develop annual program reports for the Board of Health and county commissions.
  • May be subject to 24/7 on-call status in emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Baccalaureate degree in the physical, chemical, or biological sciences, including at least 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in physical, chemical, or biological science.
  • Current ND licensure as an Environmental Health Practitioner (must be obtained in first two months of employment). See requirements here: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/health/ehp-cpfs-licensure-and-training
  • National licensure as REHS within the first five years of employment. Must be completed before movement beyond entry position.
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Certification in CPR (within first year of employment)
  • Certificates of completion for National Incident Management System (NIMS) training in 100, 200, 700, and 800 (within first year of employment)
  • Successful completion of Certified Pool Operator Training

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends and evenings as needed (always advance notice of these events)

Work Location: In person, Main office location is Mandan, ND

Please email resume to eourada@westernplainsph.org or call 701-667-3370 and ask for Erin Ourada.

Environmental Complaint

Western Plains Public Health environmental health practitioners will inspect public health nuisances under the authority granted through North Dakota Century Code 23-35-09. A public health nuisance can be defined as a condition, activity, or situation that interferes with the use or enjoyment of property and is injurious to health. The nuisance is a public issue when it unreasonably interferes with a right common to the general public. Examples may include breeding areas for flies, collection of sewage, water serving as a mosquito breeding area, rat harborages, bed bugs and other mediums of disease transmission.

If you are aware of a public health nuisance, source of filth, and/or cause of sickness, please call our office at 701-667-3370 or complete the webform.

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Winter Preparedness

Snow storm

Each year, winter weather affects North Dakotans on a broad scale, ranging from travel inconvenience to death. However, you can benefit from preparation and making sure you are ready for the wintry season the region is notorious for. Winter storms can give advanced warning or occur suddenly, and a proactive approach, versus a reactive one, can help ensure your safety.

Terminology

  • Blizzard Warning – Issued when an expected blizzard event with sustained winds or frequent gusts greater than 35 mph will accompany blowing snow for three or more hours.
  • Blizzard Watch – Issued when conditions are favorable for severe winter weather.
  • Freezing Rain – Precipitation that creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
  • Frost/Freeze Warning – Issued when below freezing temperatures are expected.
  • Hypothermia – A health hazard when your body temperature sinks below 96 degrees Fahrenheit.  
  • Sleet – Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground.
  • Wind Chill – The perceived temperature due to weather conditions.
  • Winter Weather Advisory – Issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet or a combination of wintry elements are expected but conditions should not be hazardous enough to meet warning criteria. Use cation when driving.
  • Winter Storm Watches – Issued when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event. Heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storms, blowing snow or a combination of wintry elements are possible.
  • Winter Storm Warning – Issued for significant winter weather events including snow, ice, sleet, blowing snow or a combination of wintry elements. Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations. Delay travel plans until conditions improve.

Communication Plan

  • List contact numbers such as hospitals/clinics, doctors, schools or service providers, as well as family members and neighbors.
  • Make sure everyone in your family has a copy of the plan and there is a copy in your home
  • Create a list of responsibilities for each person in your family
  • Review and practice the plan

Evacuation

  • Identify a place you can safely warm up should you lose heat in your home
  • Check on friends, neighbors, and relatives, particularly if they are elderly or live alone
  • Have a destination in mind before leaving
  • Dress appropriately for weather conditions

Shelter in Place

  • Choose to stay a room with as few windows as possible
  • Close off unused rooms and stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
  • Cover windows at night
  • Wear enough clothing to remain warm, but avoid sweating
  • Listen to a local radio or television station for updated emergency information
  • Eat and drink water regularly

Vehicle Winter Emergency Kit Suggestions

  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Rain gear
  • Extra sets of dry clothing
  • Hats and mittens/gloves
  • High-energy snacks
  • Phone charger
  • Batteries
  • Shovel
  • Sand or kitty litter
  • Windshield scraper
  • Flashlight
  • Chains or rope
  • Tire chains
  • Jumper cables
  • Emergency flares
  • Water
  • First aid kit
  • Spare tire(s)
  • Money

 

When Traveling

  • Listen to weather reports for your area and areas you’ll be traveling through.
  • Let someone know the route you will be taking, your destination and expected arrival time.
  • Look for sleet, freezing rain or drizzle which can create icy conditions.
  • Accelerate slowly and give yourself room to stop.
  • Do not use cruise control in wintry conditions.
  • Don’t crowd snow plows.
  • Consider alternate traveling plans or cancelling your trip.

If Stranded

  • Do not leave your vehicle unless help is visible.
  • Display a trouble sign or indication you require help.
  • Run the vehicle and use the heater occasionally, 10 minutes each hour. Also, turn on vehicle’s lights while the vehicle is running to create more visibility.
  • Keep your vehicle’s exhaust pipe clear.
  • Lightly exercise and try to keep from remaining motionless.
  • If there is more than one person in the vehicle, take turns sleeping.
  • If there is more than one person in the vehicle, huddle together for warmth.
  • Keep hydrated.
  • Avoid overexertion.

Winterize Your Home

  • Insulate pipes, walls, attics
  • Caulking and weather-stripping doors and inserting storm windows or covering windows with plastic
  • Know where your water valves are in the event of a burst pipe
  • Hire a contractor to check ability of your roof to sustain weight from snow/ice
  • Clear rain gutters
  • Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors in central location of every floor of your house, as well as near sleeping areas

Pets

  • Have someone check on your animals if you are unable to be at home for an extended time. 
  • Have registration/adoption papers and vaccinations handy
  • Consider microchipping your pet and enrolling him or her in a recovery database
  • Keep at least 3 days of pet-specific food and water per pet
  • Some melting salts can be harmful to your pet's feet or if it is ingested

Heating Safety

  • Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off. If it tips over, it shuts off.
  • Keep wood stove doors closed except for when adding wood/pellets or stoking the fire.
  • Keep snow and ice 3 feet away from fire hydrants.

Frostbite

  • Symptoms include numbness and white or gray-yellow skin that may feel firm or waxy
  • Do not rub the damaged area
  • Remove rings, watches or jewelry, etc.
  • Cover exposed skin
  • Rewarm frostbitten areas with warm, not hot, water
  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible
  • Once inside, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes as this can cause more damage

Hypothermia

  • Symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness
  • Warm the body from the center
  • Remove wet clothes
  • Wrap the individual in blankets or put on dry clothing

Additional Resources

NOAA Weather Prediction Center

Snowstorms and Extreme Cold 

Winter Storm Safety

Preparing for Winter Weather

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