Health Services Navigator

Health Services Navigator

Salary: $22.74 - $26.96 Hourly ($47,288.80 - $56,066.40 Annually) Location: Santa Maria, CA (Must be willing to commute countywide) Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 26-6830-01 (O) Department: County Health Department Opening Date: 03/23/2026 Closing Date: 04/06/2026 at 4:59 PM Pacific

Description

The County of Santa Barbara Health Department is currently accepting applications to fill (1) Full-Time, Limited Term* Health Navigator (Trilingual English/ Spanish/ Mixtec) vacancy. These positions can report from either Santa Maria or Santa Barbara but must be willing to commute countywide. The County classification title is Health Services Aide.

We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list that will be used to fill current and future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra Help** and CSR 1414*** vacancies in multiple locations. The Health Services Aide is also utilized by the Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Program within County.

• Limited Term: The duration of this appointment is limited to a period not to exceed three (3) years; but is subject to annual review by the Commission to ensure the temporary or limited term nature of such appointment remains appropriate based on business operational needs and/or resources.
• Extra-Help: This is a Civil Service Rules (CSR 905) Extra Help Appointment. An extra help appointment is defined as an appointment made to a non-regular, non-permanent position established on a temporary basis to meet peak loads, unusual work situations, seasonal and recurrent work, intermittent assignments, or emergencies. These positions are not subject to the Civil Service Provisions.
• CSR 1414 (Leave of Absence): This recruitment is to fill a position vacated as a result of a leave of absence (CSR 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under CSR 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.

Please select the location(s) you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies. If you qualify for this position, pass the required selection steps and are in the area of selection, then your name may be sent to the hiring manager(s) of the vacancy location(s) where you have expressed that you are willing to work.

Please note: Incumbents will be required to travel within the County and outside the County.

Visa Sponsorship: Please note this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

BENEFITS

The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or CLICK HERE to view more information. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

POSITION: Enhanced Care Coordinators

Enhanced Care Coordinators support program growth by making initial contact in engaging with potential patients, providing information about Enhanced Care Management services, and enrolling patients. Under the direction of the ECM Registered Nurse Supervisor, the Enhanced Care Coordinators will determine eligibility, complete enrollment assessments and work with program partners to oversee the eligible patient population for the ECM Program.

The Enhanced Care Coordinator is responsible for:

• Conducting outreach, enrollment, referrals
• Coordinating health care services
• Providing education
• Documenting activities
• Supporting member access to care and resources
• Convening and facilitating interdisciplinary team meetings with those providing care or other support services
• Establishing strong communication and collaboration with potential patients in their plan of care
• Working with caregivers/family members, other support persons and providers to promote wellness, independence, resilience, and empowerment

Health Navigators

Health Navigators will work as a part of a collaborative inter-Departmental team to meet community health needs. Under general supervision, will support overall clinic operations including:

• Assisting clients with intake survey
• Providing translation services (both written and oral)
• Assisting with client flow
• Performing other duties as assigned to meet organizational needs

Will work as a part of a collaborative team to meet community health needs.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is distinguished from Health Services Aide, Senior in that the emphasis of Health Services Aide is on clinic assignments while the focus of Health Services Aide, Senior is on outreach that is accomplished by conducting home visits.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS:

• Bilingual Proficiency: Fluent in both English/ Spanish or English/ Mixtec, with the ability to accurately translate complex circumstances and medical information.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations, both internally within the team and externally with clients and partners.
• Strong Organizational Abilities: Proven capability to organize tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic work environment.
• Effective Time Management: Ability to efficiently allocate time and resources to meet deadlines and ensure timely completion of tasks while maintaining quality standards.
• Proficiency with Software Tools: Experience using Smartsheet and/or other spreadsheet software is preferred, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and platforms.

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Examples of Duties

• Participates in outreach and engagement efforts to enroll clients in appropriate programs.
• Assisting clients with care coordination needs, referral support, community resource connection, health care navigation, and tracking all referrals.
• Assists clients in navigating the healthcare system, helping them to successfully participate in their medical and/or behavioral health care by identifying and overcoming barriers.
• Interviews clients to collect medical history data and social determinants of health for review by healthcare professionals and care team members.
• Completes duties in the office, through field-based outreach, and via meetings with service providers. Locations for service delivery may include the office, clinics, homeless shelters, homes, and on the street.
• Engages with clients, both in-person and on the phone, in a manner that utilizes evidence-based approaches (such as Motivational Interviewing) to promote collaboration between the client and their care/service team, as well as to increase the clients sense of control over their whole health.
• Ensures clients receive information that is culturally respectful, including using translation services when necessary.
• Coordinates interdisciplinary team sessions with members from the clinical care teams and other service providers, such as housing.
• Offers ongoing support, outreach, and engagement to connect clients with Santa Barbara County departments.
• Collaborates with external partners to ensure comprehensive support for clients.
• Utilizes a tailored approach to help clients navigate issues affecting their social determinants of health.
• Assists in disseminating pertinent information through various communication channels.
• Assists in cultivating and maintaining critical partnerships with departments and external stakeholders to enhance support services.
• Supports the design, implementation, and evaluation of support services tailored to the needs of diverse community populations.
• Under supervision, acts as a primary point of contact for clients, facilitating referrals to relevant departments.
• Coordinates participant tracking to assess the effectiveness of programming in supporting clients.
• Performs additional duties as assigned to support organizational goals.

Employment Standards

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required abilities.

Desirable Qualification: Experience working in a health care or human services setting is highly desirable.

