Patient Relations Specialist (Patient Advocacy)

Job Description

Under minimal supervision, responsible for developing and maintaining favorable relationships with the patient community. Oversees the relationship between patients, families, and clinical departments to ensure patients receive a high level of care. Develops and implements data driven initiatives to ensure a positive patient experience. May lead or mentor lower level team members.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a liaison between patients and the medical staff.
• Represents the institution at community gatherings/forums and assists with special events as needed.
• Establishes and maintains a strong working relationship with physicians and their staff members.
• Captures and quantifies feedback to assess patient satisfaction.
• Analyzes patient satisfaction metrics and investigates patient concerns.
• Acts as a patient advocate to resolve problems as needed.
• Develops and implements experience improvement initiatives.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of concepts, practices and policies with the ability to use them in complex varied situations.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships, within individual work groups and across departments, through open communication and collaboration; works with others to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Detail oriented with meticulous planning and organizational skills while balancing multiple priorities.
• Ability to address and resolve problems that are highly varied, complex and often non-recurring.
• Well-versed in medical terminology and ability to maintain confidentiality in compliance with HIPPA.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree degree is required.
• Will accept experience (4 years) to supplement education.

About Us

Benefits Overview

UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.


Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.

Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.


Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.

Disability - Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.

FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.


Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.


Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:

• Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
• Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
• Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.

Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.

EEO Statement

UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.