Patient Advocate - Central/North Austin

Texas Health Action (THA) is a community-informed non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to culturally affirming, quality health services in a safe and supportive environment, with an expertise in serving LGBTQIA+ people and those impacted by HIV. THA's programs include Kind Clinic, Waterloo Counseling Center, and TeleKind (telemedicine services). Read more about THA here: http://texashealthaction.org.

Texas Health Action is seeking a Patient Advocate to serve our Kind Clinic in Central Austin. Advocates are responsible for optimizing the patient experience, helping them navigate the complex healthcare system — from insurance coverage to linkage to medical and supportive social services. Patient Advocates meet one-on-one with patients helping them understand their options for care.

Candidates who are members of populations that are disproportionately affected by HIV (including transgender/nonbinary candidates, Black/African-American candidates, candidates affected by incarceration, or candidates who are living with HIV) are especially encouraged to apply.

What you would do:

• Support status-neutral engagement activities that involve access to HIV biomedical interventions for prevention and care services.
• Provide direct care to individuals wishing to engage in services including, but not limited to: conducting intake and assessments for PrEP/PEP and/or gender-affirming care, brief individual and group interventions sessions, providing sexual health education and counseling, insurance/benefits navigation, community engagement and outreach, and appointment scheduling.
• Identify and address psychosocial barriers to accessing care and facilitate linkage to supportive services and relevant programs.
• Monitor issues affecting client access, adherence, and/or retention in care. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of internal and external resources to ensure continuum of care obtained and ameliorate any barriers to services.
• Collect and analyze data to identify program progress and effectively manages clinic operations by utilizing quality improvement tools.
• Act as a liaison between local agencies with the functions and operations of the program.
• Interpret program guidelines, and other policies and procedures for operations.
• Participate in program quality improvement and assists in making required adjustments and promotes program innovation. Help establish and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and systems for the clinic.
• Maintain a system of confidentiality according to the clinic’s policies and procedures and HIPAA compliance.
• Perform related duties and fulfill responsibilities as required.

Requirements

Your previous work life, experience & education must include:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of full-time work/volunteer experience in serving diverse populations, including LGBTQIA communities and communities of color (4+ years of part-time work/volunteer experience may be considered in lieu of 2+ years of full-time work/volunteer experience).
• Demonstrated experience taking initiative and exercising independent judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Proficient using computer software applications, such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Your previous work life, experience & education ideally include:

• Bachelor’s degree related to a human services field, such as social work, psychology, counseling or public health. Two year degrees with licensure and/or four years of relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.
• 1+ year(s) of experience working in HIV prevention and/or serving people living with HIV.
• Knowledge of insurance navigation.
• Familiarity and experience using a trauma-informed approach to working with individuals.
• Experience and comfort in issues related to substance use, harm reduction, homelessness, mental health, and LGBTQIA communities.
• Ability to work harmoniously with diverse groups of individuals.
• Experience working with an ethnically, culturally and racially diverse work staff.
• Ability to deal effectively with stress relating to the changing organizational, personnel, and healthcare environment.
• Ability to perform phlebotomy or a willingness to be trained in phlebotomy.
• All of the above alongside a sense of humor and passion for our mission will ensure you the superstar status you probably deserve.

Compensation:

Based on job duties and requirements, this position is placed in pay grade 40 with a starting hourly wage of $20.80.

Applicant Information

• Submitting official transcripts, diplomas, certifications and licenses may be required prior to final offer. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.
• Information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position may be needed for employment verification.
• The applicant selected for employment is subject to a pre-employment background check. A history of conviction may not automatically disqualify an applicant. Applicants with a history of conviction may be considered on a case-by-case basis, after individualized assessment of factors including the nature of the conviction, the job duties and responsibilities, the length of time since the conviction, and evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.

EEO Statement: Texas Health Action is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (403b)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development