Patient Advocate

Sheppard Pratt • Towson, MD

12d • $54,074 - $83,511

About The Position

The Patient Advocate is the primary point of contact for identifying, managing, and resolving assigned complaints, grievances, and requests communicated by or on behalf of populations served by Sheppard Pratt. The advocate works with patients and their representatives to protect patient rights, facilitate communication between patients and staff, and provide or arrange education and other appropriate resources related to patients’ concerns. Matters are handled in a timely manner and in accordance with regulatory requirements.

The schedule consists of four 10-hour shifts, scheduled between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday. A schedule involving weekends and two additional weekdays will also be considered. The salary range is $54,074.18 to $83,510.75; pay depends on factors including years and level of related experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology, counseling, nursing, or a related health services field.
• Three years of hospital experience, including demonstrated experience researching and preparing for audits or reviews.
• Comprehensive knowledge of clinical documentation requirements.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to persons’ rights.
• General knowledge of the requirements and review processes of JC, CMS, CARF, OIG, state regulatory agencies, and privacy practices, including HIPAA and FERPA.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills to represent Sheppard Pratt appropriately to regulatory and accreditation representatives, external agencies, and internal staff regarding clinical and administrative issues.
• Comprehensive knowledge of health care administration and its governing laws.
• Analytical ability to research, interpret, and apply regulations, policies, and accreditation requirements; identify Sheppard Pratt needs and represent them to external agencies and advocacy groups; and recognize the potential consequences of errors in judgment.
• Demonstrated attention to detail in reviewing regulatory requirements, tracking compliance data, and monitoring adherence to standards.
• Ability to manage deadlines and interact effectively with individuals served, representatives, staff, attorneys, and external agencies while handling sensitive patient-rights matters with diplomacy, discretion, and sustained focus.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in clinical psychology, counseling, nursing, or a related health services field.
• Experience in healthcare advocacy and/or a previous clinical role.
• BCPA, CPXP, and/or CPHQ certification.
• Broad knowledge of treatment of psychiatric populations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned complaints, grievances, and requests.
• Engage with patients and patient representatives to help protect patient rights.
• Facilitate communication between patients and staff.
• Educate patients about their concerns or secure appropriate resources to provide that education.
• Resolve matters in a timely manner and in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Research and prepare for audits and reviews.
• Review regulatory requirements, track compliance data, and monitor adherence to standards.
• Interact with individuals served, representatives, staff, attorneys, and external agencies while handling sensitive patient-rights matters.

Benefits

• Professional development, including tuition reimbursement for ongoing education and licensure and/or certification preparation.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for benefit-eligible positions.
• 403b retirement match.
• Paid time off for benefit-eligible positions.
• Complimentary Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Mileage reimbursement program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time