What are the responsibilities and job description for the Healthcare Navigator position at One80 Place?
Description
The Healthcare Navigator is a non-clinical position whose primary responsibilities are to identify, coordinate and connect clients to medical care in the community. The Healthcare Navigator will help individuals and families identify and apply for healthcare and other entitlement benefits as well as provide or arrange healthcare education sessions. In addition, the Healthcare Navigator is responsible for receiving, scheduling, and following up on medical referrals for mental health, medical and specialist services and medication requests.
Under the direct supervision of the Shelter Director, the Healthcare Navigator serves as the liaison between the health clinic and permanent housing teams to ensure medical treatment adherence and retention in housing.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Client Education Activities
1. Works with health clinic and case management staff to provide and/or schedule client education on topics such as educating on the importance of a medical home and the difference between the emergency room vs ongoing care, mental health adherence, substance use and recovery etc.
Referral Activities
1. Receives and reviews all referral requests/orders to initiate referral tracking protocol.
2. Maintains ongoing tracking and appropriate EHR documentation to promote health clinic and housing team awareness and client safety for all in-house and community service provider's referrals.
3. Contacts clients prior to scheduling appointment to assess client's scheduling preferences/needs. Reviews details and expectations about the referral with the client.
4. Assists clients with problem solving potential issues related to healthcare system, financial or social barriers by working in partnership with the assigned case manager.
5. Contacts clients to provide appointment date, time, location and preparation information if appropriate.
6. Answers telephone, screens calls, takes messages and provides information concerning the referral process.
7. Follows up on incomplete referrals (client no show/cancel appointment).
Care Coordination
1. Promotes timely access to appropriate health care.
2. Connect clients to relevant community resources, with the goal of enhancing client health and well-being, increasing client satisfaction, and reducing unnecessary health visits.
3. Serve as the contact point, advocate, and informational resource for clients, Clinic staff, permanent housing team, family members, and community resources.
4. Work with clients to plan and monitor care.
5. Assess client’s unmet health and social needs.
6. Develop a care plan with the client, family member(s) and providers (emergency plan, health management plan, medical summary, and ongoing action plan, as appropriate).
7. Create ongoing processes for clients and family members(s) to determine and request the level of care coordination support they desire at any given point in time.
8. Facilitate client access to appropriate medical and specialty providers.
9. Educate client and family members (s) about relevant community resources.
10. Facilitate and attend meetings between client, Clinic Staff, housing case managers and community resources, as needed.
11. Assist with the identification of “high-risk” clients (the chronically ill and those with special health care needs), and flag those for follow-up.
12. Work with clients needs higher levels of care to successfully place them in appropriate facilities.
Teamwork and Collaboration:
1. Works in collaboration with all One80 Place staff to facilitate a team environment and work towards meeting the mission of ending and preventing homelessness.
2. Participates in team discussions to best meet client needs.
3. Actively participates in monthly staff and team meetings and commits to group decisions.
4. Attends scheduled training programs for professional development.
5. Role models effective team behavior.
6. Reports to work on time, well-groomed, appropriately dresses and ready to serve as a positive role model to all clients.
Recordkeeping and Reporting:
1. Maintain files on each client in HMIS and EHR.
2. Provide routine documentation of coordination and follow-up of all services.
3. Collects all required data necessary for funding and statistical reports.
PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS:
- Requires sound mental reasoning, sound judgment, and the ability to respond calmly and effectively in a crisis.
- Requires the ability to relate effectively to diverse individuals.
- Requires corrective vision and hearing to normal range; ability to move between service locations; ability to lift 25 lbs.
- Possible exposure to communicable diseases, emotionally stressful working conditions, and irregular hours.
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Program Director
STATUS: Full-time, Regular / Exempt
Requirements
1. A bachelors (or equivalent) level of education, training in a related human service or health related field and 2 years’ experience working in the community and with client/clients with co-morbid conditions or who are at higher risk of contracting or spreading infectious diseases.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
3. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information to include protected health information.
4. Ability to work as a member of a team and promote teamwork with other staff members.
5. Ability to work with clients in a compassionate, non-judgmental manner.
6. Ability to work and act independently.
7. Knowledge of computers and multiple programs.
8. Ability to manage multiple projects.
9. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
10. Excellent organizational skills.
11. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
12. The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers or professionals.