Job Description

Patient Advocate

Open Door Family Medical Center provides health care and wellness programs to individuals and families in need throughout Westchester, Putnam and Ulster Counties. A pioneer Federally Qualified Health Center, Open Door provides more than 300,000 patient visits annually and serves nearly 60,000 individual patients who might not otherwise have access. Open Door offers integrated services and a holistic approach to building healthier communities. Primary medical care, dental care, integrated behavioral health care, clinical nutrition, wellness programs, and chronic disease management are the foundation of its clinical programs.

Founded as a free clinic in 1972, Open Door's mission of building healthier communities through accessible, equitable, culturally competent health care has led to site and service expansions. Today, Open Door operates centers in Brewster, Mamaroneck, Mount Kisco, Ossining, Port Chester, and Sleepy Hollow, in addition to eight School-Based Health Centers in the Port Chester and Ossining School Districts, a mobile dental van in Mount Kisco, and a new dental practice in Saugerties, NY. For more information, please visit our website at

Open Door is seeking a Patient Advocate, reporting to the Care Coordination Programs Manager. As part of the medical care team, the services provided by the Patient Advocate aim to improve patient health outcomes and assist patients in managing their own health care and becoming independent, and informed consumers of health care services. Primary responsibilities include chronic disease management education and care coordination, assistance with accessing concrete services, linkage to outside services, and Cancer Services Program enrollment. The Patient Advocate improves access to services provided both internally and externally to Open Door by identifying and reducing barriers.

Responsibilities

CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND CARE COORDINATION

• Provide basic education on chronic diseases to patients and caregivers.
• Provide education on basic-self management activities for chronic diseases to patients and caregivers and reinforces medical provider's guidance.
• Develop care plans with patients who have a chronic disease diagnosis to improve health outcomes; provide ongoing support to patients to assist with adherence to care plan, navigating barriers and revising care plan.
• Assist with the establishment of self-management goals and creating realistic action plans to achieve established goals; follows-up with patients to determine goal feasibility over time; assists patients in tracking progress to goals and assists with navigating barriers to goal achievement.

CONCRETE SERVICE NAVIGATION

• Make appropriate and timely referrals to address identified needs related to the social determinants of health; assists patients with completing paperwork required for referrals.
• Serve as a healthcare system navigator to ensure that patients can access health care service.
• Make appropriate referrals to Outreach and Enrollment Department for assistance with medical insurance.
• Educate patients about low cost pharmaceutical drug programs and facilitates enrollment.
• Assess patients' needs related to the social determinants of health (e.g. housing, literacy, employment, food, clothing, child care, access to medication and health services, transportation, social support, emotional health, correctional system involvement, refugee or immigration status, physical safety, and domestic violence) using a standardized screening tool.

LINKAGE TO OUTSIDE SERVICES

• Serve as liaison between primary care providers and patients to ensure that patients can access specialty medical services.
• Assist patients with preparation for medical specialist appointments at outside facilities by scheduling appointments, accessing options to address transportation and financial barriers, obtaining/completing needed records/paperwork, and reviewing instructions regarding preparations for labs or other tests.
• Collaborate with the medical care team to acquire records from outside medical specialists.

CANCER SCREENING AND TREATMENT NAVIGATION

• Assist patients with navigating the cancer screening process including scheduling cancer screening appointments and addressing transportation and financial barriers.
• Assist patients to prepare for cancer screening appointments (e.g. obtaining needed records/paperwork, preparing for tests, understanding what will happen at the appointment).
• Complete enrollment for the New York State Cancer Services Program (CSP) for eligible patients requiring covered breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic services.
• Send correspondence to patients for notifications of cancer screening tests with no concerning findings.
• Assist patients with cancer diagnoses in navigating the treatment process including identifying oncologists/surgeons, scheduling appointments, and addressing transportation and financial barriers; refers patients to support resources as needed including internal supports (e.g. behavioral health, wellness, Spanish-language cancer support group) and external supports (e.g. support services).
• Collaborate with the medical care team to acquire records from cancer screening appointments and cancer treatment.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Document all patient care activities in the Electronic Medical Record clearly and accurately in a timely manner.
• Conduct other data tracking and reporting activities as assigned.
• Conduct screenings and assessments.

Requirements

• Bilingual English/Spanish with written and verbal fluency in both languages.
• Valid NYS driver's license and daily access to car.
• High School Degree required. College credits, Associates Degree, Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Customer service experience required. Experience with community and health organizations preferred.
• Passionate about providing high quality care to low income, under-served individuals and those lacking access to health care.
• Able to function effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team and committed to collaborative team based care.
• Culturally competent/sensitive (racial, ethnic, linguistic, LGBTQ+, physical ability, etc.) and committed to inclusive, multicultural programming.
• Proficient computer use, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Able to understand and follow detailed instructions.
• Highly organized and self-directed, able to multi-task.
• Flexible and exhibits the ability to adapt as situations evolve.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high accountability environment.
• Effective in problem solving and exhibits excellent judgment and the ability to prioritize.

There are many fantastic benefits to a career at Open Door Family Medical Centers. In addition to working to effect positive change in the health and lives of thousands residents of Westchester and Putnam counties, Open Door offers its employees a stimulating, diverse and team-based work environment with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) and 401(k), generous paid time off, onsite Wellness facilities, and educational assistance. Aside from excellent benefits, we offer a competitive salary and annual bonuses based on patient care.

At Open Door, we enjoy working in a team-based, patient-centered environment and value the benefits of a diversified workplace that values our patients and the communities we serve. If you want to make a difference in the lives of thousands of patients in the health of our communities of Westchester and Putnam counties, and if the position speaks to your capabilities, experience and commitment to improve the health of our communities, please complete the application, upload your resume and cover letter with salary requirements. Qualified candidates will be contacted by phone and/or email.

Open Door is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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