Patient Advocate

Patient Advocate

Department/Care Stream: Patient Services

Location: Multiple locations

LIA Reporting Structure:

Timecard Approver: Center Manager ll

Primary: Center Manager ll

Secondary : Director of Case Management

Status: Full-time

Pay Range: $27.40-$35.62

FLSA: Non-Exempt

EEO-1: Office and Clerical

Organization Information

WellSpace's mission is "achieving regional health through high quality comprehensive care." We believe that everyone deserves to be seen, no matter who you are, where you come from, where you work or what place you call home. At WellSpace, we see you!


We are driven to serve the whole person through comprehensive, integrated care, spanning medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services across the region. We do this by building a team of exceptional colleagues who are dedicated to our mission and becoming part of the communities we serve.


As the region's largest Community Health System, WellSpace utilizes a Confluence Model to integrate an internal network of healthcare modalities, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC), Drug Medi-Cal and Specialty Mental Health programs, California's second largest 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Center, an independent Risk Bearing Organization (WellSpace Nexus), and more into a seamless confluence of care.

To ensure the highest quality of care, WellSpace is accredited by the Joint Commission for Ambulatory Care, Behavioral Health and as a CCBHC. Further, it is certified by the Joint Commission as a Primary Care Medical Home and a Behavioral Health Home. WellSpace's crisis programs are accredited by the American Association of Suicidology and the International Council for Helplines.


Position Summary

The Patient Advocate is responsible for providing resources to our patients in the community. Along with providing resources, the patient advocate is a liaison between the patient and other services the patient needs. Responsible for educating patients, communicating with charities and other programs to assist patients.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Associates degree in related field preferred OR equivalent experience in a medical environment including patient outreach/advocacy.
• At least one year experience in a hospital setting is preferred.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing and demonstrate a high level of listening skills.
• Computer (PC) literate in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook email.
• Ability to perform administrative tasks which includes, but is not limited to communication, technology, organization, planning and problem-solving.
• Provide physical assistance within the Health Center when needed.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Excellent customer service experience including active listening, problem solving, and the ability to remain calm in emotional or stressful situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to the provision of services for the underserved and sensitivity working with a variety of people from low-income populations, with diverse educational, lifestyle, ethnic, and cultural origins; disabled, homeless, substance users, HIV (AIDS) infected, and/or physiologically impaired.
• Commitment to HIPAA and ability to abide by standards of professional ethics and maintain confidentiality.
• Adherence to infection control procedures, including but not limited to, standard precautions of temperature monitoring, hand washing, symptom self-monitoring, masking and social distancing.
• Assist and support the Center/Department/Program to meet standards of High Reliability.

Essential Responsibilities

• Screen uninsured patients in an effort to determine if the patient is a viable candidate for Medi-Cal or charity assistance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Medi-Cal application process and benefits coordination.
• Record, review, and take steps to follow-up with patients.
• Create and sustain record of files within the EHR system.
• Provide resources to patients within the community.
• Participate in community outreach to increase patient understanding and support from external agencies.
• Keep a current list of community resources, update periodically, available for both patients and staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Successful candidate will receive regionally competitive salary, above average health benefits at reduced costs, company paid life insurance & long-term disability insurance, additional voluntary retirement plan with company match and no vesting schedule requirement.

• Paid bereavement and jury duty leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• Flexible Spending Program
• Company paid malpractice insurance for all providers
• Professional development hours offered annually

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The work environment is characteristic of a medical clinic environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to handle, or feel. The employee is also required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must also possess hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the phone. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not attentive to personal health and safety for themselves or their homes. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client's use of alcohol and drugs, and the lack of personal care. The employee may also be exposed to bodily fluids (blood, urine) and hazardous chemicals.

WellSpace Health is committed to the principals of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is the intent of WellSpace Health to maintain a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws. WellSpace Health is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WellSpace Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer