Bilingual Patient Advocate (South Austin)

Texas Health Action; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plan

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Texas Health Action's Kind Clinic in South Austin is seeking a bilingual Patient Advocate to enhance the patient experience and help individuals access HIV-related care, PrEP/PEP, and gender-affirming services. You will support intake, coordinate appointments, and connect patients with social services.

The role requires proficiency in English and Spanish, strong customer service and confidentiality, and the ability to work on-site with flexibility for evenings or weekends.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of work/volunteer experience serving diverse populations, including LGBTQIA communities and communities of color.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is required or strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and strong confidentiality practices (HIPAA).

Responsibilities

• Assist with intake and assessments for HIV care, PrEP/PEP and gender-affirming care.
• Help patients navigate insurance, benefits, and linkage to services.
• Schedule appointments and coordinate care across providers.
• Provide sexual health education and counseling to patients.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of resources to ensure continuum of care.

Skills

Bilingual EN/ES

Customer service

HIPAA compliance

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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 expertise in serving LGBTQIA+ people and those impacted by HIV. Kind Clinic proudly serves Texas with four vibrant locations: two in Austin, one in San Antonio, and another in Dallas plus virtual care services available to all residents across Texas. Bolstered by Waterloo Counseling Center and a passionate team of over 250 dedicated employees and volunteers, THA is at the forefront of promoting healthcare equity and accessibility throughout the state. Read more about THA here: http://texashealthaction.org.

Texas Health Action is seeking a Bilingual (English/ Spanish) Patient Advocate to serve our Kind Clinic location on site at our South Austin location. 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 would you do:

• Supports status-neutral engagement activities that involve access to HIV biomedical interventions for prevention and care services;
• Provides direct care to individuals wishing to engage in services including, but not limited to conducting intake and assessments for HIV care, PrEP/PEP and/or gender-affirming care, delivering brief individual and group interventions sessions, providing sexual health education and counseling, assisting patients with navigating insurance/benefits , participating in community engagement and outreach, and scheduling appointments ;
• Identifies and addresses a patient’s psychosocial barriers to accessing care and facilitates linkage to supportive services and relevant programs;
• Monitors issues affecting patient access, adherence, and/or retention in care. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of internal and external resources to ensure the continuum of care obtained and works to remove any barriers to services;
• Collects and analyzes data to identify program progress, and effectively manages operations by utilizing quality improvement tools;
• Acts as a liaison between local agencies with the functions and operations of the program;
• Interprets program guidelines, policies, and procedures for operations;
• Participates in quality improvement efforts by assisting in making required adjustments and promoting program innovation. Helps to establish and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and systems for the clinic;
• Maintains confidentiality and HIPAA compliance according to the clinic’s policies and procedures ; and
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required

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.

Compensation:

Based on the position’s duties and requirements, this role has a starting hourly rate of $24.30 The initial salary will be determined by the selected candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Must have basic PC skills that include a combination of working in Microsoft Windows operating systems and Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Understands the importance of maintaining confidentiality; able to maintain confidentiality under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards.
• Must have the ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy and tact; excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills; Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated ability to work with diverse people groups.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills in English; Additional language abilities desirable. Ability to work well under pressure and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively interact with persons of widely diverse roles, backgrounds, cultures, and socio-economic classes, those in crisis, or those resistant of or negative toward (healthcare or social service?) organizations.
• Ability to apply time management practices to prioritize, schedule, and complete work effectively to comply with mandated policies and deadlines.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks or parts of tasks simultaneously to ensure timely completion of work activities.
• Must be able to work productively with other departments and employees.
• Ability to work with professionals from various partners and organizations.
• Available 40 hours a week, with flexibility to work some evenings and weekends. .
• Ability to successfully manage conflict and negotiate “win-win” solutions.
• Must be able to multi-task, prioritize activities, And manage time effectively.
• Exceptional follow through on tasks and assignments

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
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Additional Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a social science or public health discipline.
• Two-year degree with licensure and/or four years of relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree. 1+ year(s) of direct experience with HIV counseling and testing and/or case management. Knowledge of insurance navigation and appointment scheduling.
• 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.
• Experience in healthcare is preferred but not required. Experience with LGBTQIA+ and/or other marginalized communities a strong plus.

• 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
• Parental Leave
• Longevity Pay

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 Affimative 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.