Bilingual Patient Advocate (Spanish and English) - Virtual

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 Patient Advocate (Spanish & English) to optimize the patient experience, helping them navigate the complex healthcare system—from insurance coverage to linkage to medical and supportive social services. Bilingual Patient Advocates meet one-on-one Virtually with patients, helping them understand their options for care.

Core Functions:

• 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.

Compensation:

Based on the position’s duties and requirements, this role has a starting hourly base of $21.70. The initial salary will be determined by the selected candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience.

Requirements

Job Requirement:

• Education and/or Licensure – 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. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required or must be obtained no later than two days after hire date.
• Experience – 1+ year(s) of direct experience with HIV counseling and testing and/or case management. Knowledge of insurance navigation and appointment scheduling. 2+ years of experience in working with diverse populations, including LGBTQIA+ and communities of color, within a human service field, such as social work, psychology, counseling and/or public health required. (4+ years of part-time work/volunteer experience may be considered in lieu of 2+ years of experience). 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. Demonstrated experience taking initiative and exercising independent judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving expertise.
• Additional Requirements – Bilingual (English/Spanish) Required. 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.

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.
• Experience working with an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse work staff.
• 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 man