Dialysis Advocate-HHK-Sacaton

Position Summary: Provides multi-faceted support (social, medical, financial); serves as a resource person for information on community resources and assists patients in accessing services for which they are eligible. Works closely with other members of the dialysis team to identify patient needs and develop solutions that best address the needs of patients while using resources efficiently and avoiding duplication of effort. C

Critical Tasks:

• Provides information, explanations and/or guidance on community, local and/or regional resources to patients and/or their family members. Coordinates with dialysis social workers to avoid duplication of activity and ensure that information provided to patients is accurate and consistent.
• Assists patients in applying for and using services they qualify for. As necessary, helps to complete applications, refers patient to appropriate agency, follows up with agency and communicates to patient, etc. Advocates on the patient’s behalf with service organizations & agencies.
• Routinely makes rounds in the dialysis clinic while patients are undergoing treatment to facilitate communication and identification of patient needs. Listens to concerns, provides explanations and/or responds to questions, follows up as appropriate.
• Picks up patient prescriptions from GRHC pharmacies while patients are on dialysis and delivers to patients as needed/possible.
• Works proactively to prevent problems from developing whenever possible. For example, takes patients eligible for HEAP program monthly to pick up their monetary allowance and pay the power company to prevent their electrical power from being shut off.
• Communicates and coordinates with GRIC patient transport drivers to arrange transportation for patients for non-dialysis purposes (for example, personal errands, social events, etc.).
• As necessary or appropriate, refers patients to medical appointments via medical transport vans.
• Refers patients age 55 and over to the Elderly Liaison Case Workers of Community Services when appropriate (for example, to serve as companions to social activities).
• Makes visits to patients’ homes only when necessary.
• Works closely and cooperatively with other members of the dialysis staff. Keeps other staff informed about advocate activities and patient issues that may affect patient’s dialysis treatment or psychosocial status.
• Helps to administer patient satisfaction surveys. Explains the purposes and benefits of the survey, helps patients to understand survey questions, reads survey questions to patients if necessary. Ensures that completed surveys are turned in to dialysis administration.
• Receives and responds to patient complaints. Communicates patient concerns to the appropriate dialysis staff (if patient is unable or unwilling) by following the GRHC chain of command. Suggests solutions.
• Attends meetings of the Dialysis Patient Support Group. Serves as an informational resource to the Support Group.
• Communicates and collaborates with GRIC Community Services department to ensure exchange of information on resources available to dialysis patients and procedural requirements.
• Attends and actively participates in dialysis staff meetings.
• Participates in departmental orientation, on the job training and quality assurance programs/initiatives.
• Participates in various departmental and organizational educational programs to maintain skill and competency levels; identifies and discusses performance or training needs with supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least 2 years prior experience in a social service setting; Gila River Community experience with ability to communicate in Pima language preferred.
• CPR certified or acquires within first 90 days of employment.
• Current valid State of Arizona driver’s license.