Patient Navigator – Behavioral Health

Job Summary:

The Patient Navigator – Behavioral Health position is responsible for helping patients navigate the healthcare system, access community services and resources, and adopt healthy behaviors. The navigator supports providers and other members of the care team, through an integrated approach to care. The Navigator will develop coaching skills, and knowledge, specific to Behavioral Health, to recognize and assist in prevention of crisis by notifying and facilitating urgent appointments with a provider.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Reliable transportation for off-site work.
• Written and oral fluency in English.
• Basic computer and telephone skills required.
• Strong desire to work directly with mental/behavioral health related services.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities while remaining professional and calm.
• Strong communication skills needed for interacting with patients while showing respect for their individuality and privacy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or nursing licensure.
• Successful completion of a Community Health Worker training program.
• Medical terminology background.
• Secondary skills with Spanish.
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR) experience.

Future Educational Requirements After Hire (unless previously completed)
The new employee will receive time during their usual work schedule to complete the following coursework:

• Within the first six months of employment: Successfully complete an online Trauma and Abuse curriculum.
• Within the first twelve months of employment: Successfully complete an online Mental and Behavioral Health Disorders curriculum.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

1. Establish trusting relationships with patients while providing patient-centered support and encouragement.
2. Provide ongoing follow-up, basic motivational interviewing, and goal setting with patients/families.
3. Follow-up with patients via phone calls, home visits and visits to other settings applicable to the patient’s needs.
4. Conduct depression and anxiety assessments with comfort and ease.
5. Provide emotional support, encouragement, and motivation to patients.
6. Provide referrals to community agencies as appropriate.
7. Work closely with medical providers to help ensure that patients have comprehensive and coordinated care.
8. Work collaboratively with other clinic personnel to improve process efficiency.
9. Well versed in community resources available to patients.
10. Be familiar with clinic team schedules and identify opportunities to address care gaps and quality improvement outcomes during appointments.
11. Provide accurate and timely documentation of patient/client information as directed by the supervisor for the patient/client record.
12. Administer Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) questionnaire and assess the acuity of patient interventions.
13. Assists with data collection and scores for quality management reporting as directed by supervisor.
14. Attend Accountable Care Organization (ACO) meetings, staff meetings, and any other meetings required.
15. Continued development of knowledge and skills by participating in educational opportunities and skill building activities.
16. Successful completion of all training (basic OR advanced) required by Memorial Hospital, to meet competency standards.
17. Protect confidentiality due to the sensitivity of materials and information managed.
18. Perform all other duties as assigned.