Purpose Statement / Position Summary

This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the mission of Saddleback Medical Center. It is expected that the employee demonstrate behavior consistent with our core values: Integrity, Accountability, Best Practices, Compassion and Synergy. The employee shall support Saddleback Medical Center’s strategic plan and participate in and advocate performance improvement/patient safety activities.

The Hospice Palliative Care Patient Ambassador coordinates services, to facilitate a smooth transition from medical facility to Hospice or Palliative Care. This position promotes continuity of care between medical facility, physician and home. They will be responsible for educating and assessing patients referred to hospice/palliative program to ensure hospice criteria is met and informed decisions regarding participation in hospice are made. Lastly, this position will facilitate prompt and appropriate delivery of Hospice/Palliative patient care in accordance with Medicare Conditions of Participation, in Orange, Long Beach and surrounding Los Angeles areas.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities of the Job

• Establish positive & constructive working relationship with referral sources, with employees and physicians of medical center, skilled nursing facility and home care department and with patients and families.
• Educate patient, family, staff, physicians and other referral sources regarding Hospice and Palliative coverage and services available after discharge to insure appropriate level of care and utilization of services
• Presents the hospice and Palliative benefit to patients and families and referral sources.
• Actively participate in Hospice activities including in-services, performance improvement and appropriate committees.
• Ability to be at work and be on time.
• Ability to follow company policies, procedures and directives.
• Ability to interact in a positive and constructive manner.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask

Essential Job Outcomes

• Assist & coordinates prospective patient/family in making informed decisions regarding Hospice and or Palliative care.
• Completes coordinator contacts and documents appropriately.
• Actively collaborates and communicates with key referral sources.
• Educate patient, family, staff, physicians and other referral sources regarding Hospice and Palliative coverage and services available after discharge to insure appropriate level of care and utilization of services.
• Accepts and coordinates agency referrals and assesses patients to determine level of care and admission criteria appropriateness, documents pertinent information clearly and accurately according to hospice & palliative guidelines.
• Documentation meets timeliness standards as set by the agency.
• Meets productivity standards as set by the agency.
• Actively participate in Hospice activities including in-services, performance improvement and appropriate committees.
• “Other duties as assigned”