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Upon arrival to the United States and throughout their first few years, refugees and asylees face numerous hurdles to effectively navigate the US healthcare system and accessing important community health resources. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) works one-on-one with clients to meet each of their unique health needs. The Health and Medical Advocacy AmeriCorps plays an important role in IRC's mission. They work in close coordination with IRC's Health Program Manager, IRC Health Team, and local healthcare providers to coordinate and advocate for the healthcare and preventative health needs of refugee/asylee clients. By arranging appointments, teaching basic preventative health measures, and networking with healthcare providers, the HMA AmeriCorps gains valuable experience working with clients and interpreters of diverse cultural backgrounds, hone skills in case noting, gain an understanding of refugees' acute and chronic health concerns, and develop expertise in navigating the US medical system and Arizona's Medicaid.
This position is eligible for a biweekly stipend through Arizona Serve.
This is an in-person position.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinate scheduling, interpretation, and transportation for all new arrivals to establish care with a Primary Care Provider and follow up as necessary
- Serve as patient advocate, accompany clients to medical appointments, transport clients for lab work and other diagnostic testing, and report follow-up and referrals from providers
- Record activities as directed and give timely reports to the Health Program Manager
- Provide training to clients regarding pharmacy services and understanding how to access prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Assist clients to become self-sufficient in accessing transportation to medical appointments by providing trainings and assisting with applications to special transportation services as needed
- Work closely with the Health Program Manager to assist clients in finding health resources that best meet their needs
- Reinforce clients' understanding of treatment instructions and referral and specialist follow up care
- Other activities as assigned
Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.
- Pursuing degree in health sciences or social work or possessing equivalent experience
- Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from other cultural backgrounds
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Understanding and ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information
- Driver's license, personal vehicle, auto insurance, and clean driving record; willingness to transport clients in personal vehicle when COVID-19 safety protocols are lifted
- Technology requirements: Interns will be required to use their own technology tools to work on virtual opportunities.
IRC is not responsible for any personal device expenses such as personal smartphones, tablets, hotspots, data charges, etc.
All personal devices must:
-Be kept current with all operating system updates and security patches,
-Use a password or PIN with a minimum of 4 characters to log onto smartphones and tablets and 8 alpha and numeric characters for a Laptop.
-Have lock screen set to 10 minutes or less with a password required to unlock the device
-Configurations must be set to delete all data or lock after 10 unsuccessful attempts to enter a password or PIN.
-Additional policy details will be discussed during orientation and training.
CLEARANCES:
All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy. All interns, volunteers, and AmeriCorps are required to hold a level one fingerprint card.
COMMITMENT:
- 300 services hours to be completed by 8/31/2024.