Advocate jobs at EQUITAS HEALTH

Job Description ORGANIZATION INFORMATION: Established in 1984, Equitas Health is a regional not-for-profit community-based healthcare system and federally qualified community health center look-alike. Its expanded mission has made it one of the nation's largest HIV/AIDS, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) healthcare organizations. With 22 offices in 12 cities, it serves more than 67,000 individuals in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia each year through its diverse healthcare and social service delivery system focused around: primary and specialized medical care, retail pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, HIV/STI prevention, advocacy, and community health initiatives. This position is represented by Equitas Health Workers United Local 6609, Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFL-CIO union and is subject to the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement Hourly Rate: $ 17.79- $ 22.21 per hour BENEFITS: PTO Vision Dental Health 401k Sick time * Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) POSITION SUMMARY: The Case Aide is responsible for providing comprehensive supportive services at Equitas Health and identifying and assisting Persons Living with HIV needing case management services throughout Ohio. The individual will operate in accordance with the established professional standards and guidelines as stated by the Ohio Revised Code. Health Advocacy Services operates in accordance with the established professional standards and guidelines for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and to adhere to NASW standards for social work management. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, knowledge of healthcare services and public and private insurances, traveling, driving or having reliable transportation to meet clients, and utilizing a computer for typing and conducting research, attending meetings, maintaining collaborative efforts with community resources, and other efforts to support successful client outcomes and graduation. MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide high quality supportive services for Persons Living with HIV and their families with a focus on improved HIV related health outcomes, obtaining and maintaining insurance and prescription benefits, housing stability, as well as employment or other income attainment. Assist with Ryan White and other assessment and treatment plan processes, annually and as needed, to identify treatment strengths and struggles related to viral suppression, maintenance of income and insurance benefits, and sustainable housing. Monitor and support individual case plans with a focus on client independence and sustainable graduation. Case Plans will address services provided to the client within Equitas Health, as well as services managed within the community by other providers. Function as a central and primary access point for financial assistance programs, including but not limited to Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act (Parts A, B and C), TBRA long term rental assistance, HOPWA short term rental assistance, and other assistance programs, as appropriate. Empower clients to link with and maintain resources such as housing, workforce development, respite, nutritional assistance, palliative care, chore assistance, transportation and social functions that promote graduation from Ryan White Case Management services. Identify and engage health care professionals in the region to provide quality services to Persons Living with HIV and establish new relationships in collaboration with ODH. Case Aides will refer Providers who seek a relationship with ODH to the appropriate contacts within ODH. Represent Equitas Health within the community in order to provide education and advocacy about the strengths and needs associated with Persons Living with HIV. Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Case Aides are responsible to maintain documentation through Equitas Health, ODH, and other software systems. All documentation will be recorded and complete within two business days (48 hours) of provided service. Maintain confidentiality of clients by adhering to Equitas Health Confidentiality Policy and Procedure, HIPAA, and other established professional standards and guidelines. Effective written and verbal communication skills that ensure accurate and timely documentation, as well as successful sharing of information across various individuals and systems. Return all correspondence within two business days (48 hours). Coordinate processing of approved OHDAP Rx Exceptions, dental treatment plans and authorizations, and mental health treatment plans, as appropriate and necessary. Support efforts to ensure clients are within date and identified as active in any given month. These efforts will be completed in coordination with Medical and Non-Medical Case Managers. Maintain appropriate referral sources and contact persons for client access to insurance, healthcare providers, and other community-based services. Coordinate office supply order with all departments in the site following purchasing procedures. Attend trainings, as assigned, to improve written and verbal skills, putting theory into practice, and accurate documentation across multiple systems. Case Aides are required to attend 10 hours of HIV/AIDS specific and Supportive Services training annually. Case Aides will utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques when engaging with clients. As appropriate, Supervisors will recommend and/or conduct MI trainings and Learning Groups. Supervisors and staff will review individual MI techniques and Supervisors will provide ongoing education and oversight with MI skills, as appropriate. Participate in Equitas Health Committees and Performance Improvement Teams as appropriate and assigned by direct supervisor. Prepare for and attend individual and group supervision per Supervisor's schedule. Case Aides are responsible for bringing client concerns, process questions, and other needs to scheduled supervisions. Case Aides are required to attend 5 hours of supervision per month. Demonstrate unconditional positive regard (UPR) to clients, co-workers, community partners, and others. Case Aides will conduct all aspects of job responsibilities with a focus on exceptional customer service. Demonstrates continuous growth and development related to Equitas Health Values, exhibiting an understanding, awareness, and respect for diversity, inclusion, and cultural humility. Attend monthly, quarterly, and as needed meetings in-person or via phone or web conferences. Utilize email, Microsoft Teams, phone, and other telecommunication options to participate in meetings across sites. Provide coverage for front desk/reception services, as necessary and appropriate. Other duties as assigned related to this position by supervisor. EDUCATION/LICENSURE: Associate's Degree with a minimum of one year of relevant experience, or Completed coursework towards an Associate's Degree with a minimum of two years relevant experience, or High School Diploma/GED with a minimum of 3 years relevant experience Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and other Qualifications: Must have sensitivity to, interest in and competence in cultural differences, HIV/AIDS, minority health, sexual practices, and a demonstrated competence in working with persons of color, and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community. Community-based Case Management and training experience desired. Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and other computer applications required. Reliable transportation, driver's license and proof of auto insurance required. Knowledge and adherence to social work standards and ethics. OTHER INFORMATION: Background and reference checks will be conducted. In accordance with Equitas Health's Drug-Free Workplace Policy, pre-employment drug testing will be administered. Hours may vary, including working some evenings and weekends based on workload. Individuals are not considered applicants until they have been asked to visit for an interview and at that time complete an application for employment. Completing the application does not guarantee employment. EOE/AA