Patient Advocate

JOB SUMMARY

Works cooperatively with clinic staff and other agencies in resolving personal/family problems, such as social, emotional, educational and economic, which underlie and contribute to the illness and anxieties of patients and hinder the benefits of treatment and growth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 
  Conducts comprehensive assessments of the physical and social environments of patients in order to determine practical plans for eliminating undesirable conditions.
• 
  May assist with transportation and represent patients at hearings for SSI, A.F.D.C., Black Lung, Food Stamps, etc.
• 
  Serves as an advocate or facilitator for families needing assistance with problems of unemployment, welfare, housing, black lung, family problems, etc. May go with patient to designated agency or person for solution.
• 
  Consults with providers concerning personal knowledge of patients’ condition and problems.
• 
  Performs financial evaluations and follow-up to determine eligibility for reduced rate.
• 
  Assists patients in filling out relevant forms.
• 
  Maintains files on all cases regarding visits, interviews, referrals, follow-ups and other actions.
• 
  Collects and records data and prepares required reports.
• 
  Serves as link between BSHC and other service agencies, attends meetings, conferences and coordinates activities with these agencies.
• 
  Adheres to the terms and conditions set forth in BSHC’s corporate compliance program.
• 
  Ensures confidential information in accordance with BSHC’s policy and current HIPAA regulations.
• 
  Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

• 
  High school diploma or equivalent.
• 
  Excellent communication skills required.
• 
  Previous experience communicating with the public.
• 
  Ability and desire to work with others and demonstrates a concern for the health and social needs of patients.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.