Patient Advocate - Department of Internal Medicine

Patient Advocate

• Department of Internal Medicine Detroit, MI, United States | req3333 Posted on: 4/24/2026 Patient Advocate
• Department of Internal Medicine Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Patient Advocate
• Department of Internal Medicine at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan w students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society. Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose:

The Patient Advocate serves as a member of a multi-disciplinary clinical care team and responsible for providing supportive services to persons living with HIV or those affected by HIV. The Patient Advocate will assist patients with navigating the health care system to ensure those living with HIV remain in care and works to reduce barriers that may complicate their health and well-being. This position primarily helps patients with Early Intervention Services, Ryan White Client Eligibility Enrollment, Health Insurance Coverage, Counseling & Testing Services, Referrals, Advocacy, Problem-Solving and other related services.

Essential Functions:

Provide patient with orientation to clinical and supportive services and assist them in assessing needed services by conducting an intake and bio-psychosocial assessments. Conduct Ryan White Client Eligibility verification as required. Coordinates HIV case management or non-medical case management services to ensure patient has access to full range of needed community services. Conduct routine monitoring and follow-up with patients through face-to face, phone calls and home visits. Provides Health Education and Risk Reduction strategies to patients. Assist with crisis intervention. Perform Early Intervention Services and linkage to care. Collaborate and network with community partners, agencies and health organizations supporting HIV services and patient care. Prepare program reports and enter data into Care Ware or other related database systems. Provides pre and post-test counseling, obtain specimen for confirmatory testing, refers as appropriate and maintain records for MDHHS. Organize and engage in community advisory board meetings, support group activities and special events. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Unique duties:

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree Bachelor's degree in public health, psychology, sociology, counseling or related field from an accredited college or university. Two or more years' experience as a test counselor providing Human Immunodeficiency Virus support services to clients may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience) Two or more years' experience working in a public health or clinical setting providing HIV prevention programs and services. Must obtain state-sponsored Human Immunodeficiency Virus prevention counseling and testing training/certification within 3 months of hire if needed. Must complete a state-sponsored health insurance enrollment training/certification within 3 months of hire if needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge with rules and regulations pertaining to Federal, State and County programs. Outstanding customer service skills. Can effective interpersonal skills to provide high quality supportive services. Responds effectively to most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Self-Directed and able to make ethical decisions. Well

• organized and demonstrates concise writing skills.

Can prioritize, plan work activities as well as adapt to changing conditions. Ability to work well as a team member within a clinical setting. Ability to facilitate consumer advisory board meetings, support group sessions or outreach activities. Ability to participate and execute specific assignments for project site reviews or audits. Ability to provide services to gay, lesbian, queer, bisexual and transgender clients. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred qualifications:

School/College/Division:

H06

• School of Medicine Primary department: H0609
• Internal Medicine Employment type: Regular Employee Job type: Full Time Job category: Staff/Administrative Funding/salary information: Compensation type: Annual Salary Hourly rate: Salary minimum: TBD Salary hire maximum: TBD Working conditions: Primarily works within a clinical setting.

Exposure to clients with HIV. Travel maybe required for patient home visits, outreach assignments or professional development. Some evening and weekend hours for on-call patient services and special events as requested.

Job openings:

Number of openings: 1 Reposted position: No Reposted reason: None (New Requisition) Prior posting/requisition number: Background check requirements: University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.