Ability to:

• Understand the needs and problems facing culturally, economically, or socially disadvantaged persons
• Establish and maintain good relations with persons from a wide range of social and ethnic groups
• Learn the range of departmental services for the treatment of health, nutrition, or other related problems
• Communicate effectively orally and by writing simple narrative reports
• Maintain confidentiality of client information
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Work cooperatively as part of a health services delivery team

Drivers License: Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers License may be required at the time of appointment for positions in this job class.

Bilingual - Speaking Required: The ability to converse fluently in English and Spanish is required. Note: You must self-certify on your application that you are fluent in English and Spanish. Hiring departments may test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications or removed from the employment list, in accordance to Civil Service Rules.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Rating: Responses to the required examination supplemental questions will be evaluated and scored. Candidates final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.
• Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Rating to be placed on an employment list.
• An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule 6.
• Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months.
• At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the examination, rank on the employment list, and duration of the employment list.

VETERAN PREFERENCE POINTS: Veterans preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of:

1. Honorable discharge from active military service; or
2. Discharge from a military or veterans hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or
3. Completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act.

No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veterans preference points, you must:

1. Select the Veterans Preference Points box on the employment application form
2. Submit a copy of your Form DD214 and supporting materials to the Human Resources Department on or before the examination date
3. Pass all phases of the examination process.

The preference points will be added to your final test score.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of accommodation needed from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

County of Santa Barbara Health ("County Health") requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the County Health Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 04/06/26 at 4:59 p.m. PST; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job postings can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Contact: Farrah Medrano, County Health Talent Acquisition Lead PHDRecruiter@sbcphd.org

Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans.
• In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums.
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members.
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits.
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care: Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
• Sick Leave: 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
• Paid Holidays: Based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit).
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM): Up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting.
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below).

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits

Compensation Summary To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/3085/SEIU-Local-620

This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

Important Terms 01 This position requires that you are willing to work at ALL LOCATIONS within the County and agree to these terms, regardless of your location selection on your application. All candidates hired, can be placed at any location and transferred to another location during your employment with the County of Santa Barbara. I have read the following statement and accept the conditions. I DO NOT agree to the terms above and understand that I will be disqualified from this recruitment.

02 The current vacancy with the PCFH program REQUIRES English/ Mixtec - Speak fluency. Please indicate your level of bilingual fluency below. NOTE: The hiring department may test you on your fluency.

• Spanish-Speak
• Spanish-Speak and Read
• Spanish-Speak, Read, and Write
• Mixtec-Speak
• I am NOT Bilingual in Spanish nor Mixtec

03 Veterans Preference Points: Is your DD214 attached? (Eligibility is five years from the most recent qualifying veterans experience. There is no time limit for veterans with 30% or more disability.)

• Yes, I have attached my DD214 to be considered for Veterans Points
• No, I do not qualify for Veterans Points

04 To be considered for this position, your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Posting or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing.

• Which Employment Standard do you meet and clearly state on your application?
• Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required abilities.
• I DO NOT meet the employment standards for this position.

05 If you selected "Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required abilities" for the previous question, please describe in detail your combined training, education, and experience that qualifies you for this position. If this question does not apply to you, please enter "N/A" in the box below.

06 Please review the descriptions for both roles under the POSITION section of the job bulletin and determine which position you would like to be considered for. Select the option below that aligns to your choice. This is your only opportunity to make your selection.

• Health Navigator
• Enhanced Care Coordinator
• No preference - I would like to be considered for ALL vacancies

07 The following questions are a Civil Service Examination. The Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Rating. Please read each question carefully as this examination will determine your placement on the employment list. Responses to these questions will be used as a weighted, scored selection device. Evaluators will not have access to your application (including work history and education), application supporting materials (e.g. resumes, cover letters, transcripts), or any previous responses in your supplemental questionnaire. They will only have the information provided in each of your responses below. For information on protest procedures, refer to Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules I understand the only information I provide in the response boxes below will be evaluated and used to determine my score and rank on the employment list.

08 How many years of experience do you have working in a health care, public health or human services setting? (Full details of this experience/ position(s) should be listed on your application.)

• 3+ years of experience.
• 2 - 3 years of experience.
• 1 - 2 years of experience.
• Less than (<) 1 year of experience.
• I DO NOT have this experience.

09 How many years of experience do you have working with clients whose primary language is not English, including using translation services or providing bilingual support? (Full details of this experience/position(s) should be listed on your application.)

• 3+ years of experience.
• 2 - 3 years of experience.
• 1 - 2 years of experience.
• Less than (<) 1 year of experience.
• I DO NOT have this experience.

10 How many years of experience do you have working in a program and/or organization that provides services to underserved and economically disadvantaged populations (e.g., homeless patients, patients with mental health issues, and the Medi-Cal population) on a regular basis? Internship(s), volunteer experience, and/or part-time experience is applicable. (Full details of this experience/ position(s) should be listed on your application.)

• 3+ years of experience.
• 2 - 3 years of experience.
• 1 - 2 years of experience.
• Less than (<) 1 year of experience.
• I DO NOT have this experience.

11 How many years of experience do you have conducting outreach in field-based settings (e.g., clinics, shelters, client homes, or on the street)? (Full details of this experience/position(s) should be listed on your application.)

• 3+ years of experience.
• 2 - 3 years of experience.
• 1 - 2 years of experience.
• Less than (<) 1 year of experience.
• I DO NOT have this experience.

12 How many years of experience do you have working as part of a multidisciplinary team (e.g., working with clinical staff, housing specialists, or behavioral health providers)? (Full details of this experience/position(s) should be listed on your application.)

• 3+ years of experience.
• 2 - 3 years of experience.
• 1 - 2 years of experience.
• Less than (<) 1 year of experience.
• I DO NOT have this experience.

Employer Information

• Employer: County of Santa Barbara
• Address: 1226 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, California, 93101
• Website:https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty