PATIENT ADVOCATE

The Patient Advocate plays a lead role in upholding and monitoring patient rights within North Star Behavioral Healthcare System programs to ensure every patient receives the care, information, and support they need. This position is responsible for ensuring patients are fully informed of their rights and assisting in the resolution of conflicts, concerns, or complaints in a fair and timely manner.

In addition to direct advocacy, the Patient Advocate will be responsible for developing and delivering training programs for North Star Behavioral Health Systems employees to promote awareness of patient rights and effective advocacy practices. The position also coordinates employee membership and participation in relevant advocacy networks or professional organizations.

Working conditions for all employees are as follows but not limited to a psychiatric clinic setting; some risk involved in the event of aggressive patient(s); workload may include day, evening, night, weekend, and/or holiday shifts. Employees occasionally exposed to blood borne pathogens, and loud noise levels.

The mental demands described herein are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job but are not limited to the ability to remain calm in a stressful environment; and the emotional stability, physical stamina and agility to handle stress and respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for patients and families needing assistance navigating care, filing complaints, or understanding their rights.
• Investigate, document, and resolve patient grievances in collaboration with clinical, administrative, and legal teams.
• Educate patients and families about their rights and responsibilities under federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Monitor compliance with patient rights standards and recommend improvements in policies and procedures.
• Develop and deliver internal training programs related to patient advocacy and rights awareness for North Star Behavioral Health Systems staff.
• Facilitate employee memberships in relevant advocacy organizations or certification programs.
• Collaborate with clinical departments, risk management, and quality improvement teams to support patient-centered care initiatives.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of all interactions and ensure compliance with HIPAA and institutional guidelines.

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Nursing, Health Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred) or a combination of education and experience
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in patient advocacy, healthcare administration, or related roles
• In-depth knowledge of patient rights, HIPAA regulations, and healthcare system operations
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills