Board Member Job Descriptions
Want to read more about what it takes to be a Board Member? You are in the right place! You can find a full listing of Board Member Job Descriptions below!
What is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)?
FQHCs are community health centers designated by the federal government with a focus on an underserved population, particularly the economically disadvantaged, though anyone is welcome to use the services. HealthPoint serves the Greater Brazos Valley, conveniently located across multiple Texas counties. Services include medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy. HealthPoint serves over 45,000 people annually with 24 clinic locations in 9 counties.
What is a Director and the Board of Directors?
Individuals are directors who come together as the Board of Directors. You’d be part of an important team. Current Board Directors elect new members. As a group, the Board of Directors governs the organization. It hires the Chief Executive Officer. It must vote on the annual budget and regularly reviews and votes on many important policies and procedures. These are just a handful of Board duties. Six committees make up the Board of Directors, and each committee oversees specific areas, reports back to the whole Board, and recommends actions to the full Board. These committees are Executive, Audit and Finance, Bylaws, Corporate Compliance, Membership, and Retirement. For a description, please refer to the Bylaws.
What makes me qualified to serve on the Board of Directors?
If you’re a user, you are qualified to be a Board Director. You know first-hand what it’s like to be a patient-consumer. Your experiences will be invaluable. If you’re a user and don’t want to serve on the Board, please tell a friend or relative who is a user. If you’re not a user, you may bring certain skills or experiences to the Board that can benefit the organization, like legal, finance, community leadership, healthcare management, or nonprofit governance, among other things.
Why should I volunteer on the Board of Directors?
You should help run your community health center if you’re a user. HealthPoint belongs to you. In addition, you’re part of the community, and Board service is one way to give back to the community. Although service is voluntary, a light dinner is sometimes served. Any Board training will be paid for by the organization. But your reward, your payment, is giving back to the community or the health center if you’re a user.
What is my time commitment?
There are monthly Board meetings that last approximately two hours. Generally, Board meetings are held late afternoons, but not always. Additional committee assignments could require up to twelve hours a year, and you may be asked to occasionally represent the organization at a business or community function. In addition, Board Directors need to come prepared. The material will be provided each month before Board and committee meetings requiring you to review the material, ask questions, and make an informed vote. Hence, your time commitment can be approximately forty hours a year. Preparing for meetings can be done in the comfort of your home. Also, you can participate in meetings by telephone or video conference calls, though meeting with and discussing issues in person is always best.
What is the process before I’m voted onto the Board of Directors?
The process includes meeting with the Chief Executive Officer or Governance Chair prior to your election to the Board. More details will be shared about how you can serve the community through HealthPoint. The CEO or Governance Chair will also discuss the importance of ethics, compliance, and the organization’s Code of Conduct. You will be asked to fill out a Conflict of Interest Form. This Form will identify any issues that may conflict with your duties to HealthPoint. It’s possible that your partner, blood relative, or adopted adult child is attempting to secure a contract with HealthPoint. Or maybe you have a relative working at HealthPoint. These are possible conflicts and must be disclosed. You also will have to undergo a background check and a check to determine if you have ever compromised the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Once the background work has been done, your name would be submitted to the Board by the Membership Committee, and you’d be voted on for a two-year term.
What assignments can I expect?
All Board Members are asked to serve on at least one standing committee. The choice is up to you, though you may be asked to serve on more than one if there is a need. In addition, there are activities you’ll be asked to attend – perhaps a community event to help promote the organization in the community.
Will I receive training and guidance?
Board education is ongoing. Sometimes an outside nonprofit consultant will be brought in for workshops. In other cases, the CEO or Board Chair will speak about duties and the areas you must focus on.
Do I have the benefit of Staff support?
Yes. Each committee is assigned experienced, professional Staff to help you meet obligations as a Board and committee member. Any Board Member may call on Staff to assist with governance matters.
Board Member Officer Description
What is the job description of the Board Chair?
The Board Chair determines the meeting agenda, chairs the Executive Committee, and serves as an ex officio member of all committees. The Chair works in partnership with the CEO to ensure Board resolutions are carried out and will call special meetings, if necessary. He or she will appoint members to each committee subject to Board approval. The Chair will run Board meetings, oversee searches for a new CEO, serve as a spokesperson, periodically consult with Board Members on their roles and committee assignments, and help them assess individual performance. He or she will ensure HealthPoint is focused on its Values and Mission Statement.
What is the job description of the Board Vice Chair?
In the absence of the Board Chair, the Vice Chair will fulfill all duties as if acting as Chair.
What is the job description of the Board Secretary?
Attend all Board Meetings and transcribe the minutes. He or she shall ensure the safety and accuracy of all Board records. He or she is responsible for the accuracy of the Board minutes and for providing an accurate record of the meetings.
What is the job description of the Board Treasurer?
The Treasurer will maintain a full understanding of the organization’s finances. He or she will select and monitor an independent auditor and track the organization’s revenue every month. The Treasurer will work with the CEO and Chief Finance Officer to prepare an annual budget.
If you have any questions about the Board Member Job Descriptions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our Board Members:
- Tony Caraballo: 979-219-1135
- Janie Velasquez: 979-218-8690
- James McCullough: 979-828-3663
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