Health Advocate

Description

Make a Meaningful Impact Every Day

At Aspire, we believe in empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives. We're seeking a compassionate, organized, and dedicated Healthcare Advocate to join our team. This vital role supports individuals in navigating their healthcare needs — ensuring they receive the care, advocacy, and support needed to thrive.

Position Summary: 

In partnership with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Healthcare Advocate provides support, coordination, and advocacy around healthcare services. This includes helping individuals schedule, attend, and follow up on medical appointments, communicating health information to the broader support team, and ensuring individuals’ healthcare needs are met with dignity, respect, and person-centered care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a liaison between individuals and healthcare providers.
• Support individuals in scheduling and attending medical appointments based on their preferences and provider recommendations.
• Provide transportation to and from healthcare appointments as needed.
• Serve as a personal healthcare advocate during appointments to ensure understanding and accurate communication.
• Document all healthcare appointments within one business day.
• Complete quality reviews of medication storage, Medication Administration Records (MARs), and monitor medication reorder needs.
• Communicate medication needs to the RN Trainer and Life Consultant promptly.
• Pick up and deliver prescriptions and medical supplies as needed.
• Maintain an up-to-date calendar of all medical appointment
• Educate and support individuals in making healthy lifestyle choices aligned with their service plans.
• Advocate for individuals' rights related to healthcare, including overcoming barriers related to human rights, legal issues, or administrative challenges.
• Maintain comprehensive Health Records for each individual.
• Collaborate closely with Life Consultants, Team Leaders, and Clinical Teams to support individual Person-Centered Plans (PCPs) and Health/Wellness Plans.
• Participate in departmental meetings and comply with quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain required certifications, including CPR/First Aid, AMTS/MANDT, Clinical Trainings, Rule 50 Abuse & Neglect, and Medication Administration certification.
   

Requirements

 Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as an IL DHS Direct Support Person or 1 year of experience supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) preferred but not required.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record (past 5 years).
• Ability to obtain and maintain PACE certification (Must be 23 years of age to qualify).
• Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Compassionate, tactful, and able to engage respectfully with individuals, families, and team members.
   

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and perform physical tasks such as walking, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, and transporting individuals.
• Comfortable working in environments that require interaction with individuals who may exhibit verbal or physical aggression.
• Capable of multitasking, prioritizing workload, and maintaining professionalism in dynamic situations.
• Smoke-free work environment.
   

Why Join Us?

• Make a real difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
• Be part of a supportive, mission-driven team.
• Ongoing professional development and training provided.
• Competitive benefits package, including:   

Full Time Benefits (regularly schedule to work more than 37 1/2 hours per week)

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• 13 Holidays
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Insurances available
   

Apply Today

If you are passionate about advocacy, healthcare, and empowering individuals with disabilities, we want to hear from you. Apply now to join a team that believes everyone deserves access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to live their best life.