Patient Advocate

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Gender Services Program Manager, the Patient Advocate will serve as a liaison between patients and health professionals to ensure that they patient experiences optimal health outcomes. Additionally, the Patient Advocate may assist patients with accessing certain social services e.g., Cal Fresh or GR (general relief). ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Conduct a "Patient Needs Assessment" with all new patients to identify their needs, and offer support as needed. Follow up with patients to ensure their needs are being met and that they are satisfied with the services they are receiving at APLA Health. Monitor, update, and sustain program visibility on all social media platforms. Provide health education activities. Help coordinate the design and layout of collateral materials, including but not limited to; program flyers, publicity campaigns, events and other materials as needed. Assist APLA Health's Behavioral Health Team as needed. Assist APLA Health's Medical Health Team as needed. Ensure delivery of services that meets the patient's needs. Prepare quantitative and qualitative reports as assigned. Attend community/public meetings as necessary. Provide peer mentoring to clients seeking gender transition services. OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEET PROGRAM NEEDS.

Requirements

Training and Experience

Associates degree in a human services field OR two years of experience working as a patient advocate. At least two years' experience working with marginalized communities and have extensive knowledge of psychosocial issues facing the community is preferred. Case management experience is preferred. Experience working in a nonprofit environment preferred. Experience working with electronic health records (eClinicalWorks) preferred.

Knowledge of

The barriers that prevent members of the community from accessing health care; sexual health and wellness services/principles, human sexuality, substance use/misuse, effective communication skills, de-escalation practices, harm reduction, psychosocial and mental health factors affecting quality of life for patients, effective outreach strategies, data management, health and social concerns of diverse populations and effective social marketing principles.

The barriers to health care that some members of the community continue to face. Spectrum of HIV and STIs human sexuality, substance use and abuse, effective communication skills, de-escalation practices, harm reduction, psychosocial and mental health factors affecting quality of life for our patient outreach strategies, data management, health and social concerns of diverse populations , particularly those from marginalized communities PEP and PrEP, HIV/STI risk reduction theory, principles of social marketing and venues or areas where the target population congregates (in-person/online).

Ability to

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; organize work in an effective manner; work collaboratively in a clinical based environment; work independently and to meet clients/patients where they are.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

This is primarily an office position that requires only occasional bending, reaching, stooping, lifting and moving of office materials weighing 25 pounds or less. The position requires daily use of a personal computer and requires entering, viewing, and revising text and graphics on the computer terminal and on paper.

Special Requirements

Must possess a valid California drivers' license; proof of auto liability insurance; and have the use of a personal vehicle for work related purposes. COVID-19 and Booster or Medical/ Religious Exemption required.

APLA Health is an EEO Employer