Gender Services Patient Advocate

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Program Manager for the Gender Services Program, the Gender Services Patient Advocate will help develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate all approaches with TGINB+ (Transgender, Intersex, Gender Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive) patients. The Gender Services Patient Advocate’s main role will be to assist TGINB+ patients, coming into the APLA Health Centers, with their medical and gender related services. The Gender Services Patient Advocate will assist in getting new patients enrolled at APLA Health and help them navigate health services that are available to them depending on their insurance. The Gender Services Patient Advocate may assist APLA Health patients with certain social services like name & gender change, enrolling in Cal-fresh or GR (general relief). The Gender Services Patient Advocate will make regular contact/check-ins with APLA Health’s TGINB+ patients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Program Manager for Gender Services in the development and implementation of APLA Health’s services for TGINB+ patients.
• Conduct the “Trans Need Assessments” with all new patients to identify their needs, and offer support the patient as applicable.
• Follow up with patients to ensure their needs are being met and are satisfied with the services they are receiving at APLA Health.
• Monitor, update, and sustain program visibility on all social media platforms.
• Provide health education activities to members of the TGINB+ community.
• Help coordinate the design and layout of collateral materials supporting Gender related services, including but not limited to; program flyers, publicity campaigns, events and other materials as needed.
• Develop and implement a yearly community mobilization plan targeting outreach venues.
• Work with and continue to develop relationships with key stakeholders and APLA Health’s community partners.
• Assist APLA Health’s Behavioral Health Team in regards to the needs of our TGINB+ patients.
• Assist APLA Health’s Medical Health Team in regards to the needs of our TGINB+ patients.
• Develop relationships with HIV service agencies throughout Los Angeles County that would best assist the TGINB+ community.
• Ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
• Prepare quantitative and qualitative reports as assigned.
• Attend community/public meetings as necessary.
• Provide peer mentoring to clients seeking gender transition services.

OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEET PROGRAM NEEDS.

REQUIREMENTS:

Training and Experience:

Associates degree in a human services field OR two years of experience working in the TGINB+ community as an advocate. At least two years’ experience working with marginalized communities and have extensive knowledge of psychosocial issues related to the gender continuum is preferred. Case and record management experiences is preferred. Experience working in a nonprofit environment preferred. Specific training/experience with the HIV/AIDS/TGINB+ related issues preferred.  Experience working with electronic health records (eClinicalWorks) preferred.

Knowledge of:

Gender spectrum and the barriers to health care that the TGINB+ community continue to face. GAHT (gender affirming hormone therapy), GAS (gender affirming surgeries) and procedures.  Spectrum of HIV and STI’s human sexuality, substance use and abuse, effective communication skills, de-escalation practices, harm reduction, , psychosocial and mental health factors affecting quality of life for HVI/TGINB+ individuals, outreach strategies, date management, health and social concerns of diverse populations of TGINB+ persons, particularly those from marginalized communities PEP and PrEP, HIV/STI risk reduction theory, principles of social marketing and venues or areas where the target population congregates (in-person/online).

Ability to:

Communicate effectively orally and in writing; organize work in an effective manner; work in collaborative clinical based environment; interdisciplinary; work effective independently; show empathy to and extend compassion to those of the gender spectrum.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is primarily an office position that requires only occasional bending, reaching, stooping, lifting and moving of office materials weighing 25 pounds or less. The position requires daily use of a personal computer and requires entering, viewing, and revising text and graphics on the computer terminal and on paper.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid California drivers’ license; proof of auto liability insurance; and have the use of a personal vehicle for work related purposes. COVID-19 and Booster or Medical/ Religious Exemption required.

Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/transgender/disability/veteran.