Health Advocate

This is an emerging occupation. It may have evolved from an existing occupation or emerged in response to consumer needs or technological advances. In general, a patient advocate guides patients and their caregivers through the health care system. Their goal is to ensure patients receive the best possible care. The Health Advocate promotes self-advocacy and supports patients in dealing with their concerns about health services by:
· listening to the concerns of Albertans and supporting them in finding ways to resolve them
· providing education about the Alberta Health Charter
· referring Albertans to the appropriate complaints resolution process
· reviewing or investigating complaints under the Alberta Health Act
· providing information about health care services and programs
· reporting to the Minister of Health on the Health Advocate’s activities and health related issues that concern Albertans

Average Hourly

$34.99

Range Hourly

$26.33-$38.51

Average Yearly

$68,230

Range Yearly

$51,343 – $75,095

NOC Code

N/A

Alias Job Titles

Patient Advocate; Mental Health Patient Advocate

Qualifications Required

No specific education is required in general. However, having health related education is helpful.

Job Demand

N/A

Growth opportunity

Medical claim examiner may sometimes need to begin as clerical workers or telephone adjusters in the claims departments of insurance companies or in independent adjusting firms, and gradually expand their knowledge and experience in the field.

With additional training, one can be promoted to claims examiners, field adjusters, supervisors or claims managers.

Years’ Experience Required

1-2 years post graduate training and experience are usually required

Training Options (if available)

Certification is not required as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation in Canada. However, certificate training programs are available in the United States through the Professional Patient Advocate Institute and some universities.
Resources:
- Alliance of Professional Health Advocates
- Open Arms Patient Advocacy Society
- Professional Patient Advocate Institute (USA)
- Patient Navigation Certificate – York University

Personal Qualities

Patient advocates need to possess:
- a positive attitude
- a personable, caring, sympathetic, and outgoing personality
- the desire to help others
- the ability to remain impartial and unbiased
- self-motivation (particularly for those who own their own businesses)
- strong speaking and writing skills.
They should enjoy:
- helping others
- solving problems
- providing advice to individuals and groups.