Patient Navigator

The Role:

The Patient Navigator plays a critical role in helping patients access healthcare services, navigate available resources, and overcome barriers to care. This position provides direct support both within the clinic and out in the community, delivering essential services to patients where they are—whether at home, in hospitals, or in community-based settings.

By coordinating care, advocating for patient needs, and facilitating access to social and healthcare services, the Patient Navigator improves health outcomes, promotes wellness, and reduces healthcare disparities. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator, trained in Motivational Interviewing, and well-versed in community resources.

The Patient Navigator must be eligible for and successfully complete the Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) certification within a designated time frame.

Your Impact:

• Actively engage in the community, meeting patients where they are to provide services, conduct assessments, and offer support in homes, hospitals, shelters, and other community-based settings.
• Guide patients through the healthcare system, helping them understand and access available medical and social support services.
• Assist patients with overcoming barriers related to healthcare access, financial hardship, social determinants of health, and system navigation.
• Work collaboratively with Case Management services, medical providers, social workers, and other support teams to address patient needs.
• Conduct community outreach, participate in events, and represent Umpqua Health at local initiatives that support patient wellness and resource accessibility.
• Make follow-up calls and home/community visits to ensure continued patient engagement and adherence to care plans.
• Document all patient interactions, care coordination efforts, and referrals using electronic health records (EHR) and standardized care coordination tools.
• Act as a liaison between patients, providers, and community organizations, ensuring seamless coordination of care and services.
• Advocate for patients by ensuring timely access to critical healthcare and social services and assist in securing necessary approvals for care.
• Educate patients and their families on managing chronic conditions, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.
• Coordinate urgent follow-up visits for recently discharged hospital or skilled nursing facility patients to ensure continuity of care.
• Arrange transportation, interpreters, and other patient support services to eliminate access barriers.
• Collect and respond to EHR patient surveys, incorporating patient feedback into care coordination efforts.
• Manage clinic complaints and grievances, ensuring concerns are properly documented and routed to the appropriate department.
• Assist with patient discharges from the clinic, Suboxone program, and mental health services as needed.
• Comply with all internal policies, Code of Conduct, and regulatory requirements to maintain ethical and professional standards.
• Perform other duties and support deliverables as assigned by the organization to help drive our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by our Organization’s Values.

Your Credentials:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, social work, public health, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in healthcare, case management, social services, or community outreach preferred.
• Must be eligible for and successfully complete the Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) certification within a designated timeframe.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills with the ability to engage diverse patient populations and navigate community resources.
• Comfortable conducting home visits, making follow-up calls, and meeting patients where they are—whether in clinics, homes, hospitals, or community settings.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and be able to provide proof of insurance.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with care teams, social workers, and medical providers.
• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and documentation tools.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to assess patient needs and provide appropriate referrals.
• Willingness to attend community events, trainings, and outreach initiatives to stay informed on available resources.