Patient Care Advocate

The Patient Care Advocate is responsible for rounding on patients to assess needs, provide support, and ensure patient satisfaction, while also managing patient accounts as a banking custodial function at Freedom Behavioral Hospital of Ferriday. This role combines direct patient interaction with financial stewardship to support overall patient care and wellbeing. Key Responsibilities Patient Advocacy & Rounding: Conduct daily rounds on patients to assess concerns, needs, and overall satisfactionServe as a liaison between patients and clinical teams to address concerns and enhance care experiencesAdvocate for patient rights and dignity by ensuring timely follow-up on concerns or requests Patient Accounts Management Manage patient personal funds held in a local bank account for approximately 60 patientsDeposit patients’ personal monies and make payments on their behalf per their authorizationMaintain accurate financial records of patient funds as a separate custodial function of the hospitalPerform accounting functions for receipts and disbursements, posting and journalizing ledgers, and preparing financial account reports Accounting & Reporting Prepare detailed accounting by patient and in total for monies maintained in the bankMaintain the following journals and financial activities:Cash Disbursements JournalCash Receipts JournalDaily transaction postingsTrial Balance reportsRevenue entries for patient mail and lockbox depositsInterest payments to individual patient ledgersWrite checks on patients' behalf for personal bills, care and maintenance payments, insurance, utilities, rent, subscriptions, clothing orders, eye and dental clinic payments Financial Communication & Support Provide financial reports to families, patients, Social Workers, banking institutions, auditors, attorneys, and other appropriate parties as necessaryAssist families and relevant parties in closing accounts of deceased patientsProvide financial documentation for investigations upon request if issues arise or complaints are filed Canteen Management Manage and operate the Patient Canteen, maintaining accurate inventory and established PAR levelsReplenish inventory as needed and operate the canteen twice weeklyMaintain accurate records of purchases and reconcile transactions with individual patient monetary accounts Education Preferred Qualifications: High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred Experience & Skills Prior experience in patient advocacy, customer service, or financial/accounting roles in a healthcare setting preferredStrong organizational and time management skillsExcellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and staffProficiency in basic accounting functions and use of computers for documentation and reportingAbility to maintain strict confidentiality in all patient and financial matters Physical Requirements Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds during patient rounding and canteen operations Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Freedom Behavioral Hospital of Ferriday provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.