Patient Relations Liaison, Full-Time, Days

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Patient Relations Liaison reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Patient Relations Liaison performs as the patient advocate to ensure that patients and their families successfully communicate their needs to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH) and Northwestern Medicine Group (NMG). As the face of the organization, facilitates the process for the prompt investigation of patient grievances as mandated in law, regulation, and accreditation (The Joint Commission) standards.  Represent Executive Administration when during critical events and event escalation. Serves as a conduit to Risk Management, Safety and Quality initiatives to ensure that patient feedback is utilized for improvements.

Responsibilities:

• Collects, reviews, documents and monitors reported feedback related to care, processes, systems and staff as voiced from the patient’s perspective.
• Investigates and responds to de-escalate and manage grievances, potential claims and allegations against NMH and NMG staff.
• Maintains thorough and timely documentation.
• Communicates with patients verbally and in writing throughout investigation.
• Collaborates with Risk Management, Claims, Billing, and leadership across the organization to resolve patient grievances in a timely manner.
• Serves as a hospital-wide resource to facilitate difficult communication and care issues; is an expert at crucial conversations.
• Works in high-stress environments; uses interpersonal skills to de-escalate issues with unusual, critical circumstances.
• Remains calm and in control of their own emotions in response to unsolicited provocation.
• Recommends necessary changes in policies, procedures, and services as identified through an investigative process.
• Facilitates education and assistance to patients and staff regarding Patients’ Rights for legislative and regulatory compliance.
• Serves as a primary communicator between the patient and NMH and NMG leadership during the investigation, resolution and recovery process.

Required:

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. In lieu of Bachelor’s Degree, must have 4 years of customer service or healthcare support experience.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Patient-Relations with proven success in conflict resolution

Preferred:

• Bachelors in nursing, Psychology, Health Care Administration or related fields
• Working knowledge of cultural and organizational structures of Northwestern Medicine

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.