Healthcare Navigator

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Healthcare Navigator is responsible for providing services that include connecting individuals to VA healthcare benefits and community healthcare services. The Healthcare Navigator provides case management and care coordination, health education, interdisciplinary collaboration, coordination, and consultation, and administrative duties. The Healthcare Navigator works closely with the client’s primary care provider and members of the client’s assigned interdisciplinary treatment team.

The Healthcare Navigator will act as a liaison between the Grantee and the VA or community medical clinic and works with a population of homeless veterans or individuals with complex needs who require assistance accessing healthcare services or adhering to healthcare plans.

The Healthcare Navigator works closely with the client’s assigned multidisciplinary team, including medical, nursing, and administrative specialists, and case management personnel. The Healthcare Navigator works within this team to provide timely, appropriate, client centered care equitably. The Healthcare Navigator works collaboratively with the team and the client to identify and address systems challenges for enhanced care coordination as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reports directly to Program Coordinator.
• Coordinate, prepare, and maintain required documentation to assist in program management.
• Adhere to client confidentiality requirements and standards.
• Conduct assessments of clients in collaboration with interdisciplinary treatment teams, family members, and significant others.
• Work closely with clients to assist them in communicating their preferences in care and personal health-related goals to facilitate shared decision making of their care.
• Serve as a resource for education and support for clients and families.
• Identify appropriate and credible resources and support tailored to the needs and desires of the clients.
• Regularly review care plan goals with clients, including conducting regular non-clinical barrier assessments and providing resources and referrals needed to support adherence.
• Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the resources and referrals provided and make appropriate modifications to ensure the provision of high-quality care and interventions.
• Monitor client’s progress, maintain documentation, and provide information to treatment team members when appropriate.
• Reiterate provider recommendations using clear language to support the client and the family members or caregivers.
• Assist clients in identifying concerns or questions about their treatment or medications to develop open communication with the provider or treatment team.
• Provide comprehensive case management and care coordination across episodes of care – acting as a health coach by proactively supporting the client to optimize treatment interventions and outcomes.
• Modify services to meet the needs of the clients best and coordinate services with other organizations and programs to assure such services are complementary and comprehensive.
• Direct activities to maximize effectiveness, efficient and continuity of care for clients.
• Provide case management services to clients.
• Serve as the liaison to VA and community healthcare programs and represent the program in contacts with other agencies and the public.
• Coordinate supportive and additional services with clients; ensuring and linking clients and caregivers to supportive services, which include, but are not limited to, housing, financial benefits, transportation.
• Collaborate with other providers in the ongoing reassessment of the client’s health care needs.
• Responsible for educating clients and caregivers of the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on clients’ preferences.
• Assess the needs, strengths, limitations, and preferences of each client; engage in problem-solving to identify and reduce barriers to care.
• Educate clients and family members on the available options for acquiring knowledge and skills for managing health and wellness.
• Coordinate referrals to VA, community health clinics, and other programs needed to ensure access to healthcare.
• Act as an advocate for the client, integrating the client’s cultural values into their care plan.
• Assist clients in identifying methods to monitor progress toward meeting health goals and provides ongoing follow-up.
• Assist in identifying the client and family's health education needs and provides education services and materials that match the health literacy level of the client.
• Adhere to ethical principles about confidentiality, informed consent, compliance with relevant laws, and agency policies (e.g., critical incident reporting, HIPPA, Duty to Warn).
• Identify systemic barriers within the organization, communicates with organizational leadership about these barriers, and works collaboratively to find viable solutions.
• Assist in developing policy, procedures, and practice guidelines related to the specialty program using knowledge gained from research or best practices.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with community leaders, VA staff, and other referral networks.
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY COMPETENCIES

• A Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field, or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited school is preferred. RN licensure required with Nursing Degree. Experience working with the homeless or veteran population is helpful.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout MUTEH’s coverage area.
• Strong and timely documentation and assessment skills.
• Strong team/consensus building skills.
• Must be a self-starter.
• Other Core Competencies expected: time management in prioritizing tasks, attention to detail, crisis management, customer service, interpersonal skills, caring, reliability, collaboration, initiative, fostering diversity, and organizational understanding, positive attitude, able to work well with other team members and able to work independently.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Continuously exchanges information through listening and talking with clients, agency staff, employers, representatives of community organizations and other individuals in the community.
• Frequently stands, walks, sits, and climbs in performing duties in the office and traveling to off-site meetings.
• Frequently reaches and grasps in using telephones, computers, copy machines, and other office equipment and supplies.
• Frequently lifts and carries up to 5lbs of paperwork, files, and training materials, occasionally up to 40lbs.
• Must have a valid state driver’s license and be willing to travel throughout MUTEH’s coverage areas.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.55 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Case management: 2 years (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22