Behavioral Health Patient Advocate - Recovery Focus

Job Summary:

Patient Advocates will interact regularly with the patient population to identify issues and link to resources as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Welcome patients as they contact the center personally or by telephone, and explain the services available, payment categories, and billing procedures.
• Maintain the waiting list of MAT patients and current registry.
• Contact patients on the waiting list and complete pre-treatment screenings.
• Explain the Program Orientation Manual with respect to rules of adherence, requirements, program characteristics, and structure.
• Assist patients with signing and completing all required forms including; informed consent, treatment contracts, appointed pharmacy consent, etc.
• Maintain consistent schedules for patients, according to the appropriate phase of treatment.
• Assist treatment providers with the monitoring of program compliance related to attendance at therapy.
• Prepare all necessary paperwork for treatment team meetings and actively participate in treatment team discussions.
• Provide resource services for patients including Recovery Meeting tracking forms, food, transportation, and housing assistance.
• Assistance with monitoring of Urine Drug Screens, as required or clinically indicated.
• Communicate patient’s problem/complaint to the office coordinator or operations.
• Assist in care coordination which may include communication with various entities including but not limited to community organizations, health plans, facilities and specialists.
• Proactively address needs of the patients and families through the concept of population management.
• Effectively communication with all patients with specific attention to the vulnerable patient population.
• Act as a resource for providers by assisting patients in meeting health goals by connecting the patients to gym memberships, parenting classes, healthy cooking classes, GED resources, food pantries, etc.
• Cross-train in outreach and provide support as appropriate or directed.
• Cross–train in front office duties and provide support as appropriate or directed.
• Cross-train in case management duties and provide support as appropriate or directed.
• Cross-train in referral specialist duties and provide support as appropriate or directed.
• Maintain compliance with the organization’s confidentiality policy in accordance to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 42 CFR Part 2
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education And/or Work Experience Requirements

• High school graduate/GED.
• Ability and willingness to treat all patients with the utmost kindness and consideration in the most trying situations.
• Friendly personality with the desire to work with the public.
• Understanding of community based organizations.
• Communicate patients’ problems to the medical staff.
• Promote and believe in Valley Health mission statement “To provide quality health care to all individuals, emphasizing outreach to those who are underserved.”
• Ability to relate to the public regardless of ethnic, religious and economic status.
• Knowledge of and adherence to HIPAA rules and regulations.

• Monday - 8:30 - 1:30
• Tuesday - 8:30 - 5:00
• Wednesday - 8:30 - 5:30
• Thursday - 9:00 - 8:00
• Friday - 8:30 - 5:00