Patient Advocate

Sheppard Pratt Careers • Towson, MD

24d

About The Position

The Patient Advocate serves as 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 role engages with patients and their representatives to protect patient rights, facilitate communication between patients and staff, and educate patients—or secure appropriate resources to do so—so concerns are resolved in a timely manner and in accordance with regulatory requirements.

The position is scheduled for four 10-hour shifts between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday. A schedule involving weekends and two additional weekdays will also be considered for interested candidates.

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 requirements and review processes for 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 external and internal stakeholders on 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 critical 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.
• Help 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.
• Research, interpret, and apply regulations, policies, and accreditation requirements.
• Represent Sheppard Pratt to regulatory and accreditation representatives, external agencies, advocacy groups, and internal staff regarding clinical and administrative issues.
• Manage deadlines and interact with patients, representatives, staff, attorneys, and external agencies while handling sensitive patient-rights matters.

Benefits

• Professional development, including a comprehensive tuition reimbursement program to support ongoing education and licensure and/or certification preparation.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for benefit-eligible positions.
• 403(b) retirement match.
• Generous paid time off for benefit-eligible positions.
• Complimentary Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Mileage reimbursement program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level