Patient Care Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Overview of Position:

Under administrative supervision of the Practice Administrator, the Patient Care Advocate will be responsible for coordination of care between clients, medical providers and the infectious disease specialist. The role of the patient care advocate is to bridge the gap between the provider and the client that facilitates the medical and psycho-social care of the client.

A four-year degree in a related services is required; equivalence 4+ years related experience; equivalence acceptance to be determined by supervisor. The patient care advocate must have a general HIV and medical knowledge. The patient care advocate should have the ability to work with clients and physicians from a variety of backgrounds and lifestyles while maintaining non-judgmental attitude. The patient care advocate must be a team player and be able to multi-task. Possess excellent customer service skills. The patient care advocate must be able to make sound judgment based on the criteria outlined in the program.

Maintain current general medical knowledge
Participation in training opportunities to enhance knowledge such as conferences and continuing education/in-service events
Provides the clients with consistent and reliable medical information and shares with family as deemed appropriate by the client
Be able to utilize computer software equipment and maintain basic excel spreadsheets, logs, and records for data collection purposes
Ability to work as part of a team and with the health care providers in a clinical setting.
Honesty and Genuine compassion for the individuals living with healthcare disparities
Ability and willingness to accept direction from supervisor
Good oral and written English communication skills
Good telephone skills
Comfort and diversity of our community
Must follow all regulations as outlined by HIPAA and be able to use good judgment regarding confidentiality issues

A Works in a team setting as one component of the clients coordinated care. The Advocate is an advocate for the client and maintains a relationship with the client that fosters trust and understanding distinct from the provider role. Serves as a role model that provides reliable information, appropriate referrals, and emotional support. Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, to include making recommendations for strategies to improve quality of care.

Ability to take initiative and handle various tasks simultaneously while working efficiently, effectively, and independently without direct supervision. Knowledge of adult learning principles, management leadership principles, and community resources. Knowledge of policies, standards, regulations, and protocols. Knowledge of data bases i.e. Excel spreadsheets, EMR, etc.

Responds to phone calls in a respectful and timely manner
Responsible for medication log sample med list sign out
Responsible for being sure the client is provided with instructions on how to take the medications that are being issued
Keep work areas neat and tidy
Faxing of records/authorizations in a timely manner
Ability to advocate for the client by bringing concerns about the services to the attention of the provider, supervisor or other management.

Must have direct client contact in order to provide program activities. Must be willing to lift 50+pounds. Sitting, stooping, squatting, standing required. Long periods on a computer are expected.