[Hiring] Bilingual Patient Advocate @Texas Health Action

Role Description

Texas Health Action is seeking a Bilingual Patient Advocate (Spanish & English) to optimize the patient experience, helping them navigate the complex healthcare system—from insurance coverage to linkage to medical and supportive social services. Bilingual Patient Advocates meet one-on-one virtually with patients, helping them understand their options for care.

• Supports status-neutral engagement activities that involve access to HIV biomedical interventions for prevention and care services.
• 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 intervention sessions.
  • Providing sexual health education and counseling.
  • Assisting patients with navigating insurance/benefits.
  • Participating in community engagement and outreach.
  • Scheduling appointments.
• Identifies and addresses a patient’s psychosocial barriers to accessing care and facilitates linkage to supportive services and relevant programs.
• 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.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify program progress and effectively manages operations by utilizing quality improvement tools.
• Acts as a liaison between local agencies with the functions and operations of the program.
• Interprets program guidelines, policies, and procedures for operations.
• 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.
• Maintains confidentiality and HIPAA compliance according to the clinic’s policies and procedures.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required or must be obtained no later than two days after hire date.
• 1+ year(s) of direct experience with HIV counseling and testing and/or case management.
• Knowledge of insurance navigation and appointment scheduling.
• 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.
• Ability to perform phlebotomy, or a willingness to be trained in phlebotomy.
• Experience with LGBTQIA+ and/or other marginalized communities a strong plus.
• Demonstrated experience taking initiative and exercising independent judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving expertise.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) Required.
• 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.

Requirements

• Must have basic PC skills that include a combination of working in Microsoft Windows operating systems and Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Understands the importance of maintaining confidentiality; able to maintain confidentiality under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards.
• 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.
• Experience working with an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse work staff.
• 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 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.
• Ability to apply time management practices to prioritize, schedule, and complete work effectively to comply with mandated policies and deadlines.
• Ability to deal effectively with stress relating to the changing organizational, personnel, and healthcare environment.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks or parts of tasks simultaneously to ensure timely completion of work activities.
• Must be able to work productively with other departments and employees.
• Ability to work with professionals from various partners and organizations.
• Available 40 hours a week, with flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.
• Ability to successfully manage conflict and negotiate “win-win” solutions.
• Must be able to multi-task, prioritize activities, and manage time effectively.
• Exceptional follow-through on tasks and assignments.

Benefits

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

Applicant Information

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.

Information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position may be needed for employment verification.

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.

EEO Statement: Texas Health Action is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.