Care Advocate - Maternal Infant Health

Position Summary

The Care Advocate serves as the primary patient-facing point of contact for pregnant and postpartum patients enrolled in the HEAR (Healing, Equity, Advocacy, and Respect) for Mamas & Babies (H4MAB) program. This role supports participants from enrollment through 12 months postpartum through proactive outreach, care coordination, patient education, and connection to clinical and community-based resources. Working within an interdisciplinary care team, the Care Advocate promotes equitable, respectful, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care while supporting improved maternal and infant health outcomes across Eastern North Carolina. The role utilizes motivational interviewing, shared decision-making, brief intervention techniques, and closed-loop referral processes to address behavioral health needs, social determinants of health, substance use concerns, and barriers to care. This position collaborates closely with nursing staff, providers, behavioral health specialists, community agencies, and other members of the care team to ensure continuity of care and timely escalation of identified concerns.

About the Role

This is a part-time grant position working approximately 20 hours per week, primarily Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening hours as needed to accommodate patient schedules.

Responsibilities

• Proactively engage with pregnant and postpartum patients to provide support and resources.
• Coordinate care between patients, healthcare providers, and community resources.
• Provide patient education and support on topics such as breastfeeding, infant care, and mental health.
• Utilize motivational interviewing and shared decision-making techniques to address behavioral health needs and substance use concerns.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary care teams to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.
• Educate patients on the importance of regular prenatal and postpartum check-ups and the benefits of early intervention.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate community-based resources and services.
• Ensure timely and effective communication with patients, providers, and other care team members.
• Participate in regular training sessions to stay updated on best practices in maternal and infant health care.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Nursing, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, or related field required.
• If a Registered Nurse, current licensure as a Registered Nurse by the NC Board of Nursing is required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in care coordination, case management, behavioral health, patient navigation, or community health.
• Experience working with diverse populations and individuals impacted by behavioral health concerns, substance use, trauma, or social barriers to care.
• Knowledge of community resources, patient advocacy principles, and trauma-informed approaches to care.
• Experience utilizing technology-enabled communication platforms and electronic documentation systems.

Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience in a similar role or relevant field.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with patients and families.
• Proficiency in motivational interviewing and shared decision-making techniques.
• Experience with electronic health records and patient management systems.

Benefits

ECU Health offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.

Pay

$33.08 - $48.22 per hour.

Schedule

This is a part-time grant position working approximately 20 hours per week, primarily Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening hours as needed to accommodate patient schedules.

ECU Health

ECU Health Medical Center, one of four academic medical centers in North Carolina, is the 974-bed flagship hospital for ECU Health and serves as the primary teaching hospital for The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. ECU Health Medical Center has achieved Magnet® designation twice and provides acute and intermediate care, rehabilitation and outpatient health services to a 29-county region that is home to more than 1.4 million people.

General Statement

It is the goal of ECU Health and its entities to employ the most qualified individual who best matches the requirements for the vacant position. Offers of employment are subject to successful completion of all pre-employment screenings, which may include an occupational health screening, criminal record check, education, reference, and licensure verification. We value diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Decisions of employment are made based on business needs, job requirements and applicant’s qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other status protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint.