Patient Advocate - Dept. Internal Medicine

Wayne State University•Detroit, MI

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Wayne State University is seeking a Patient Advocate for the Department of Internal Medicine at its Detroit campus. The Patient Advocate serves on a multidisciplinary clinical care team and provides supportive services to people living with HIV or affected by HIV. The role primarily assists families of adult and perinatal patients in navigating the health care system, helping patients remain in care and addressing barriers that may affect their health and well-being. The position supports Early Intervention Services, Ryan White client eligibility enrollment, health insurance coverage, counseling and testing, referrals, advocacy, problem-solving, and related services. It also involves coordinating case management, providing education and risk-reduction support, linking patients to care, collaborating with community partners, maintaining program records and reports, and supporting community activities. The position is based primarily in a clinical setting, with possible travel for home visits, outreach, or professional development. Some evening and weekend hours may be required for on-call patient services and special events.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in public health, psychology, sociology, counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university; two or more years of experience as a test counselor providing HIV support services may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
At least two years of job-related experience working in a public health or clinical setting providing HIV prevention programs and services.
Obtain state-sponsored HIV prevention counseling and testing training/certification within three months of hire if needed.
Complete state-sponsored health insurance enrollment training/certification within three months of hire if needed.
Working knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to federal, state, and county programs.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, including the ability to provide supportive services and respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Ability to work independently and make ethical decisions.
Organization, concise writing, planning, prioritization, and adaptability skills.
Ability to work as a team member in a clinical setting.
Ability to facilitate consumer advisory board meetings, support group sessions, or outreach activities.
Ability to participate in and execute assignments for project site reviews or audits.
Ability to provide services to gay, lesbian, queer, bisexual, and transgender clients.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

Orient patients to clinical and supportive services and assess their needs through intake and biopsychosocial assessments.
Conduct Ryan White client eligibility verification as required.
Coordinate HIV case management or non-medical case management services to ensure patients can access needed community services.
Monitor and follow up with patients through in-person visits, phone calls, and home visits.
Provide health education and risk-reduction strategies.
Assist with crisis intervention.
Perform Early Intervention Services and link patients to care.
Collaborate and network with community partners, agencies, and health organizations supporting HIV services and patient care.
Prepare program reports and enter data into Care Ware or other related database systems.
Provide pre- and post-test counseling, obtain specimens for confirmatory testing, make referrals as appropriate, and maintain records for MDHHS.
Organize and participate in community advisory board meetings, support group activities, and special events.
Perform other related duties as assigned.