Patient Advocate

Patient AdvocateThe Native American Community Clinic (NACC) is a community health center in Minneapolis dedicated to serving urban Indigenous communities and other underserved groups. We are seeking a compassionate, resourceful, community-oriented Patient Advocate to join our team. This position plays a vital role in supporting patients with social service needs, including assistance with health insurance, transportation, housing, and other essential supports. The Patient Advocate works closely with clinical teams and community partners to remove barriers to care, improve access to resources, and enhance overall patient well-being through culturally responsive, holistic support.Duties & ResponsibilitiesProvide direct support to patients in identifying and addressing social needs that impact health, including transportation, food insecurity, insurance enrollment, and other daily living concernsCoordinate closely with community partners, housing providers, and social service agencies to maximize access to support servicesServe as a resource expert for NACC staff, assisting providers and team members in addressing patients' social needsAssist patients in navigating public benefits, including Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Support, and other relevant programsAssist with enrollment in Medicaid programs for uninsured patientsHelp maintain accurate, up-to-date community resource directoriesProvide in-clinic support to patients by identifying barriers to completing medical, dental, and behavioral health treatment plans and developing solutionsConduct in-reach and outreach activities to assess social needs, offer support, and connect community members to services that improve health outcomesParticipate in outreach efforts, including health fairs, community events, and expos to promote NACC services and build relationships with community membersCollaborate with the healthcare team to ensure patients receive comprehensive, integrated, and culturally appropriate careMaintain accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions, services provided, and outcomesPerform other duties as assignedQualificationsMinimum two years of experience in case management, social services, or related fieldKnowledge of local and/or tribal community resources and public benefits programsFamiliarity with health-related social needs and social determinants of healthAbility to work independently and collaboratively across interdisciplinary teamsExcellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skillsProficiency with electronic health records and other relevant software (Ex. Epic, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.)Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, or equivalent combination of education and experienceStrong commitment to health equity and serving diverse, underserved populationsExperience working with Indigenous communities or tribal entities preferredBilingual in English and Spanish preferredCompetenciesDiversity: Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.Ethics: Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.Dependability: Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.Judgment: Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.Physical Demands and Work EnvironmentFrequently required to stand, walk or sitFrequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterityOccasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawlFrequently required to talk or hearOccasional exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materialsWhile performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderateThe employee must: occasionally lift and/or move more than ten pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to ten poundsSpecific vision abilities required by this job include the following: close vision, distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception and ability to adjust focusJob Type: Full-timeBenefits:401(k)401(k) matchingDental insuranceEmployee assistance programFlexible spending accountHealth insuranceHealth savings accountLife insurancePaid time offWork Location: In person