Your Campus Connection

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Description:

Do you have experience with Alberta’s healthcare system, or want to learn to become a health navigation expert? Open Arms is looking for Patient Advocates to support our mission. We are a non-profit organization that provides free advocacy support for Albertans and their families who may be struggling with healthcare matters. If you have a passion for helping community members and want to master skills related to communication and leadership, this is the role for you.

Role and Responsibilities: Our advocates work with clients to achieve their desired goals, which vary depending on the client’s needs. Advocates are also responsible for documenting progress with their cases. Some of the duties of an advocate may include:

- Guiding clients on how to obtain any necessary medical records or documentation.
- Providing resources and programs to clients to meet their health goals.
- Attending medical appointments with the client (depending on scheduling; we understand this is a volunteer position)
- Facilitating open and respectful communication between clients and their healthcare providers.
- Supporting the client in becoming their own advocate and having a voice.
- Attending training sessions and workshops to improve skills as an advocate.

Please submit an application here: https://openarmsadvocacy.com/volunteer/

Qualifications:

Passion for supporting others, strong communication skills, willingness to learn new things. Healthcare knowledge is considered an asset but not required.

Training:

4 online training videos/documents with a short quiz to provide the essential skills of a patient advocate, including how to navigate the healthcare system, communicate effectively between patients and providers, and how to submit feedback or complaints.

Ongoing learning opportunities are provided for advocates every 4-6 months, which may include workshops, guest speakers, or training sessions on relevant topics.

Benefits:

Conference and travel opportunities, ongoing education sessions to master skills, quarterly recognition, free ticket to fundraiser events, verifiable volunteer hours, letter of reference, and more.

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