Patient Advocate

Tohono O'odham Nation; Sells (AZ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Tohono O'odham Nation in Sells, AZ seeks a patient advocate to bridge patients with dialysis care and medical staff. Under supervision, you translate materials, help obtain prescriptions, weigh and check temperature, and schedule appointments as needed.

You will act as liaison among Human Services, Health Center staff, and patients, interpret as needed, assist ambulatory needs, and support culturally sensitive care while encouraging patient health responsibility.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; six months nursing-related experience or equivalent training.
• Certifications required: CPR, AED and First Aid within six months of hire.
• Background check including FBI and motor vehicle record required.
• May require valid driver’s license and driving clearance.
• Fluency in Tohono O'odham and English may be required.
• Ability to work extended hours and varied shifts.

Responsibilities

• Translate educational and informational materials for patients.
• Assist patients in obtaining prescriptions and scheduling appointments.
• Weigh patients and take temperatures.
• Interpret information from physicians regarding meds, diet, and medical instructions; coordinate appointments.
• Serve as liaison between Human Services, Health Center staff, and Dialysis Patient Advisory Committee and patients.
• Interpret for patients with medical center staff as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Patient care

Communication

Cultural sensitivity

Team coordination

Independent judgment

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The position is located in Sells, AZ.

Position Summary:

Under limited supervision, functions as a patient advocate and a liaison between the patient and multiple care delivery systems; provides information to and assists dialysis patients with their medical needs.

The work is normally reviewed upon completion to ensure compliance with general organization/department goals, policies and procedures. Major work activities are covered by procedures or guidelines permitting flexibility in selecting methods to utilize and procedures to follow, determination of work priorities, and the planning and coordination of projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Translates educational and informational materials to patients.
• Assists patients in obtaining prescriptions.
• Weighs patients and takes patient's temperature.
• Assists patients by interpreting information from physicians in regards to medication, dietary requirements, and other medical instructions; schedules medical appointments as needed.
• Acts as liaison between the Human Services Department, Health Center Staff, Dialysis Patient Advisory Committee and the patients.
• Acts as an interpreter between the patient and medical center staff as needed.
• Assists with the ambulatory needs of patients.
• Transports patients to and from hospital/clinic appointments, meetings, or consultations; picks up patient supplies as needed.
• Assists patients and staff with culturally sensitive issues.
• Assists medical staff with encouraging patients to maintain a responsibility to their health and well-being.
• Identifies and assesses problems as they arise and contacts appropriate medical personnel.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of health related issues, medical terminology, and health education.
• Knowledge of health and nutrition principles and body composition.
• Skill in recording and updating assessments and makes referrals, as needed.
• Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers.
• Skill in patient care.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to maintain privileged confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or General Education Diploma and six months work experience in a nursing field, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Must obtain certifications in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid within the first six months of hire.
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and National FBI check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.