Patient Navigator

Description

Summary of Position:

The Patient Navigator works in collaboration with the Integrated Health Care team to address identified social determinants of health issues with the goal of improving access to care and patient outcomes. The Patient Navigator works in collaboration with the patient to address issues of scheduling appointments for care, transportation, housing, communication, substance use and mental health.  Utilizes critical thinking skills when addressing barriers to care. Serves as a patient advocate and collaborates with community partners to connect patients to appropriate services and resources.   As part of the team, they assist in assessing patient behavior and build trusting relationships for ongoing care.   Work sites include Health Centers, Street Medicine Teams, Outreach Teams, and other assignments as identified.   The Patient Navigator is a frontline public health worker who has a close understanding of the community served.        

Essential duties:

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Refers and connects the patient to unmet social determinants of health such as healthcare, shelter, housing, sources of income, community mental health/substance use treatment and other supports as applicable.  
• Assesses for eligibility of DES benefits and coordinate benefits enrollment through follow-up with uninsured patients to ensure timely referral to DES and/or other community eligibility service providers. 
• Assists patients in understanding care plans and instructions; documents activities, progress toward care plans, and addresses barriers to care in an effective manner while strictly adhering to the policies and procedures in place.
• Provides education and support to patients with chronic health concerns.
• Provides individualized care coordination and Patient Navigation as identified. 
• Consults with the care team to eliminate barriers to the efficient delivery of clinic care and patient services.
• Participates in regular team meetings, huddles, staff meetings and quality improvement projects to improve patient care.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships and communication with patients, providers, nurses, medical support staff, case managers, agency representatives, supervisors and office staff to ensure successful patient outcomes.
• Maintains a close understanding of the community served, current events, issues and news.
• Serves as a community referral resource within the agency.
• Engages in community outreach activities as directed by supervisor which may include participation in community health fairs, working on the Mobile Medical Unit, within clinical teams on outreach activities, and other activities as assigned.
• Completes documentation within agency timeframes in the EMR systems.
• Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Basic Knowledge and Skills:

• Must be 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED required
• Spanish speaking preferred.  
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work effectively with others.
• Experience in working with culturally diverse, chronically homeless, and medically needy individuals preferred.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, organizational and time management skills.
• Possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license.
• Requires a current Arizona Department of Safety Clearance Card.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Position requires extended periods of sitting and standing.
• Position requires regular bending and reaching, including transfer of patients.

• Reviewed the physical requirements form.