Care Advocate Nurse

Department: 85042 Wake Forest University Health Sciences - Academic Public Health Sciences: Epidemiology Status: Full time Benefits Eligible: Yes Hours per Week: 40 Schedule Details: 1st shift Pay Range: $30.70 - $46.05 The Care Advocate serves as the trusted point of contact for pregnant and postpartum patients from enrollment through 12 months postpartum. This role integrates empathetic engagement, brief clinical assessment within scope of practice, education, proactive care coordination, and consistent communication with OB, pediatrics, primary care, behavioral health, and community partners. This role is for individuals with nursing backgrounds (RN or LPN), who will address routine medical questions, reinforce clinical care plans, and elevate behavioral health or psychosocial concerns to behavioral health partners. Minimum Qualifications Active RN or LPN license ≥2 years of experience in obstetrics, maternal/newborn care, family medicine, or pediatrics Experience in care coordination, triage nursing, patient education, or case management. Familiarity with trauma-informed care, health equity principles, and working with diverse populations. Proficiency with technology‑enabled communication (texting platforms, telehealth) and accurate documentation. Preferred Qualifications Experience in community health, mental health, lactation support, perinatal safety, or chronic disease management. Knowledge of SDoH and community resource networks. Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills preferred. Key Responsibilities Clinical/Coordination Review automated screening results and relevant EHR information daily. Conduct brief clinical assessments (within licensure/scope) related to symptoms, medical follow‑up, postpartum concerns, and risk monitoring. Provide education on prenatal/postpartum self‑management, warning signs, chronic disease management (e.g., hypertension), newborn care basics, lactation, and medication adherence as appropriate. Reinforce provider treatment plans, ensure follow‑up appointments, and coordinate communication across OB, pediatrics, primary care, behavioral health, and specialty services. Triage non‑emergent medical issues; elevate behavioral health/SUD/social risk issues to MSW/LPC partners and elevate emergencies per SOPs. Complete warm handoffs; schedule internal/external appointments; ensure appropriate consent and information exchange. Confirm engagement with referrals; troubleshoot barriers; re‑engage as needed. Documentation & Communication Document assessments, education, plan updates, and follow‑ups in the program platform and per EHR standards. Communicate promptly with clinical teams about medical concerns, risk changes, or updates using closed‑loop communication. Maintain accurate logs and dashboards for fidelity and monitoring. Resources & Partnerships Contribute to building and updating the site resource library; tailor resource lists to geography and patient preferences. Collaborate with community partners, and behavioral health partners to support whole‑person care. Quality, Training & Evaluation Participate in onboarding, clinical refresher trainings, supervision/case consults, and learning collaborative activities. Use embedded reports to monitor timeliness, follow‑up completion, and referral success; contribute to continuous quality improvement. Support data quality activities and periodic evaluation. Core Competencies Empathy and cultural humility Strong clinical assessment and patient education skills Strong organizational and communication skills Comfort discussing sensitive topics which may include mental health, substance use, intimate partner violence, social determinants of health, discrimination and disrespectful care. Collaborative spirit and adaptability Commitment to advancing equity and respectful care Collaborates and communicates with continuum care partners‑PAN, HH, Inpatient CM, UM, OON, CTTN team members to keep all care team members apprised as needed. Refers members to appropriate disease management and or quality improvement or pharmacy programs (CHF, asthma, DM). Participates in physician/office, staff, employer orientation/update seminars. Licensure LPN, Licensed Practical (LPN) Education & Experience Required LPN with 4-5yrs of clinical experience. 1-2yrs of which in IPA, PHO, or HMO setting performing UM case management or referral authorization. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required Competent computer navigation skills; demonstrate excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills. Good organizational skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to handle multiple responsibilities. Knowledgeable in CQI principles. Critical thinking skills and ability to analyze complex data sets required. Active licensed LPN. Physical Requirements And Working Conditions Ability to work independently. Regional travel for meetings, orientation, etc. Ability to handle stress and high work load volumes. Flexible with work hours, including early evening until 8pm, Saturdays, on‑call. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties. Our Commitment To You Compensation Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job Incentive pay for select positions Opportunity for annual increases based on performance Benefits And More Paid Time Off programs Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs Educational Assistance Program #J-18808-Ljbffr