Title:  Patient Affairs Specialist

Summary

The Harrisburg Program Patient Affairs Specialist will help increase access to health services for people who have experienced homelessness through transportation coordination, outreach, medical care coordination, and peer support. This position provides a variety of specialized services to special populations. The Patient Affairs Specialist is expected to have an understanding of mental illness, homelessness, and substance use, and be willing and ready to engage with clients who struggle with these issues at all levels.  The Patient Affairs Specialist is responsible for assisting with linkages to appropriate health care services and assisting individuals with self-management of chronic diseases.  Staff member will be expected to travel, by car and/or public transportation, throughout Houston and work at multiple sites throughout the week.

Job Duties

• Assists clients in gaining access to and navigating a primary health care medical home and other community based social services (i.e. behavioral health services, housing, legal, etc.)
• Assists clients with preparing for upcoming medical appointments.
• Coordinates transportation for clients to/from medical appointments. 
• Accompanies clients to medical and social services appointments.
• Maintains an updated calendar of all assigned clients’ medical appointments for use by team.
• Provides basic patient/client advocacy, assessment, planning and coordination services.  
• Follows-up with clients regarding appointments, care plans, and health goals. 
• Visits clients to develop relationships and promote harm reduction. 
• Assists client with applying for and renewing benefits, such as SSI, Healthy Texas Women, SNAP, SOAR, and medical clinic registrations.
• Participates actively in regular supervisory and team meetings, training sessions, conferences, seminars and independent study.  Participates in program and operational planning.  
•  Provides culturally and linguistically appropriate services and health education to clients.  
• Maintains a professional disposition while working with a multidisciplinary health care team.  
• Completes accurately, and in a timely manner, all-necessary forms, case notes, and reports, and submits such documentation to his or her supervisor within designated timelines.  
• Develops relationships with area social service agencies to build knowledge of the resources available to clients. 
• Plans and prepare strategies with community health center and local sites about referral process. 
• Conducts outreach and prevention education services, targeting individuals in need of a medical home and/or with chronic disease. 
• Works toward developing a broad knowledge of casework and carries the volume of work as determined with his or her supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Able to operate small office equipment, including photocopier, telephone, and personal computer.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Certified Community Health Worker preferred.
• Bilingual English and Spanish preferred
• Valid Driver’s License preferred.