Patient Advocate

SUMMARY:

Perform direct services to aid citizens of Presidio and Brewster County with their medical health care needs in connection with the programs and policies of the Big Bend Regional Hospital District. The Patient Advocate will report to the Director of Client Services of the Big Bend Regional Hospital District (BBRHD).

Every employee of BBRHD is a member of a team and may be required to perform other duties and/or jobs or take on additional responsibilities for an undetermined amount of time under the direction of their supervisor, the Executive Director and/or the Board of Directors in an effort to work toward providing better service for the clients in the district. The Patient Advocate will be a self-motivated individual with the ability to work and make decisions independently within the limits of the County Indigent handbook and Chapter 61 regulations by the State of Texas.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· High school diploma or equivalent: higher education in a related field preferred

· Community Health Worker Certification is preferred or must have the ability to obtain CHW certification within one year of employment

· Bilingual in English and Spanish

· Computer proficient, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook)

· Must have high attention to detail and be able to manage multiple responsibilities in an efficient and organized manner

· Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills: actively listening to patients’ needs and concerns without prejudice or judgment

· Solid grasp of how state and federally funded programs work such as Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, Social Security, etc.

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• Position requires driving the BBRHD company vehicle. Candidate must have satisfactory driving record and valid driver’s license for operation of a motor vehicle relevant to carrying out duties

Essential Functions:

· Interface with members of the community in efforts to determine whether they qualify for county indigent services or other similar services provided by federal, state, local, or other private agencies

· Process applications for health assistance in a timely manner, ensuring that all case files are complete, accurate, and in compliance with all rules and regulations

· Maintain harmonious working relationships with clients and applicants of BBRHD Programs, co-workers, vendors, health care providers, and the general public

· Assist BBRHD to grow the indigent care program, prescription program, Mejor Salud and any other public initiative implemented by BBRHD

· Must accurately represent the mission of BBRHD and its programs to the public, and be willing to go beyond personal beliefs to meet the needs of the population the district serves

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Interview and identify client’s needs and eligibility and determine services needed

· Coordinate case management activities and follow up with the provision of health care and related services for eligible clients with providers, outside organizations, or other agencies

· Assist clients in understanding their hospital or medical bills and health coverage options

· Provide and assist clients with a network of community resources; assist clients in the referral process involving situations of mental health and family life situations such as; illness, divorce, unemployment, abuse: child, elderly, domestic violence, sexual assault, etc.

· Assist in the coordination of medical and non-medical transportation for clients

· Assist clients in filling out paper or electronic forms for health care and non-medical healthcare related services

· Conduct community outreach to educate and advertise District programs and initiatives. Serve as a local representative of the District by attending meetings, making presentations, and being involved in the community

· Assist the Director of Client Services to ensure that all Big Bend Regional Hospital District business be performed accurately and efficiently

· Work in an independent self-directed manner with or without the direct supervision of the Director of Client Services

· Travel, including the possible use of either personal or District vehicles, as necessary to attend training or to attend meetings at the direction of the Executive Director

· Maintain good working knowledge of the Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 61 (provisions for county indigent healthcare programs) and other relevant rules and regulations

· Computer literate, able to learn and become proficient in job-specific software

· Maintain a clean, clear and organized workspace

· Maintain current HIPPAA Certification and other required trainings, and follow all accompanying laws related to HIPPAA, protect client confidentiality at all times

· If not certified as a Community Health Worker, take classes to become certified as a CHW within one year of starting employment with BBRHD

· Organize and coordinate special initiatives, education opportunities, workshops, and other events to further the goals of the District and respond to client needs

· Perform other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary by the Big Bend Regional Hospital District Executive Director

I have received, reviewed and fully understand the job description for Patient Advocate. I further understand that I am responsible for the satisfactory execution of the essential functions described therein, under any and all conditions as described.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Alpine, TX 79830 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Alpine, TX 79830: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $21