Patient Navigation Program Coordinator

Description

TITLE: Patient Navigation Program Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: Strategic Health Initiatives

REPORTS TO: Deputy CEO & Chief Strategy Officer

SALARY:

$68,450 - $73,900

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION:

Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: The function this position serves within the organization & how it fits in with the rest of the operations of the organization.

Miriam’s Kitchen works to end chronic homelessness in Washington, DC. We advocate for permanent supportive housing as a long-term solution, while meeting short-term needs by providing healthy meals and high-quality social services to individuals who are chronically homeless. Miriam’s Kitchen has recently launched new health programming including the patient navigation program.

The position serves as an integral member of an inter-disciplinary team working alongside medical providers and social service staff to meet the needs of our guests. The position performs outreach and navigation services in a variety of Washington DC settings including in Miriam’s Kitchen, primary and specialty care clinics, hospitals, patient homes, and various other community settings. The Patient Navigation Program is a collaboration between Miriam’s Kitchen, Unity Health Care, and the medical schools at Georgetown and George Washington Universities. Student and staff patient navigators work with Miriam’s guests and Unity providers in the dining room to connect guest to primary care, help make appointments, provide appointment reminders, transport guests to appointments, and accompany guests to appointments. The goal is to improve access to care and health outcomes for our guests. The Patient Navigation Program Coordinator will oversee student navigator schedules, do direct patient navigation, and maintain and improve the data systems for the program. 

The Patient Navigation Program Coordinator reports to the Deputy CEO & Chief Strategy Officer and works closely with the project lead of Strategic Health Initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Critical functions that the individual who holds or desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.

• Responsible for the recruitment of, outreach to and the navigation and coordination of health services for medically-complex and vulnerable patients. 
• Utilizes strength-based patient-centered motivational interviewing techniques to build rapport and help patients improve their health.
• Participates in the development, maintenance, and adjustment of individualized care plans for high-risk patients that address both medical and social barriers to accessing care.
• Acts as a liaison between hospitals, primary care providers, specialists, community resources and Managed Care Organizations on behalf of patients to ensure patient-centered care coordination.
• Helps patients obtain the care they want and need, when they need it, which may include assistance with financial/insurance options, solutions for transportation and translation services, and/or removal or resolution of other barriers to care.  
• Supports the development and implementation of care coordination processes.
• Manages a panel of complex, high-risk patients that are not well connected to care through outreach, scheduling of appointments, sharing in appointment visits and follow up of specialty visits.
• Provides care coordination and navigation of services for patients following ER visits and hospitalization.
• Assists patients with navigating the healthcare system including but not limited to working with pharmacies, social service agencies, and insurance agencies as well as internal services such as the lab and other discharge processes.
• Coordinates the schedule for student navigators. 
• Ensure that records are up to date and that scheduled actions (reminders, screenings, appointments) are carried out and recorded.
• Maintain and improve data collection and analysis systems to improve the efficiency and enable program evaluation.
• Act as a liaison with case management, outreach, and permanent supportive housing staff to ensure health navigation is integrated with other services.  
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality of guest’s information and records. 
• Participate actively in regular supervision and team meetings. 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Functions that do not fundamentally alter the position.

• Participate in all-staff meetings and events. Attend professional trainings and conferences as needed. 
• Promote a positive and inclusive team culture by participating in team events, mentoring new staff, and setting an example of collegial, respectful collaboration with all team members.
• Other duties as assigned.  

COMPETENCIES: The knowledge, skills, and behavioral attributes necessary for satisfactory job performance.

COMPETENCY

Interpersonal and organizational skills

KEY ACTION

Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills with attention to detail required. 

COMPETENCY - Community Health Experience

KEY ACTION - Familiarity with community health.

COMPETENCY  - Health Care System Experience

KEY ACTION - Experience working in a health care system is preferred but not required.

COMPETENCY Collaboration and Project Skills

KEY ACTION - Ability to work collaboratively in a team and manage multiple priorities, utilizes effective time management skills, and exercise sound professional judgment. 

COMPETENCY - Cultural Competence

KEY ACTION - Demonstrated ability to work well with people of various ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and life experiences.

COMPETENCY - Data Skills

KEY ACTION - Proficient in Excel

COMPETENCY - Spanish proficiency

KEY ACTION - Proficiency in Spanish is preferred

COMPETENCY- Commitment to MK’s mission

KEY ACTION - Strong interest in and commitment to ending chronic homelessness in DC.

QUALIFICATIONS: Experience, education, certifications, skills, etc. the individual who holds or desires the position must have to perform the essential functions of the position.

Experience:

• Two years of experience providing care coordination services.
• Experience working as a part of an inter-professional team.

Education:

• Degree in public health, nursing, or related field preferred.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: Physical and mental capabilities required to perform the essential functions of the position.

Physical Demands - Regularly required to sit; frequently required to talk or hear; occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch; must be able to lift objects up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Must be able to navigate stairs on a regular basis. Able to handle walking/standing 50% of the time on a daily basis.  

Mental Demands- Ability to communicate (written and spoken) effectively in English is required.

TRAVEL DEMANDS: This position occasionally requires local travel between Miriam's Kitchen and partner sites. 

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

         Primarily in-person work schedule. After-hours project work and representing Miriam’s Kitchen at community events are sometimes required.

Salary : $68,450 - $73,900