Patient Advocate

Salem Health; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

Salem Health is seeking a Patient Advocate to serve as a key liaison between patients, families and healthcare teams, addressing complaints and driving timely resolution and service recovery. The role promotes a positive patient experience by identifying trends and partnering with departments to implement effective service strategies.

You will support staff through training, coaching, and recognition initiatives while championing a culture centered on patient-focused care and organizational

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three years of experience in acute or emergency medical care, mental health care, social services or directly related advocacy functions.
• Consideration will be given to candidates with prior Patient Advocate experience in listed care settings and related undergraduate degrees, with a minimum of three years.

Responsibilities

• Address and resolve patient complaints and grievances by coordinating with patients, families and care teams.
• Act as a liaison and catalyst for service recovery and improved patient experience outcomes.
• Identify trends in feedback and drive system-level improvements and performance initiatives.
• Partner with departments as a consultant and change agent to implement patient experience strategies.
• Communicate organizational mission, values, and patient experience priorities across teams.
• Support staff development through training, coaching, and recognition of excellent service.
• Gather patient feedback through rounding and data analysis to inform improvements and leadership reporting.

Skills

Patient advocacy

Healthcare liaison

Conflict resolution

Training & coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Location: Salem Hospital, 890 Oak Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Department:Patient Advocate
Position Type:Unscheduled/ Per diem
Schedule: Schedules will encompass all hours and days, aligned with business needs

Your role with us

At Salem Health, a patient advocate serves as a key liaison between patients, families and healthcare teams in addressing complaints and grievances while driving timely resolution and service recovery. The role promotes a positive patient experience by identifying trends, recommending system improvements and partnering with departments to implement effective service strategies. Additionally, the advocate supports staff through training, coaching, and recognition initiatives while championing a culture centered on patient focused care and organizational values.

What you'll do

• Address and resolve patient complaints and grievances by coordinating with patients, families and care teams.
• Act as a liaison and catalyst for service recovery and improved patient experience outcomes.
• Identify trends in feedback and drive system-level improvements and performance initiatives.
• Partner with departments as a consultant and change agent to implement patient experience strategies.
• Communicate organizational mission, values, and patient experience priorities across teams.
• Support staff development through training, coaching, and recognition of excellent service.
• Gather patient feedback through rounding and data analysis to inform improvements and leadership reporting.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three years of experience in acute or emergency medical care, mental health care, social services or directly related advocacy functions.
• Consideration will also be given to those candidates who have previously performed a Patient Advocate role in the care settings listed above, in a capacity a outlined in the job description, with undergraduate degrees in fields that include conflict resolution and for a minimum of three years.

Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations, and professional growth.

Why Salem Health?

Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care.

We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you'll find more than a job, you'll find purpose, connection, and room to thrive.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].