Patient Health Advocate

Company Overview

As a leading provider of outcomes‑driven care for individuals and communities living with chronic conditions, Somatus is helping patients across the country enjoy More Healthy Days at Home™.

• Subsidized personal healthcare coverage
  :
  Medical, Dental & Vision, plus Wellness programs
• Paid Time Off
  :
  Accrual of 3 weeks’ Vacation (PTO)
• Professional development
  : CEU and tuition reimbursement

Somatus offers a hybrid telehealth environment with a combination of remote days and visits to members’ homes.

This position will be focused on high‑needs Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End‑Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) populations that face multiple challenges, from accessing resources to adhering to a physician’s treatment plan. The CHW‑Patient Advocate will work as an extension of the clinical care team, specifically under the guidance of RN Care Manager and act as an advocate guiding them through their care needs.

• Works under the guidance of physicians and/or a nurse care manager.
• Follow‑up with health management plans and goals.
• Establish positive, supportive relationships with participants and provide feedback.
• Conduct an initial triage assessment to help align patients with the most appropriate program in accordance with program guidelines.
• Documents their activities in the care coordination platform, including care plan activities conducted.
• Engages with patients who need assistance with self‑care needs in addition to what a nurse care manager can provide via phone, such as:
  • Address language and cultural barriers to care management and self‑care.
  • Coach and guide the patient to meet both personal and clinical goals.
  • Schedules provider appointments on behalf of their patients.
  • Accompanies patients to their appointments when needed.
  • Reminds patients of their upcoming appointments.
  • Helps patients access community and government‑based services, including possibly filling out paperwork for the patient.
  • Helps to teach the caregiver about symptom response plans.
  • Arranges transportation.
  • Facilitates closing gaps in care by educating patients about preventive monitoring and working with physician practices to schedule diagnostic testing.
  • Assists patients with enrolling to access educational videos.
  • Participates in the integrated care team meetings.
  • Act as the patient advocate and support the member through their patient journey starting with initial outreach.
  • Conduct telephonic outreach to members within designated geographic area to introduce the Somatus program and encourage enrollment to build their patient caseload.
  • Conduct door‑to‑door engagement outreach for patients with telephonic barriers.
  • Support NP and RNCM care team members through facilitating in‑home telehealth visits with patients.
  • Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to encourage patients to make behavioral changes.

• Patient Engagement
• Care Setting Transitions
• Assessment
• Monthly Goal completion as set by the RNCM
• Patient Success – as measured by no/reduced hospital or ER visits on a monthly basis

Qualifications:

• Experience working with Medicare, Medicaid or Special Needs populations.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Engagement Specialist or Community Health Worker Experience.
• Ability to connect with people and understand the challenges they face.
• Ability to use a range of outreach methods to engage individuals and groups in diverse settings.
• Well connected to the community and resources within the community they will serve.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills demonstrating respect and cultural awareness during interactions with clients.
• Ability to travel throughout the assigned region and comfort with conducting home visits (50‑75% same day travel).
• Great motivator.
• Organized Coach.
• Empathetic.
• Outgoing / positive personality.

• Experience working with patients with chronic and behavioral health needs.
• Associates degree or higher from an accredited college preferred.
• Demonstrated success in working as part of a multi‑disciplinary team including communicating and working with Physicians and Registered…