PT MEDICAL ADVOCATE

Dauphin County•Harrisburg, PA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Dauphin County Prison is seeking a part-time Medical Advocate to provide specialized, high-level medical advocacy for residents with complex medical needs. This role supports the Warden and Deputy Warden of Operations in collaborating with the medical department and serves as a health care/mental health advocate for residents. Responsibilities include formulating, reviewing, and updating health care policies, communicating with residents and their families about services, and providing technical support for complex care needs. The Medical Advocate will also maintain partnerships with county staff and outside agencies to find placement and treatment options for residents with complex mental health cases nearing release, aiming to reduce reincarceration by ensuring continued care post-incarceration.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Social Work or a related field with experience in mental health.
Formal education may be substituted by significant work experience in the field of social work and/or other related experience for a period not less than 2 years.
2 to 3 years’ experience in the field of nursing, social work, counseling and/or providing therapeutic services to individuals in need of mental health services.
Must maintain sufficient skills in conducting clinical-setting interviews to determine appropriate referral services or options.
Must be able to review and interpret medical charts, hospital discharge paperwork and other medical documentation and identify potential red flags.
Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Must demonstrate knowledge of community-based adult mental health services - administration, policy and practice.
Must be able to collaborate with multiple departments and agencies, including the medical department staff, health care providers, mental health providers, treatment department staff, security staff, community resources and prison administration.
Must be able to use various Windows based computer applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
Must be able to sit, stand for long periods, with intermittent walking, driving and occasional climbing stairs, twisting stooping, grasping or reaching to carry out job duties.
Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hand; feet/legs; torso as necessary to carry out job duties.
Light work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with maximum weight of twenty pounds.
Must demonstrate emotional stability.
Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.
Must be able to move frequently throughout the workday.
Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
Must be able to work with clients who carry or may carry active hepatitis, HIV or other infectious diseases.

Responsibilities

Offers support and guidance to residents suffering medical and/or mental health diagnosis’ by helping to analyze and interpret medical information in a way that is clear and understandable.
Interviews residents to identify any issues or gaps in care prior to and during incarceration.
Acts as a liaison between the Medical Department and Administration Office and develops a collaborative relationship with other internal and external County departments and agencies.
Works with the Warden, Deputy Warden of Operations and other leadership to formulate, review, and update policies and programming relevant to health care services including mental health services.
Participates in health care services audits, investigates complaints, and maintains records.
Partners with public health officials to assist with obtaining critical medical services for residents nearing the end of their incarceration.
Gathers treatment records to assist with assessment, treatment, and service planning.
Interviews and identifies residents that may require new or continued mental health services.
Maintains an accurate tracking system of care strategies, evolutions, and outcomes.
Collaborates regularly with the Medical Department including mental health providers and outside healthcare providers and agencies for referrals, etc., to address ongoing treatment needs.
Coordinates wellness checks when deemed necessary and follows up with Administration, Medical, and the resident and/or the resident’s family when appropriate.
Reviews service and treatment plans and provides alternative recommendations when necessary.
Prepares summaries, special reports and memos as necessary.
Maintains current knowledge base of best practices and relevant developments in medical and mental health treatments and strategies.
Attends meetings and/or training sessions as required.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Warden, Deputy Warden of Operations and/or designee.
May travel occasionally to other County departments or outside agencies.