Patient advocate

This job interacts with patients, all levels of management and employees in identifying, evaluating, researching and resolving patient grievances.

Provides feedback, recommendations, and support in the design and improvement of patient care systems. Partners with Patient Experience office to enhance the overall patient experience.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Contents are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Education

Required Associate’s degree or equivalent in college coursework

Preferred Bachelor’s degree

Work Experience

Required 4 years related healthcare experience or 2 years’ experience in direct Patient and Provider Advocacy.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills and analytical skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient contact information, medical information and all sensitive issues.

Job Duties

• Documents, investigates and resolves patient grievances.
• Refers complaints involving the threat of litigation to Risk Management.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records with patient contacts.
• Assists leaders in the organization with interpreting and analyzing issues as they relate to current systems and procedures.
• Educates leaders and physicians on Patient and Provider Advocacy practices and policies.
• Represents the organization in a professional and positive manner to enhance both the organization’s reputation and patient experience.
• Acts as a facilitator for management personnel and physician staff regarding resolving Patient Advocacy issues.
• Performs leaders rounds on hospital units.
• Other related duties as required, which may be assigned by matrix leader at local or system level.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills.

Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

Complies with the Ochsner Health System and its managed entities’ Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct;

patient / employee safety, patient privacy, and / or other compliance-related concerns.

Ochsner is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and / or a negligible amount of force constantly (Constantly : activity or condition exists 2 / 3 or more of the time) to move objects.

Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work : (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree;

NOTE : The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.

Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue and as part of their employment, incumbents are not called upon to perform or assist in emergency care or first aid.

The incumbent has no occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.

Last updated : 2024-06-13