Bilingual Patient Advocate (South Austin)

Texas Health Action•Austin, TX

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Texas Health Action (THA) is a community-informed non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to culturally affirming, quality health services in a safe and supportive environment, with expertise in serving LGBTQIA+ people and those impacted by HIV. Kind Clinic proudly serves Texas with four vibrant locations: two in Austin, one in San Antonio, and another in Dallas plus virtual care services available to all residents across Texas. Bolstered by Waterloo Counseling Center and a passionate team of over 250 dedicated employees and volunteers, THA is at the forefront of promoting healthcare equity and accessibility throughout the state. Texas Health Action is seeking a Bilingual (English/ Spanish) Patient Advocate to serve our Kind Clinic location on site at our South Austin location. Advocates are responsible for optimizing the patient experience, helping them navigate the complex healthcare system — from insurance coverage to linkage to medical and supportive social services. Patient Advocates meet one-on-one with patients helping them understand their options for care. Candidates who are members of populations that are disproportionately affected by HIV (including transgender/nonbinary candidates, Black/African-American candidates, candidates affected by incarceration, or candidates who are living with HIV) are especially encouraged to apply.

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.
Well-developed verbal and written communication skills in English; Additional language abilities desirable. Ability to work 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 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.
High school diploma or equivalent
2+ years of full-time work/volunteer experience in serving diverse populations, including LGBTQIA communities and communities of color (4+ years of part-time work/volunteer experience may be considered in lieu of 2+ years of full-time work/volunteer experience)
Demonstrated experience taking initiative and exercising independent judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving
Proficient using computer software applications, such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
Strong written and verbal communication abilities
Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Nice To Haves

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.
1+ year(s) of direct experience with HIV counseling and testing and/or case management.
Knowledge of insurance navigation and appointment scheduling.
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.
Ability to work harmoniously with diverse groups of individuals.
Experience working with an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse work staff.
Ability to deal effectively with stress relating to the changing organizational, personnel, and healthcare environment.
Ability to perform phlebotomy, or a willingness to be trained in phlebotomy.
Experience in healthcare is preferred but not required.
Experience with LGBTQIA+ and/or other marginalized communities a strong plus.

Responsibilities

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 interventions sessions, providing sexual health education and counseling, assisting patients with navigating insurance/benefits , participating in community engagement and outreach, and 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.