Patient Advocate Jobs

Texas Health Action (THA) is a community-informed non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to culturally affirming, quality health services in a safe and supportive environment, with an expertise in serving LGBTQIA+ people and those impacted by HIV. THA's programs include Kind Clinic, Waterloo Counseling Center, and TeleKind (telemedicine services). Read more about THA here: http://texashealthaction.org.
Texas Health Action is seeking a Patient Advocate.
The Patient Advocate is responsible for optimizing the patient experience, helping them navigate the complex healthcare system—from insurance coverage to linkage to medical and supportive social services. Patient Advocates meet one-on-one with patients, helping them understand their options for care. This position will focus on supporting our Outreach and Patient Support Center departments but will also work in the Koenig Clinic as needed.
Candidates who are members of populations that are disproportionately affected by HIV (including transgender/nonbinary candidates, Black/African-American candidates, candidates affected by incarceration, or candidates who are living with HIV) are especially encouraged to apply.
What would you do:

• Identifies and addresses a patient’s psychosocial barriers to accessing care and facilitates linkage to supportive services and relevant programs;
• Supports status-neutral engagement activities that involve access to HIV biomedical interventions for prevention and care services;
• Maintains confidentiality and HIPAA compliance according to the clinic’s policies and procedures ; and
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required
• Monitors issues affecting patient access, adherence, and/or retention in care. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of internal and external resources to ensure the continuum of care obtained and works to remove any barriers to services;
• Interprets program guidelines, policies, and procedures for operations;
• Provides direct care to individuals wishing to engage in services including, but not limited to conducting intake and assessments for HIV care, PrEP/PEP and/or gender-affirming care, delivering brief individual and group interventions sessions, providing sexual health education and counseling, assisting patients with navigating insurance/benefits , participating in community engagement and outreach, and scheduling appointments ;
• Acts as a liaison between local agencies with the functions and operations of the program;
• Collects and analyzes data to identify program progress, and effectively manages operations by utilizing quality improvement tools;
• Participates in quality improvement efforts by assisting in making required adjustments and promoting program innovation. Helps to establish and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and systems for the clinic;

Applicant Information:

• If selected for this position, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be requested prior to offer of employment.
• Submitting official transcripts, diplomas, certifications and licenses may be required prior to final offer. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.
• The applicant selected for employment is subject to a pre-employment background check. A history of conviction may not automatically disqualify an applicant. Applicants with a history of conviction may be considered on a case-by-case basis, after individualized assessment of factors including the nature of the conviction, the job duties and responsibilities, the length of time since the conviction, and evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
• Information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position may be needed for employment verification.

Compensation:
Based on job duties and requirements, this position is placed in salary band 40 with an hourly rate of $18.00-$20.50 per hour non-exempt. Initial placement within this range will be based on hired candidate's qualifications and relevant experience.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Must have the ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy and tact; excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills; Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated ability to work with diverse people groups.
• Ability to work with professionals from various partners and organizations.
• Must have basic PC skills that include a combination of working in Microsoft Windows operating systems and Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to successfully manage conflict and negotiate “win-win” solutions.
• Available 40 hours a week, with flexibility to work some evenings and weekends. .
• Understands the importance of maintaining confidentiality; able to maintain confidentiality under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards.
• Must be able to multi-task, prioritize activities, And manage time effectively.
• Exceptional follow through on tasks and assignments
• Ability to effectively interact with persons of widely diverse roles, backgrounds, cultures, and socio-economic classes, those in crisis, or those resistant of or negative toward (healthcare or social service?) organizations.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills in English; Additional language abilities desirable. Ability to work well under pressure and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to apply time management practices to prioritize, schedule, and complete work effectively to comply with mandated policies and deadlines.
• Must be able to work productively with other departments and employees.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks or parts of tasks simultaneously to ensure timely completion of work activities.

Requirements
Your previous work life, experience & education must include:

• 2+ years of full-time work/volunteer experience in serving diverse populations, including LGBTQIA communities and communities of color (4+ years of part-time work/volunteer experience may be considered in lieu of 2+ years of full-time work/volunteer experience)
• Proficient using computer software applications, such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Demonstrated experience taking initiative and exercising independent judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities
• High school diploma or equivalent

Experience – 2+ years of experience in working with diverse populations, including LGBTQIA+ and communities of color, within a human service field, such as social work, psychology, counseling and/or public health required. Demonstrated experience taking initiative and exercising independent judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving expertise. Microsoft Office Skills with an ability to become familiar with company- or position-specific programs or software.
Additional Preferred Requirements – Bachelor’s degree in a social science or public health discipline. Two-year degree with licensure and/or four years of relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree. 1+ year(s) of direct experience with HIV counseling and testing and/or case management. Knowledge of insurance navigation and appointment scheduling. Familiarity and experience using a trauma-informed approach to working with individuals. Experience and comfort in issues related to substance use, harm reduction, homelessness, mental health, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Ability to work harmoniously with diverse groups of individuals. Experience working with an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse work staff. Ability to deal effectively with stress relating to the changing organizational, personnel, and healthcare environment. Ability to perform phlebotomy, or a willingness to be trained in phlebotomy. Experience in healthcare is preferred but not required. Experience with LGBTQIA+ and/or other marginalized communities a strong plus.
Benefits

• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Holidays)
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Retirement Plan (403b)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Training & Development