Serves as a peer advocate, focusing on patients' needs, rights, confidentiality and cultural preferences. Identifies and addresses barriers to health care for health desperate populations and serves as a resource person for specific clinical and recovery care issues. Helps to negotiate desirable patient outcomes.- Serves as a liaison between provider and patient/family to facilitate communication and services. Maintains telephone contact between patients and health-care providers. Coordinates care among providers (such as screening clinics, diagnosis centers, tech labs and allied health services), physician visits and other medical appointments.- Coordinates transportation (to and from medical appointments), child-care, elder-care, and respite services. Arranges translation services as necessary.- Provides emotional support to alleviate fears of and barriers to accessing quality health care.- Assists patient, family/caregiver in completing medical, financial and other forms that are necessary for health care access and services. Assess and assists with maintaining insurance coverage and medication financing.- Motivates and educates individuals and their families/caregivers about the importance of preventive services. Provides education to improve health literacy and the understanding of medical conditions and recovery strategies.- Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve patient satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.- Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field of mental illness and/or chronic substance abuse by attending seminars, in-service workshops, reading professional journals, and maintaining certification. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.- Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.