Medical Health Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

Established in 1984, Equitas Health is a regional not-for-profit community-based healthcare system and federally qualified community health center look-alike. Its expanded mission has made it one of the nation's largest HIV/AIDS, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) healthcare organizations. With 22 offices in 12 cities, it serves more than 67,000 individuals in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia each year through its diverse healthcare and social service delivery system focused around primary and specialized medical care, retail pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, HIV/STI prevention, advocacy, and community health initiatives.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Medical Health Advocate is responsible for providing comprehensive case management services at Equitas health and identifying and assisting HIV+ persons needing case management services throughout Ohio. The individual will operate in accordance with the established professional standards and guidelines as stated by the Ohio Revised Code and put forth by the Ohio counselor, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. The individual will operate in accordance with the established professional standards and guidelines for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and agree to adhere to the NASW standards for social work management.

This position is represented by Equitas Health Workers United Local 6609, Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFL-CIO Union and is subject to the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement.

Hourly Pay Range: $23.51 - $26.88

LSW REQUIRED

BENEFITS

• PTO
• Vision
• Dental
• Health
• 401k
• Sick time

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to: traveling, driving, having reliable transportation to meet clients, and utilizing a computer for typing and conducting research, attending meetings, conducting assessments and counseling.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide high quality case management for clients and their families by assisting them to access medical services, health insurance, Ryan White benefits, and other resources and services to improve health outcomes, housing stability, and employment and income attainment.
• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for people with HIV/AIDS seeking services at intake and complete update assessments bi-annually and as needed. Medical Health Advocates assist clients in completing and submitting all necessary documentation related to these assessments.
• Develop, monitory, and evaluate individual case plans for each assigned client at intake, bi-annually, and as needed thereafter. Case Plans will address services provided to the client within Equitas Health, as well as services managed within the community by other providers.
• Function as a central and primary access point for financial assistance programs, including but not limited to Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act (Part B and C), HOPWA short-term rental assistance, and other assistance programs as appropriate. Medical Health Advocates will complete and submit paperwork as needed to support client in maintaining these assistance programs.
• Assess client's mental health needs and provide crisis intervention as necessary. Medical Health Advocates are responsible for completing lethality assessment documentation and consulting with Supervisors whenever a crisis occurs. Medical Health Advocates will also reach out to community mental health services and consulting with ongoing mental health and therapy providers as appropriate.
• Assist client with linkage to resources such as housing, respite, nutritional assistance, palliative care, chore assistance, transportation, and social functions that help increase the client's ability to remain independent in the community.
• Navigate community workforce programs and provide supportive services to clients that address the unique barriers to employment PLWHA may face in returning to work, understanding benefits eligibility, confidentiality, and health management in the workplace.
• Identify and engage health care professionals in the region to provide quality services to PLWHA and establish new relationships in collaboration with ODH. Medical Health Advocate will refer providers who seek a relationship with ODH to the appropriate contacts within ODH.
• Represent Equitas Health withing the community, engaging other service providers and providing education about special needs associated with a client living with HIV/AIDS in the primary care continuum, mental health continuum, and other community resources.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Maintain confidentiality of clients by adhering to Equitas Health Confidentiality Policy and Procedure, HIPAA, and other established professional standards and guidelines.
• Medical Health Advocates are responsible for maintaining documentation through Equitas Health, ODH, and other software systems. All documentation will be recorded and complete within two business days of provided services.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ensure that action items and updates are provided to Supervisor proactively. Capture feedback from clients, staff, and community partners and communicate the information to the appropriate persons.
• Return client, provider, and other stakeholder correspondence within two business days.
• Achieve productivity standards by Equitas Health, including spending no less than 60% per month of hours worked directly engaging with clients, their families, and other informal supports.
• Coordinate with clients in order to maintain Active status through Ryan White and other programs. Medical Health Advocates are responsible for having no less than 90% of their clients within date or identified as active in any given month.
• Responsible for accurate and timely completing of documentation in order to provide accurate data and reports to Equitas Health and its Board, as well as federal, state, and local governments.
• Attend trainings, as assigned, to improve case management skills related to written and verbal communication, putting theory into practice, and accurate documentation across multiple systems.
• Medical Health Advocates will participate in Motivational Interviewing trainings and learning groups. As appropriate, Supervisors will scheduled shadowing and recorded visits between Medical Health Advocates and clients in order to evaluate MI skills.
• Participate in Equitas Health Committees and Performance Improvement Teams as appropriate and assigned by direct supervisor.
• Prepare for and attend individual and group supervision per Supervisor's schedule. Medical Health Advocates are responsible for bringing client concerns, process questions, and other needs to scheduled supervisions. Medical Health Advocates are required to attend 5 hours of supervision per month.
• Demonstrate unconditional positive regard to clients. Conduct all aspects of job responsibilities with a focus on exceptional customer service.
• Demonstrate continuous growth and development of cultural competency exhibiting an understanding, awareness, and respect for diversity.
• Attend monthly, quarterly, and as needed meetings in-person or virtually at multiple agency sites and community partner locations.
• Utilize email, Teams, phone, and other telecommunication options to participate in meetings across sites.
• Other duties as assigned related to this position by supervisor.

EDUCATION/LICENSURE:

• Minimum of BSW/BSSW and LSW required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have sensitivity to, interest in, and competence in cultural differences, HIV/AIDS, minority health, sexual practices, and a demonstrated competence in working with persons of color, and the LGBTQ+ community.
• Community-base case management and training experience desired.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and other computer applications required.
• Reliable transportation, driver's license, and proof of auto insurance required.
• Knowledge and adherence to social work standards and ethics.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Background and reference checks will be conducted. In accordance with Equitas Health's Drug-Free Workplace Policy, pre-employment drug testing will be administered. Hours may vary, including working some evenings and weekends based on workload. Individuals are not considered applications until they have been asked to visit for an interview and at that time complete an application for employment. Completing the application does not guarantee employment. EOE/AA.