Patient Navigator

Job Summary:

The Patient Navigator provides support and guidance to individuals navigating substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, behavioral health services, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). This role helps patients overcome barriers to care, connects them with community resources, and supports long-term recovery. The Patient Navigator works closely with clinical teams, social workers, and peer specialists to ensure patients receive comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist patients in accessing MAT services (buprenorphine), substance use treatment, and behavioral health care.
• Educate patients on MAT, harm reduction, and recovery options to support informed decision-making.
• Coordinate intake, referrals, and follow-ups with outpatient, residential, detox, and mental health programs.
• Help patients navigate insurance, Medicaid, and financial assistance programs to reduce treatment barriers.
• Address social determinants of health by connecting patients with housing, employment, transportation, and legal resources.
• Work closely with case managers, peer support specialists, and clinical teams to develop individualized recovery plans.
• Advocate for patients in healthcare settings, ensuring their voices are heard in treatment planning.
• Provide relapse prevention support by linking patients to community-based recovery groups (e.g., NA, AA, SMART Recovery).
• Facilitate patient engagement and retention by conducting outreach, wellness checks, and appointment reminders.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and confidentiality regulations related to SUD and MAT treatment.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: Prior experience in substance use treatment, MAT programs, behavioral health, or case management preferred.
• Certifications: Not required but preferred
• Certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS), Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES), or Community Health Worker (CHW) preferred.
• Knowledge of MAT regulations, harm reduction principles, and crisis intervention techniques.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of addiction, MAT, co-occurring disorders, and recovery pathways.
• Excellent communication, motivational interviewing, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with individuals in active use, early recovery, or long-term treatment.
• Knowledge of local treatment resources, harm reduction strategies, and social services.
• Experience working with diverse and vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness, incarceration, or stigma related to MAT.
• Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) and documentation.
• Lived experience in recovery (preferred but not required) with the ability to share in a professional capacity.
• Bilingual abilities (Spanish or Korean or Vietnamese).

Work Environment & Schedule:

• Based in MAT clinic, Behavioral Clinic
• Local travel may be required for outreach, home visits, and court advocacy.

Salary & Benefits:

We offer benefits and competitive salary base and qualifications and professional experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $1.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person