Professional Relations Liaison - Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties

Empath Hospice, a member of Empath Health is currently seeking a a mission driven Professional Relations Liaison to join our business development team. 

The Professional Relations Liaison is a marketing, relationship building and educational position.  The Liaison will act as a consultant to our referral sources to educate them about Empath Health services, access to hospice care and delivery of end of life care.  It is expected that the Liaison would be an expert in end-of-life services, as well as adept at marketing and educating our professional community.  He/she would be expected to identify and facilitate opportunities for an increased Empath Health presence and collaborations which will improve access to hospice care and related programs.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Responsibilities:

1. Cultivate, develop and enhance contractual and care relationships within area hospitals, nursing homes, ALFs, physicians and community agencies.
2. Partner with Information and Referral Center / Empath Health Admissions Department in identifying issues related to increasing timely access to hospice care, and provide information to patients and families about the benefits of Empath Health programs.
3. Develop a communication system with Program Services to identify delivery failures and the agency response system.
4. Actively participate in organizational activities which enhance the working relationships between departments within Empath Health.
5. Maintain membership in related health care professional organizations for the purpose of networking.
6. Establish a data base of information, including physician and hospital preferences as to better serve their needs.
7. Innovate new programs, especially those pertaining to end-of-life care.

Research Responsibilities:

1. Establish quality standards and quantitative measurements which monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of outreach interventions.
2. Assist with the development of outcome monitors that will evaluate the effects of outreach interventions.
3. Develop and maintain health care community data base for outreach purposes.
4. Establish a territory management system and account book to track marketing efforts.
5. Collect and analyze data of referral patterns from all referral sources, to include physicians, social workers, discharge planners, hospital vs community physicians and SNFs.
6. Maintain a thorough knowledge of the community’s health care market, competition, consumer demands and governmental policies which influence the agency’s outreach goals and access for patients/families

Education Responsibilities:

1. Develop an outreach and educational plan for the education of the professional referral community, with approval by Senior Management.
2. Coordinate and assist with the development and revision of educational and outreach tools for the health care community
3. Identify opportunities for in-services in the health care community and coordinate their implementation with appropriate persons
4. Provide formal and informal education opportunities with physicians, physician office staff, hospital social workers/discharge planners/patient unit staff, nursing home staff and staff in community agencies.
5. Communicate health care issues to Clinical staff to enhance service delivery
6. Provide staff education, Interdisciplinary Team support and other education as requested concerning levels of care, hospital inpatient programs and related subject matter.
7. Cultivate knowledge of the trends and issues for hospitals, physicians and their staff so we can better serve them
8. Collaborate with the Community Service Center Leadership to develop and outreach and education plan for each Center

Relationship Responsibilities:

1. Develop relationships with medical staff offices, hospitals and nursing homes; act as a consultant to medical staff and hospital committees, as required to provide hospice and end-of-life information
2. Cultivate, develop and enhance contractual and care relationships within the professional referral community
3. Be a communication link to hospitals/nursing homes/physicians in order to provide easy access to all hospice services.
4. Through relationship building and development of new collaborations, assure that optimal access to hospice is achieved for patients/families.
5. Maintain contact data base
6. Execute marketing and outreach implementation plan
7. Assist with Empath Health General Inpatient programs; providing access and contractual relationships as requested

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years outreach, professional relations and/or sales experience preferred.
• Minimum 5 years clinical expertise in related discipline preferred.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal relationship skills, including public speaking experience.
• Must have reliable transportation/insurance and be willing to travel throughout the county.
• Ability to work unsupervised exercising a high degree of discretion and independent judgement.
• Basic computer skills with a willingness to learn; familiarity with spread sheet programs.
• Employees must have reliable transportation which will enable them to perform tasks and responsibilities in a timely and appropriate fashion. Must provide proof of valid automobile insurance, a copy of which will be placed in the employee’s HR file.
• Employee must sign a Business Protection Agreement.

Empath Health values diversity as it strengthens our community and care. We embrace the diversity of cultures, thoughts, beliefs and traditions of our employees, volunteers and people we are honored to serve across our network. Our diverse staff reflects our community and each day, we work to be respectful, sensitive and competent with each other and those in our care. In every journey, we are dedicated to achieving comfort, dignity and exceptional care. Those of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply with us or seek our care and services.

Our commitment to patient, client, staff and volunteer safety is a cornerstone of a High Reliability Organization with a focus on zero harm. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Empath Health employees.

Providing compassionate, full life care is an honor we take seriously at Empath Health. Join our team and make a positive impact in the community!