I-Smile Silver Coordinator in Fort Dodge, Iowa at Webster County, IA

Webster County Health Department is seeking a motivated and compassionate I-Smile Silver Coordinator to improve access to oral health services for adults and older adults in Webster County and the surrounding service area.

The I-Smile Silver Coordinator provides community-based outreach, oral health education, care coordination, referrals, and support to help individuals overcome barriers to obtaining needed dental care. This position also develops and maintains partnerships with dental and medical providers, healthcare organizations, long-term care facilities, community agencies, social service organizations, Veterans Affairs, and other community partners.

The Coordinator supports the requirements and goals of the Iowa Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) I-Smile Silver program while helping strengthen the local public health system’s capacity to identify and address oral health needs within the community.
The I-Smile Silver Coordinator is a Full-Time position at 32-40 hours per week.
The I-Smile Silver Coordinator Will:

Oral Health Outreach and Education:

• Conduct outreach to adults and older adults who experience barriers to accessing dental care.
• Provide oral health education to individuals, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations.
• Educate individuals and community partners about the connection between oral health and overall health, including chronic disease, diabetes, nutrition, and quality of life.
• Participate in health fairs, community events, senior programs, clinics, educational presentations, and other outreach activities.
• Develop and distribute appropriate oral health education materials and resources.
• Promote preventive oral healthcare and the importance of routine dental visits.

Care Coordination and Dental Referrals:

• Assess clients’ oral health needs and identify barriers to obtaining dental care.
• Assist clients in locating appropriate dental providers and navigating dental and healthcare systems.
• Develop and maintain a local network of dental providers and referral resources.
• Help clients identify available resources, including insurance, Medicaid, payment assistance, transportation, and other supportive services.
• Coordinate referrals among clients, dental providers, medical providers, and community resources.
• Follow up with clients regarding referrals, services received, and unresolved barriers to care.
• Maintain accurate and appropriate documentation of referrals, client contacts, services, and outcomes.

Community Partnerships:

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with local dentists, dental offices, medical providers, and healthcare organizations.
• Develop partnerships with hospitals, pharmacies, senior centers, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, social service agencies, food pantries, faith-based organizations, and other community partners.
• Conduct outreach to dental and medical practices to increase awareness of I-Smile Silver services and available referral resources.
• Educate community partners about oral health resources, services, and referral processes.
• Participate in community coalitions and initiatives addressing health disparities, oral health, and access to care.

Public Health and Population-Based Activities:

• Participate in community health assessments and health improvement planning related to oral health.
• Identify gaps, barriers, and disparities in local oral health services and access to care.
• Assist in developing strategies to improve access to preventive and restorative dental services.
• Use community and program data to identify populations experiencing oral health disparities and opportunities for intervention.
• Participate in quality improvement and program evaluation activities.
• Promote oral health as an essential component of overall health and public health.
• Support population-based oral health initiatives consistent with Iowa HHS and I-Smile Silver program requirements.

Program Administration:

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client and program records.
• Complete required Iowa HHS and I-Smile Silver documentation and reports.
• Track referrals, outreach activities, community contacts, services, and program outcomes.
• Monitor progress toward established program goals and performance measures.
• Participate in required I-Smile Silver trainings, meetings, and professional development activities.
• Maintain current knowledge of oral health resources, public health practices, and available community services.
• Participate in staff meetings, community planning activities, and other Health Department initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

The I-Smile Silver Coordinator Shall Have:

Required Qualifications:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Hygiene or higher.
• Current Iowa Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license.
• Experience working with the public and community-based organizations.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary public health team.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of client and program information.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the assigned service area, including Calhoun, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Webster, and Wright counties.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in public health, healthcare, dental health, care coordination, case management, or community outreach.
• Experience working with older adults, underserved populations, or individuals experiencing barriers to care.
• Knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare, dental insurance, and community assistance programs.
• Experience developing and maintaining community partnerships.
• Experience providing health education and conducting community outreach.
• Knowledge of Iowa public health programs, services, and resources.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Compassion, professionalism, and respect when working with clients and community partners.
• Cultural humility and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Effective care coordination and referral skills.
• Strong community engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Sound problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to assist individuals experiencing financial, transportation, healthcare, and other barriers to accessing services.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication and collaboration with the public health team.
• Commitment to improving access to oral healthcare and reducing health disparities.

Physical and Environmental:
This position requires work in office, community, healthcare, and other public settings. Regular travel throughout the assigned six-county service area is required. The position may require periods of sitting, standing, and walking, as well as bending and lifting or carrying educational materials, supplies, and equipment associated with outreach activities.