Cherokee Indian Hospital offers an extraordinary opportunity to pursue a career as a care manager, providing holistic, culturally centered care to Indigenous patients across all ages and life stages. Working as a care manager here means joining a team dedicated to advancing health outcomes for the Cherokee community, blending medical expertise with a deep understanding of the unique social and cultural needs of patients. Cherokee Indian Hospital provides a variety of care manager roles, each with specialized responsibilities to meet diverse patient needs. Here’s why a career as a care manager at Cherokee Indian Hospital could be your next fulfilling career move.
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Comprehensive, Culturally Informed Patient Care
- As a care manager at Cherokee Indian Hospital, you’ll provide care that respects and honors Cherokee culture and values. Care managers at the hospital are instrumental in guiding patients through the healthcare system, ensuring they receive complete and culturally sensitive care. This role not only includes managing physical health but also addressing social determinants of health (SDoH), such as housing stability, access to nutritious food, intimate partner violence and transportation—all crucial to patient well-being. By focusing on holistic, patient-centered care, care managers help improve health outcomes in a way that aligns with cultural traditions and values.
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Diverse Types of Care Manager Roles
Cherokee Indian Hospital offers various care management roles tailored to meet the unique needs of its patient population. Each role provides specific services to different patient groups, offering care managers the chance to specialize based on their expertise and interests. Some of the primary care manager roles available include:
Primary Care Manager: Working closely with primary care providers, the primary care manager assists in managing panels of patients by addressing both acute and chronic care needs. This role emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention, utilizing tools like iCare and NC Health Connects for comprehensive data tracking and follow-up on referrals, recent ED visits, and care transitions.
Children and Families Specialty Program (CFSP) Care Manager: In this role, you’ll support the health and well-being of children, youth, and families involved in the child welfare system. Care managers in CFSP coordinate care for children with high-acuity physical, behavioral, and social needs. You’ll work with the EBCI Family Safety Program, county DSS agencies, and other community programs to deliver support that strengthens family bonds, prevents entry or re-entry into foster care, and promotes permanency and stability.
Tailored Care Management (TCM) Care Manager: This role focuses on individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or severe mental illness. TCM care managers ensure that patients have ongoing access to a dedicated care manager who coordinates their physical and behavioral health needs alongside other life aspects like housing, education, and social support. You’ll develop and monitor personalized care plans that incorporate a broad range of services, from traditional medical care to vocational and social support.
Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Care Manager: For patients with long-term support needs, the LTSS care manager develops and coordinates services that support daily living and enhance quality of life. This role involves close coordination with external providers to secure services such as personal care, assistive devices, and housing solutions. LTSS care managers assess patient needs in collaboration with families and other support networks to help patients live more independently and with dignity.
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Patient-Centered Care with a Team-Based Approach
Cherokee Indian Hospital’s care managers work within a “pod” or team-based system that brings together healthcare professionals to provide integrated care. This collaborative environment means that care managers often lead the team, guiding care workers and other support staff while coordinating closely with primary care providers. By managing patient panels, care managers are pivotal in meeting the hospital’s quality indicators and providing support that extends beyond individual patient interactions.
Flexibility and Diversity of Work Environments
Care managers at Cherokee Indian Hospital work in various settings, from clinics and hospital rooms to community locations and even patient homes. This flexibility allows care managers to be where they are most needed, whether in managing follow-up care after an emergency department visit or conducting home visits to assess the health and safety of vulnerable patients. You may also work across departments, including inpatient services, emergency care, and satellite clinics, gaining valuable experience in multiple areas of patient care.
Building Strong Relationships and Community Connections
Care managers at Cherokee Indian Hospital are not just healthcare providers; they are advocates, educators, and trusted advisors to patients and their families. From providing preventive health education to assisting with access to community resources, care managers play an essential role in improving patient knowledge and promoting long-term wellness. For many patients, especially those with complex health or social needs, care managers are a vital connection to comprehensive support services, both within the hospital and in the broader community.
Continual Professional Development
Cherokee Indian Hospital supports care managers in their professional growth through ongoing training and opportunities for specialization. As a care manager here, you’ll have access to in-service training, competency updates, and advanced certifications in areas like trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and cultural competency. This emphasis on continued learning ensures that care managers stay current with best practices, contributing to high standards of care and enhancing job satisfaction.
Essential Qualifications and Training
Each care manager role at Cherokee Indian Hospital has specific educational and professional requirements, providing pathways for both new and experienced professionals. Many roles require a nursing background, while others are open to professionals with degrees in health, social work, or related human services fields. With options ranging from bachelor’s to master’s level qualifications, there are diverse entry points into a career in care management at Cherokee Indian Hospital.
Primary Care Managers generally require a Registered Nurse (RN) license and at least two years of experience in patient care.
CFSP and TCM Care Managers often require specialized knowledge in behavioral health, developmental disabilities, or child welfare, along with hands-on experience in case management. LTSS Care Managers benefit from experience in long-term support and independent living solutions, with additional knowledge in social services and community resources.
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Fulfilling a Mission of Service
A career as a care manager at Cherokee Indian Hospital is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to serve the community. The hospital’s mission to provide compassionate, culturally competent care that improves lives is central to the work of every care manager. You’ll have the chance to work with patients who rely on you for support through some of life’s most challenging moments, making this a profoundly rewarding career path.
Choosing a career as a care manager at Cherokee Indian Hospital means stepping into a role where you can truly make a difference every day. With a variety of specialized care management positions available, Cherokee Indian Hospital provides an ideal setting to develop your skills, build lasting relationships, and contribute to the health and resilience of the Cherokee community. Whether you’re a seasoned nurse or just beginning your journey in healthcare, this career offers purpose, growth, and the chance to work within a mission-driven organization that values you and your unique contributions. If you’re interested in a career in Care Management, check out available job opportunities online HERE.