Patient Resource Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The primary role of the Patient Resource Specialist 1 (PRS 1) is to support patients in addressing their basic social needs to improve overall health outcomes. PRS 1 will provide compassionate assistance to patients in accessing essential resources such as food pantries, government assistance programs, transportation services, and healthcare appointments, including medical, dental and behavioral health. This position will actively participate in outreach, case management, and community engagement activities.

POSITION-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a patient advocate.
• Coordinate medical, dental and behavioral health appointments and remove barriers to healthcare access.
• Assist patients with Medicaid, CHIP and Marketplace enrollment.
• Facilitate access to AccessNebraska programs and other government assistance applications.
• Coordinate social support services, including food pantries, transportation options, employment, and other essential services and supplies.
• Provide timely and accurate case management notes and documentation.
• Build and maintain a network of community resources to address patients’ social needs.
• Follow up with patients to ensure continuity of care.
• Meet monthly key performance metric goals.
• Engage in outreach and community engagement activities.
• Participate in ongoing training to stay updated on best practices.
• Collaborate with the Patient Resource Team to develop effective strategies for addressing social determinants of health.
• Provide evidence-based education to patients within scope of work.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and humility in all patient interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education: High school diploma required; Community Health Worker Certification preferred; Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Community Health, Social Work or other health-related field preferred.

Experience:  Care coordination or case management experience preferred.

Experience in Public Health, Community Health, Social Work, or other health-related or social support field preferred.

Expertise: Strong interpersonal skills.

Relatability to the patient population we serve, highly preferred.

Ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Proficient verbal, written and reporting skills.

Microsoft applications, internet, email.

Good record keeping and organizational methods.

Ability to achieve measurable outcomes.

Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.

Knowledge of medical terminology.

Ability to efficiently and effectively solve problems.

Ability to work individually and as part of a team.

Language: English fluency; Fluency in other languages is highly valued.

Work Hours: 40 hrs/wk

Travel: Moderate travel as needed for community engagement events

Exposure: While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee occasionally is exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.  Additionally, the employee may occasionally be exposed to blood borne and other hazardous chemicals.  Finally, the noise level in the work environment can occasionally be quite loud.  In all cases, personal protective equipment will be provided to the employee in combination with adequate ventilation and other engineering controls to minimize the risk of exposure or other hazardous occurrence.

Physical: Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with special challenges to perform these essential functions.