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Health Advocate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Somatus, Inc.

Patient Health Advocate- VBC

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

The Patient Health Advocate (PHA) role supports Somatus high needs Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) populations that face multiple challenges, from accessing resources ...

Sentara Healthcare

Patient Advocate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Mediation Experience (Strongly Preferred) * Healthcare Experience (Preferred) * Microsoft Office Experience (Strongly Preferred) * Patient Advocate Experience (Preferred) * Proficiency in Drafting ...

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How much do health advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for health advocate in Virginia is $21.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a health advocate?

Health Advocates are professionals who help individuals navigate the healthcare system, understand their medical rights, and access the services they need. They may assist with interpreting medical information, coordinating care, resolving billing issues, and supporting patients in communicating effectively with healthcare providers. Health Advocates can work in hospitals, non-profit organizations, insurance companies, or independently. Their primary goal is to ensure patients receive appropriate, timely, and high-quality care while empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.

What does a health advocate do?

The responsibilities of a health advocate are to consult with a patient and support them in making life changes to improve their health. They promote general wellness through life choices and explain the consequences or side effects of not living healthy. The other duties of a health advocate often include explaining proper eating and sleeping habits, recommended exercise, family planning, mental health, and items to avoid. They help each patient maintain healthy habits, make referrals, coordinate with other professionals, and work to motivate patients during life changes. Qualifications typically include a bachelor's degree in public health or a related field as well as some prior medical experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a health advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Health Advocate, you need a solid understanding of health systems, patient rights, and care coordination, often supported by a background in healthcare or social work. Familiarity with electronic health records, case management software, and patient privacy regulations like HIPAA is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure that clients receive appropriate support, resources, and guidance to navigate complex healthcare systems successfully.

What are some common challenges health advocates face when supporting clients within healthcare systems?

Health Advocates often encounter challenges such as navigating complex insurance policies, coordinating among multiple healthcare providers, and ensuring clients fully understand their diagnoses and treatment options. They may also face difficulties in advocating for patients' needs within bureaucratic healthcare systems and dealing with emotional or sensitive situations. Building trust with clients and maintaining clear, compassionate communication are essential to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring positive outcomes.

What is the difference between Health Advocate vs Patient Navigator?

AspectHealth AdvocatePatient Navigator
CredentialsOften requires healthcare or social work background, certifications varySimilar credentials, often with healthcare or social work experience
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, community organizationsHospitals, community health centers, insurance companies
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, non-profitsHealthcare facilities, insurance companies
Primary FocusAdvocating for patient rights, navigating healthcare systemsAssisting patients in understanding and accessing healthcare services

Both roles involve helping patients navigate healthcare systems, but Health Advocates focus more on advocacy and rights, while Patient Navigators concentrate on guiding patients through specific healthcare processes. The roles often overlap and may be used interchangeably depending on the organization.

On what levels can a health advocate work?

A health advocate can work at various levels, including community, organizational, and policy levels. They may work in healthcare settings, non-profit organizations, or government agencies, often requiring strong communication skills and knowledge of health systems. Roles can involve direct patient support, health education, or policy advocacy.

What degree do you need to be a health advocate?

A health advocate typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in health education, public health, social work, or a related field. Some positions may require additional certifications or experience in healthcare or patient advocacy to be effective in the role.
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For Health Advocate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Health Advocate jobs in Virginia are:

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Infographic showing various Health Advocate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,671 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Patient Health Advocate- VBC

Somatus, Inc.

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Somatus rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

How We Show Up for Our Patients:
As a leading provider of outcomes-driven care for individuals and communities living with chronic conditions, Somatus is helping patients across the country enjoy More Healthy Days at Home™.
Care at Somatus goes beyond treatment. Through a whole-person approach, we deliver outcomes-driven integrated care and show up #SomatusStrong for our patients and teammates. We partner closely with health plans, health systems, and provider groups to support patients with, or at risk of developing, cardio, kidney, metabolic, or other chronic conditions.
We hire the brightest and boldest - talent driven by purpose and impact. Since our founding in 2016, our growth trajectory isn't just a milestone - it's a signal. Our leadership values culture and leads with intention as we remain dedicated to driving clinical excellence.
Does this sound like you? Keep reading.
How We'll Support You:
We offer 25+ health, growth, and wealth work perks to help teammates be the best version of themselves, including:
  • Subsidized personal healthcare coverage: Medical, Dental & Vision, plus Wellness program
  • Paid Time Off: Accrual of 3 weeks' Vacation (PTO)
  • Professional development: CEU and tuition reimbursement

