Patient Advocate

I. General Summary Under guidance and general supervision provides high level of customer service by functioning as the central communication link between patients the Medical Center and the community. Answers patients/families questions receives and resolves complaints; assists with the patients comfort needs and provides information regarding hospital stay. Collects and reports data regarding patients/families hospital stay and staff sensitivity to patients/families. Provides coordination of support services and facilities management services so that a comfortable and well maintained environment exists for patients guests and others.

II. Principal Responsibilities and Tasks The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Demonstrates and observes UMMC guest relations practices in providing information to guests in accordance with established institutional policies and procedures.

A. Provides patients with information regarding hospital stay prior to admittance when requested. If foreign provides or arranges for information in language appropriate format.

B. Answers guests questions by providing information on hospital services local events and services as well as community activities. Provides information regarding travel lodging and meal accommodations as requested. Assures that assistance escort and parking services are provided to any guests as needed.

C. Acts a communication liaison between medical staff and family while patient is receiving treatment or undergoing procedures. Accompanies medical/ancillary staff on rounds and provides appropriate intervention when necessary.

2. Resolves customer issues in a timely and professional manner. Resolves disputes and failures to provide reasonable service in the most expeditious manner possible. Provides information and facilitates issues to resolution among various department heads and patient care services managers as necessary and appropriate.

3. Develops and maintains communication and record system for tracking complaints and collects qualitative and quantitative data.

4. Provides coordination of support and facilities services to ensure that supplies food and services for patients are delivered in an appropriate and timely manner. Maintains continuous knowledge of the condition of the environment on the unit and reports adverse conditions as indicated. Collaborates with other hospital services to ensure the appropriate level of cleanliness and safety on the unit and in public areas such as lobbies and hallways. Performs minor housekeeping tasks as required.

5. Ensures that the proper healing environment is maintained in the best interest of patients and their families.

Qualifications :

III. Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) is required. Bachelors degree preferred.

2. Three years concierge or related customer service experience is required. Experience in an acute care facility or equivalent is preferred.

3. CPR certification required.

IV. Knowledge Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of computer operations (i.e. Microsoft Office programs such as WORD or Excel) for reports and patient information retrieval.

2. Ability to setup and/or operate specialized patient care equipment.

3. Highly effective interpersonal and verbal skills including courtesy resourcefulness and efficiency in answering questions giving directions locating appropriate hospital personnel and explaining hospital policies and procedures are necessary.

4. Ability to demonstrate positive guest relations while dealing with difficult guests being courteous and practicing effective listening and problem solving skills.

5. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on the assigned unit.

6. Ability to facilitate system wide training sessions as a component of a UMMC Customer Service Program

Additional Information :

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation:

Pay Range: $24.89$34.84

Other Compensation (if applicable):

Review theUMMS Benefits Guide