Patient Advocate

About the position

As a member of the Behavioral Health team, the Patient Advocate works to assist current and potential patients/clients locate and obtain services such as food, basic needs, and general resource support. Primary functions for this role include healthcare navigation services for Hope Clinic patients/clients, triage of requests connecting individuals to appropriate services internally or externally, maintaining a comprehensive list of community resources, and provision of concrete services (such as assistance applications, vital records/photo IDs, and thrift store vouchers). Position works onsite approximately 24-28 hours per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8 hours, plus rotating Saturday AM clinic 4 hours).

Responsibilities

• Provide direct assistance in obtaining services including healthcare navigation for health insurance or assistance they are eligible to receive
• Work independently and collaboratively as a member of patient’s care team
• Build partnerships with external organizations to effectively assist patients with referrals
• Use various database, online, and paper systems to enroll patients in needed services and maintain patient records
• Provide direct client contact and support in person and/or by telephone.
• Make patient appointments and referrals to other departments or community agencies
• Provide task supervision to interns or volunteers assisting with patient advocacy services
• Plan and/or support Behavioral Health special events such as wellness services, Thanksgiving, Christmas program, whole person health, etc.
• Attend Behavioral Health team meetings and trainings as required
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Associates Degree with course work in human service-related fields and 3 years of work experience
• Experience working with diverse and occasionally high-intensity client populations
• Ability to demonstrate Hope Clinic’s core values
• Strong communication and client engagement skills
• Experience working with difficult clients
• Knowledge of MI Bridges to assist with Medicaid applications
• Familiarity and regular contact with hospital financial assistance programs
• Proficiency with computers and various software systems to record, track, and report data

Nice-to-haves

• BA preferred
• Flexibility to work day and evening hours as needed; as well as rotating Saturday clinic shifts