Care Advocate

New Horizon Family Health Services

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Care Management Supervisor, the Care Advocate will provide needs self-assessments, client/community advocacy information, health information, and referral to the health center. The Care Advocate will work with patients requiring assistance to obtain medications by helping with the forms required by pharmaceutical companies. This position will provide patient assistance with accessing other health and social support resources.

Duties Performed

• Help families and individuals understand how to access the health care system.
• Work with families and individuals to inform them of, and to encourage them to make use of, other programs and available community resources, and assist clients in using such services.
• Have a working knowledge of the community, and establishes working relationships with other community service providers.
• Assist community residents in meeting transportation, interpretation, and other needs in accessing health care appointments.
• Assist patients requiring medications through pharmaceutical assistance programs.
• Provide general health education for enrollees and informs enrollees of preventive health activities available to them (i.e. immunization schedules, nutrition counseling, etc.)
• Provide information on the different Medicaid programs available, and assist potential client in completing the application. Encourages contacts to seek preventive care.
• Coordinate referrals to community resources designed to assist patients with psychosocial needs.
• As required, work with Providers to coordinate immediate New Horizon Behavioral Health / LISW interventions during the patient s visit.
• Be familiar with and support the center s efforts to implement Patient Centered Medical Home processes.
  
  

Qualifications

Education

• Minimum: Bachelor s in Social Work, LBSW Preferred or
• BS in Psychology, Human Service or related field.
  
  

Experience

• Three years Clinical Setting Experience: Preferred.
• An active and respected member of the community.
• Experience with accessing social support resources and advocacy for families and community.
  
  

Addendum: Health Care for the Homeless (HCH)

Medical Respite Care Advocate

Responsibilities

• Works with the Medical Respite Nurse to complete the HCH Medical Respite Patient Intake / Discharge Process and Procedure
• Works directly with hospital / agency care management staff to identify potential respite patients:
• Follows set Medical Respite Care admission guidelines
• Assists patient to complete:
• Necessary NHFHS paperwork / documentation
• Hospital / other agency discharge paperwork / documentation
• Orients patient to Medical Respite Care facility, staff and guidelines
• Daily Huddle with the Medical Respite Care Nurse Patient Case Discussions
• Completes Daily Medical Respite Care Documentation
• Coordinates medical visits with the HCH Team or appointments at other NHFHS locations.
• Coordinates patient transportation to medical appointments
• Reviews daily documentation to identify discharge recommendation date
• Provides Medical Respite Care Case Management:
• Works with Medical Respite Nurse to support patient in setting / obtaining health care goals
• Coordinates Medical Respite Care Discharge Planning
• Identifies community resources and assists patient with completing required access paperwork / documentation (housing / employment)
• Coordinates discharge transportation
• Attends Homeless Services Provider Meetings, as assigned, to provide community presentations supporting the mission and services provided by the Medical Respite Care
  

Program

• Actively reviews the National Health Care for the Homeless Council website for Respite Care updates and resources
  
  

Addendum: Health Care for the Homeless (HCH)

(MMU) Care Advocate

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness to assess their needs and
  
  

goals.

• Provide case management services, including connecting clients with housing, healthcare,
  
  

employment, and other support resources.

• Advocate for clients with service providers, landlords, healthcare organizations, and government
  
  

agencies to ensure access to resources.

• Assist clients in navigating public assistance programs such as Medicaid, food assistance, and housing
  
  

vouchers.

• Coordinate medical visits with the HCH Team or appointments at other NHFHS locations.
• Assist clients with facilitating referrals (transportation, scheduling appointments, etc )
• Assist clients in obtaining their medications (transportation, sponsorship applications, refills, etc..)
• Collaborate with community partners, nonprofits, and local governments to develop and improve
  
  

service delivery.

• Document client interactions, progress, and outcomes in accordance with organizational policies.
• Attend homeless services provider meetings