HEALTH CARE RIGHTS ADVOCATE

 

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:  The Health Rights Hotline, serving all health care consumers in the Sacramento metropolitan area, guides consumers as they navigate the health care system. Primarily through a telephone hotline, advocates assist individuals who have questions about their health care plans and help to resolve specific problems.  In addition, the Hotline collects and analyzes information generated from callers and from other sources to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the local health care delivery system. The Health Rights Hotline is a program of Legal Services of Northern California.

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION:  Under direction from the Supervising Attorney and/or Program Director, provide education, information, referral and assistance to individual health care consumers.  Staff the telephone hotline, handling a high volume of calls. Maintain an open caseload, providing direct assistance to callers unable to resolve their problems on their own. Conduct general consumer education and outreach to inform health care consumers about their rights and responsibilities.

 

DUTIES:

 

1.     Provide individual assistance to consumers by staffing the telephone hotline; research and investigate consumers’ problems, work with health plans, health care providers, regulatory agencies, employers/purchasers and other entities, as appropriate, to resolve individual problems.

2.     Enter consumer case information into the computerized case management database.  Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information entered into the database.

3.     Determine the nature of the consumer’s informational needs or problem.  Advise or refer as appropriate within established protocols, procedures and program guidelines.

4.     Prepare routine correspondence as well as complex advice and appeal letters.

5.     Participate in weekly case review meetings and monthly staff meetings.  Attend and participate in training sessions both within the program and from external sources.

6.     Participate in the development of consumer education materials.  Make recommendations for additions, modifications, or deletions of materials as needed.

7.     Conduct community outreach activities, such as presentations to community groups and agencies, to inform the public about the Hotline’s services and educate consumers about the health care system.

8.     Perform additional duties as assigned consistent with qualifications.

 

SKILLS:

 

1.     Ability to calmly and patiently work with persons experiencing a high level of stress and anxiety.

2.     Ability to interview consumers in a professional and courteous manner, understand and empathize with their concerns, investigate complaints, and use sound judgment in resolving consumer concerns.

3.     Ability to work professionally and cooperatively with health plan and medical group representatives, regulatory agencies, health care providers and others to resolve consumer concerns.

4.     Ability to diagnose problems and analyze and research complex situations.

5.     Ability to document activities thoroughly, accurately and in an organized manner.

6.     Ability to handle a high volume of activity timely, efficiently and professionally.

7.     Excellent computer skills.

8.     Professional telephone manner; ability to communicate clearly and effectively over the telephone.

9.     Strong oral and written communications skills.

10.  Ability to present complex information in an easy-to-understand manner.

11.  Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team.

12.  Ability to work with and relate to diverse populations, including seniors, persons with disabilities and persons for whom English is a second language.

 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:  Two years experience in customer service, consumer advocacy and/or health care systems conducting intake, interviews and research of consumer and/or provider issues.  Computer literacy required.  Bilingual Russian strongly preferred.  Bachelors Degree and a basic understanding of health care systems highly desired.  Familiarity with medical terminology a plus.

 

SALARY:  $1,872-2,108/month DOE.  LSNC offers full health, dental, vision and other benefits.

 

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  September 15, 2007.

 

TO APPLY:  Send resume, cover letter and 3 references to Health Rights Hotline, 519 12th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Email:  hrh_counselor@hrh.org

 

 

A BILINGUAL BONUS IS PROVIDED FOR PERSONS EMPLOYED WHO SPEAK A SECOND LANGUAGE, OTHER THAN ENGLISH, COMMONLY SPOKEN BY THE CLIENTS, WHEN THE SECOND LANGUAGE IS USED IN THE JOB FOR WHICH THE PERSON IS EMPLOYED.

 

Women, people of color, persons with disabilities and older persons are encouraged to apply.

 

 
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER