Medical Health Advocate

Equitas Health•Toledo, OH

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Medical Health Advocate provides high-quality case management for clients and their families, assisting them in accessing medical services, health insurance, Ryan White benefits, and other resources to improve health outcomes, housing stability, and employment and income attainment. This role involves conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments, developing and monitoring individual case plans, and serving as a primary point of contact for financial assistance programs. The advocate will also assess mental health needs, provide crisis intervention, and link clients to community resources such as housing, nutritional assistance, and transportation. Additionally, the role involves navigating community workforce programs to support clients facing employment barriers related to HIV/AIDS, and engaging healthcare professionals to ensure quality services for HIV+ individuals. The advocate will represent the organization within the community, educate others about the needs of clients living with HIV/AIDS, and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Maintaining client confidentiality and accurate documentation in various systems are critical responsibilities. The role requires effective communication, proactive updates to supervisors, and timely responses to correspondence. A significant portion of the role involves direct client engagement, and participation in peer reviews and supervision is mandatory. The advocate must demonstrate unconditional positive regard, cultural competency, and a commitment to continuous growth.

Requirements

Traveling
Driving
Having reliable transportation to meet clients
Utilizing a computer for typing and conducting research
Attending meetings
Conducting assessments and counseling
Minimum of BS/BSW and LSW required.
Sensitivity to, interest in and competence in cultural differences, HIV/AIDS, minority health, sexual practices, and a demonstrated competence in working with persons of color, and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community.
Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and other computer applications required.
Reliable transportation, driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required.
Knowledge and adherence to social work standards and ethics.

Nice To Haves

Community-based Case Management and training experience desired.

Responsibilities

Provide high quality case management for clients and their families by assisting them to access medical services, health insurance, Ryan White benefits, and other resources and services to improve health outcomes, housing stability, and employment and income attainment.
Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for people with HIV/AIDS seeking services at intake and complete update assessments each bi-annually and as needed.
Develop, monitor, and evaluate individual case plans for each assigned client at intake, bi-annually, and as needed thereafter.
Function as a central and primary access point for financial assistance programs, including but not limited to Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act (Part B and C), HOPWA short term rental assistance, and other assistance programs as appropriate.
Assess client’s mental health needs and provide crisis intervention as necessary.
Assist client with linkage to resources such as housing, respite, nutritional assistance, palliative care, chore assistance, transportation and social functions that help increase the client’s ability to remain independent in the community.
Navigate community workforce programs and provide supportive services to clients that address the unique barriers to employment PLWHA may face in returning to work, understanding benefits eligibility, confidentiality and health management in the workplace.
Identify and engage health care professionals in the region to provide quality services to HIV+ individuals and establish new relationships in collaboration with ODH.
Represent Equitas Health within the community, engaging other service providers and providing education about special needs associated with a client living with HIV/AIDS in the primary care continuum, mental health continuum, and other community resources.
Works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Maintain confidentiality of clients by adhering to Equitas Health Confidentiality Policy and Procedure, HIPAA, and other established professional standards and guidelines.
Maintain documentation through Equitas Health, ODH, and other software systems.
Ensure that action items and updates are provided to Supervisor proactively.
Capture feedback from clients, staff, and community partners and communicate the information to the appropriate persons.
Returns client, provider, and other stakeholder correspondence within 2 business days.
Achieve productivity standards maintained by Equitas Health, including spending no less than 60% per month of hours worked directly engaging with clients, their families, and other informal supports.
Participate in and complete Peer Review Audits monthly.
Coordinate with clients in order to maintain Active status through Ryan White and other programs.
Attend trainings, as assigned, to improve case management skills related to written and verbal skills, putting theory into practice, and accurate documentation across multiple systems.
Participate in Equitas Health Committees and Performance Improvement Teams as appropriate and assigned by direct supervisor.
Prepare for and attend individual and group supervision per Supervisor’s schedule.
Conducts all aspects of job responsibilities with a focus on exceptional customer service.
Demonstrates continuous growth and development of Cultural Competency exhibiting an understanding, awareness, and respect for diversity.
Attend monthly, quarterly, and as needed meetings in-person at multiple agency sites and community partner locations.
Utilize email, Skype, phone, and other telecommunication options to participate in meetings across sites.
Other duties as assigned related to this position by supervisor.