Under the direct supervision of the for the Medical Respite HCH Program Supervisor, the Care Advocate will provide needs self-assessments, client/community advocacy information, health information, and referral to the health center. The Care Advocate will work with patients requiring assistance to obtain medications by helping with the forms required by pharmaceutical companies. This position will provide patient assistance with accessing other health and social support resources.

DUTIES PERFORMED:

• Help families and individuals understand how to access the health care system.
• Work with families and individuals to inform them of, and to encourage them to make use of, other programs and available community resources, and assist clients in using such services.
• Have a working knowledge of the community, and establishes working relationships with other community service providers.
• Assist community residents in meeting transportation, interpretation, and other needs in accessing health care appointments.
• Assist patients requiring medications through pharmaceutical assistance programs.
• Provide general health education for enrollees and informs enrollees of preventive health activities available to them (i.e. immunization schedules, nutrition counseling, etc.)
• Provide information on the different Medicaid programs available, and assist potential client in completing the application. Encourages contacts to seek preventive care.
• Coordinate referrals to community resources designed to assist patients with psychosocial needs.
• As required, work with Providers to coordinate immediate New Horizon Behavioral Health / LISW interventions during the patient’s visit.
• Be familiar with and support the center’s efforts to implement Patient Centered Medical Home processes.
• Must hold all patient Protected Health Information (PHI) other patient personal information and agency information in confidence, in accordance with the Employee Confidentiality Statement.

• Works with the Medical Respite Nurse to complete the HCH Medical Respite Patient Intake / Discharge Process and Procedure
• Works directly with hospital / agency care management staff to identify potential respite patients:
• Follows set Medical Respite Care admission guidelines
• Assists patient to complete:

• Necessary NHFHS paperwork / documentation
• Hospital / other agency discharge paperwork / documentation
• Orients patient to Medical Respite Care facility, staff and guidelines
• Daily Huddle with the Medical Respite Care Nurse – Patient Case Discussions
• Completes Daily Medical Respite Care Documentation
• Coordinates medical visits with the HCH Team or appointments at other NHFHS locations.
• Coordinates patient transportation to medical appointments
• Reviews daily documentation to identify discharge recommendation date
• Provides Medical Respite Care Case Management:
• Works with Medical Respite Nurse to support patient in setting / obtaining health care goals
• Coordinates Medical Respite Care Discharge Planning
• Identifies community resources and assists patient with completing required access paperwork / documentation (housing / employment)
• Coordinates discharge transportation
• Attends Homeless Services Provider Meetings, as assigned, to provide community presentations supporting the mission and services provided by the Medical Respite Care
• Program
• Actively reviews the National Health Care for the Homeless Council website for
• Respite Care updates and resources

Actively participate in and comply with all aspects of the NHFHS Corporate Compliance Program, follow the Program Code of Conduct and obey all relevant laws, statutes, regulations and requirements applicable to Medicaid, Medicare and other State and Federal health care programs.

All NHFHS Company employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Required Experience:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor’s in Social Work (LBSW): Preferred
• Psychology, Human Service or related field

Experience

- Three years - Clinical Setting Experience: Preferred.

• An active and respected member of the community.
• Experience with accessing social support resources and advocacy for families and community.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Must have a working knowledge of computer programs and professional construction of emails.
• Must demonstrate:
  • legible handwriting
  • excellent spelling
  • speaking clearly and grammatically correct
  • the ability to accept responsibility as indicated
  • being a motivated and enthusiastic learner
  • a courteous and tactful manner
  • the ability to work under stress and work well with others

New Horizon Family Health Services offers a robust and comprehensive benefit package to full time employees. These choices/options include:

Medical, Dental and Vision benefits

Suite of Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability

Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts

403 (b) Retirement Plan

Vacation and Sick Leave

Paid Holidays