Health Center Advocate

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Commitment: 3 month commitment of regular bi-weekly HCAP shift of 2-3 hours

Health Center Advocates make the connection with patients between their individual experience and the services they receive at Planned Parenthood and current events on a local and national level. Advocates inform patients of current legislation and empower them to influence public policy relating to women’s health issues. Advocates also provide a service (i.e. ACA enrollment, voter registration).

Specific Duties:

• Attend initial training, schedule a shadowing session in the health center, and any recurrence training to be clear on duties and current issues;
• Approach PPSP patients and support persons with information about advocacy opportunities and offer them an opportunity to sign up to become a supporter, volunteer or share their stories;
• Answer patient questions about advocacy opportunities and issues. If you encounter an advocacy question you don’t know the answer to, don’t be afraid to say, "I don’t know" and pass along their information in your report sheet. Refer any medical questions to PPSP health center staff;
• Keep accurate records of report forms, post cards, and post-shift evaluations, and turn in forms to the Grassroots Organizers on time;
• Notify the Grassroots Organizers when supplies are running low or if you require support.

General Duties:

• Contribute to creating a warm environment in the waiting room.
• Give time to engage with patients; listen and respond to their feedback.
• Maintain a positive, helpful, supportive attitude at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Arrive on time for regularly scheduled shifts or notify the Grassroots Organizers before the scheduled shift with enough notice to schedule a replacement.

Training Provided: Complete initial training, shadow shift, and recurrence training as needed.