Transgender Patient Advocate

State Of Illinois • Chicago, IL

390d • $84,240 - $84,240

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Corrections is seeking a Transgender Patient Advocate to ensure equitable treatment for transgender patients within correctional healthcare. This role involves training staff on transgender healthcare and cultural sensitivity, advocating for patient rights, and collaborating with medical teams to develop individualized care plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work, healthcare, psychology, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Knowledge of transgender healthcare issues, including gender-affirming care and mental health.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Empathy, sensitivity, and cultural competence when working with diverse populations.
• Experience in patient advocacy, crisis intervention, or similar roles is highly desirable.
• Understanding of correctional systems and regulations is a plus.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards and maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in crisis intervention or similar roles is highly desirable.
• Understanding of correctional systems and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Champion the rights and needs of transgender patients, ensuring they receive respectful and equitable treatment in all aspects of their healthcare within the correctional facility.
• Provide and coordinate comprehensive education and training to staff regarding transgender healthcare issues, including gender-affirming care and cultural sensitivity.
• Collaborate with medical and mental health teams to develop and implement individualized healthcare plans for transgender patients.
• Assist transgender patients in accessing appropriate healthcare resources, including hormone therapy and mental health services.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient information, respecting privacy and adhering to all relevant regulations and policies.
• Work with administrators to suggest or assist in the development of policies related to the treatment of transgender individuals in the correctional system.
• Establish relationships with local LGBTQ+ organizations and advocacy groups to enhance support for transgender patients after release.
• Assist with gathering data and creating corrective action plans for continuous quality improvement.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Opportunities for advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree