Patient Advocate

About This Job

APLA Health delivers high-quality medical care, essential services, fellowship, empathy, and a welcoming atmosphere to every individual entering our facilities. Our devoted healthcare staff is focused on offering individualized and empathetic no-cost and affordable clinical care, designed to address the distinct requirements of every patient. Functioning as a primary medical home, APLA Health delivers a wide range of integrated services across more than 71,000 billable patient encounters and close to 10,000 supportive services visits annually. These services encompass primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health and HIV treatment, pharmacy services, PrEP counseling and management, health education and HIV prevention, along with STD screening and treatment. For individuals living with HIV, APLA Health additionally provides housing assistance, benefits counseling, home health care, and the Vance North Necessities of Life Program food pantries, among various other vital support programs.

We provide excellent benefits, competitive compensation, and a positive workplace.

We provide:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance (no cost for employee)
• Vision Insurance (no cost for employee)
• Long Term Disability
• Group Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 4 Personal Days
• 10 Vacation Days
• 12 Sick Days
• Metro reimbursement or free parking
• Employer Matched (6%) 403b Retirement Plan

This is an excellent opportunity to create a meaningful impact.

This role offers an hourly wage of $25.00 to $27.28. Compensation is based on experience.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Gender Services Program Manager, the Patient Advocate will act as a connection between patients and healthcare providers to ensure patients achieve the best possible health results. The Patient Advocate may also help patients access specific social services, such as Cal Fresh or General Relief (GR).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform a Patient Needs Assessment with all new patients to determine their requirements and provide appropriate support.
• Conduct follow-up with patients to confirm their needs are addressed and they are content with the services received at APLA Health.
• Oversee, refresh, and maintain program presence on all social media channels.
• Deliver health education activities.
• Aid in coordinating the design and layout of promotional materials, including program flyers, publicity campaigns, event materials, and other items as required.
• Support APLA Health’s Behavioral Health Team as necessary.
• Support APLA Health’s Medical Health Team as necessary.
• Guarantee service delivery aligns with patient needs.
• Produce quantitative and qualitative reports as directed.
• Participate in community and public meetings as needed.
• Offer peer mentoring to clients seeking gender transition services.

OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEET PROGRAM NEEDS.

REQUIREMENTS:

Training and Experience:
An Associate’s degree in a human services discipline OR two years of experience working as a patient advocate. A minimum of two years’ experience serving marginalized communities and deep familiarity with the psychosocial challenges these communities face is preferred. Case management experience is preferred. Experience in a nonprofit setting is preferred. Experience with electronic health records, specifically eClinicalWorks, is preferred.

Knowledge of:
The obstacles that hinder community members from obtaining healthcare; sexual health and wellness services and principles, human sexuality, substance use and misuse, effective communication techniques, de-escalation methods, harm reduction, psychosocial and mental health factors influencing patient quality of life, effective outreach approaches, data management, health and social issues of diverse groups, and effective social marketing principles.
The continued barriers to healthcare access for some community members. The 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 patient quality of life, outreach strategies, data management, health and social concerns of diverse populations—especially those from marginalized communities—PEP and PrEP, HIV/STI risk reduction theory, principles of social marketing, and locations or online spaces where the target population gathers.

Ability to:
Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing; organize work efficiently; collaborate successfully in a clinical environment; work independently and engage with clients and patients in a manner that meets them where they are.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is mainly an office-based role that involves only occasional bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting or moving office supplies weighing up to 25 pounds. Daily use of a personal computer is required, involving entering, viewing, and editing text and graphics on a computer screen and on paper.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must hold a valid California driver’s license, provide proof of automobile liability insurance, and have access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. COVID-19 vaccination and booster, or a valid medical/religious exemption, is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer: APLA Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

To Apply:

Visit our website at www.aplahealth.org to apply or use the following link:

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=313286&clientkey=A5559163F67395E0A2585D2135F98806