How You'll Make an Impact:
The Patient Health Advocate (PHA) role supports Somatus high needs Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) populations that face multiple challenges, from accessing resources to adhering to a physician's treatment plan. The PHA for VBC will work closely with Somatus patients and physician practices, including spending time working from within physician offices and will be the first and primary representative of Somatus, responsible for establishing trust and building relationships with the partnered physicians and practices.
Somatus offers a Hybrid Telehealth environment with a combination of remote days and visits to members' homes.
  • Works under the guidance of practice physicians and/or a nurse care manager.
  • Partners closely with physicians and practice office staff to build a positive, collaborative relationship focused on working together to improve care for patients, support clinical and operational goals, and improves Somatus' primary representative in the practice.
  • Supports the preparation and management of the regular integrated, interdisciplinary care team meetings each month.
  • Serve as primary contact for provider practice regarding patient needs and care coordination.
  • Follow-up with health management plans and goals in coordination with the RNCM.
  • Collaborates with the provider practice to build and fine-tune workflows to support operational goals with the RNCM and care team.
  • Educate the provider practice about the Somatus program, reinforcing collaborative workflows.
  • Function as an advocate for the patient and support the patients throughout their journeys.
  • Conduct patient outreach (i.e., telephonic and in-person) to introduce and align patients to the Somatus program, encourage enrollment, and engage patients.
  • Conduct outreach to members currently or recently in the inpatient setting to engage in the Somatus program and/or connect with a Transitions of Care RN to complete an assessment.
  • Assist patients during periods of transitions of care to facilitate effective transitions and minimize avoidable readmissions.
  • Assist members in scheduling appointments for follow-up post-discharge from the inpatient setting with their provider.
  • Schedule members for initial and subsequent Somatus assessments with the RNCM
  • Use the care coordination platform to document all activities in collaboration with physician practices.
  • Engages with patients who need assistance with self-care needs, such as:
    • Address language and cultural barriers to care management and self-care.
    • Coach and guide the patient to meet both personal and clinical goals.
    • Schedules provider appointments on behalf of their patients.
    • Accompanies patients to their appointments when needed.
    • Reminds patients of their upcoming appointments.
  • Helps patients access community and government-based services and resources.
  • Helps to reinforce education provided to the patient and/or caregiver about symptom response plans.
  • Arranges transportation.
  • Facilitates closing gaps in care by reinforcing education to patients about preventive monitoring and collaborating with physician practices to schedule / complete diagnostic testing.
  • Assists patients with access to educational videos.
  • Support NP and RNCM care team members by facilitating in-home telehealth visits with patients.
  • Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to encourage patients to make behavioral changes.

How You'll Strengthen Our Team:
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • 1+ years of experience in case management or care management, preferably coordinating care across multiple settings.
  • 2+ years healthcare related experience.
  • Experience working with Medicare, Medicaid, and/or Special Needs populations.
  • Experience working in a physician office.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Patient Care Technician, Engagement Specialist, Community Health Worker experience, or exposure to Renal patients.
  • Bilingual in either Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin, with the ability to converse fluently in a clinical setting using clinical terms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstrated success in working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, including communicating and working with Physicians and Registered Nurses.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills that demonstrate respect and cultural awareness during interactions with patients and clients.
  • Computer proficiency utilizing MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), and telecom devices including the ability to type and talk at the same time while navigating multiple applications.
  • Ability to obtain valid BLS certification from a licensed American Heart Association or American Red Cross training facility as needed.
  • Proven experience with engaging patients in making healthy behavior changes.
  • Proven skills in navigating the health systems and making necessary linkages to meet specific needs.
  • Ability to consult with physicians and other team members to ensure that care plan is successfully implemented
  • Participate actively in assigned Care Management Coordination Committee (CMCC) meetings
  • Core values consistent with a patient-centered approach to care
  • Ability to adapt to changing work environment based on member and client needs
  • Adheres to departmental policies and procedures
  • Self-motivated with a strong work ethic

Physical Requirements
  • Reside in a location that can receive a high-speed internet connection or can leverage existing high-speed internet service
  • Access to a private, dedicated home workspace free from distractions to protect patient privacy regarding HIPAA and Privacy regulations
  • Ability to travel throughout the assigned region to conduct home, provider, or facility visits, based on the assigned market needs.
  • Ability to work the assigned schedule to meet the client and patient's needs.
  • Ability to remain in a seated or standing position for extended periods of time as required to perform essential job functions.

Compensation:
$21.00 to $24.00 per hour
We offer competitive compensation that reflects market conditions and recognizes the skills, experience, and contributions of our team members. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and geographic location and may fall outside of the range shown above.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Our priority is the health and safety of our members, colleagues, partners, and community. For this position, we require proof of COVID-19 vaccination, annual Influenza vaccination, along with immunizations for Hepatitis, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, and TB for employment.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
At Somatus, we celebrate what makes us unique - our people. We believe that a culture intentionally built to foster and support our unique passions, experiences, and perspectives helps fuel us in the pursuit of our mission.
Somatus, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

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