Patient Navigator

JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for providing field-based navigation services to address the social determinants of health within patients enrolled in the Community Mental Health Grant Program. Patient navigator must work closely with the interdisciplinary team.

SUPERVISION: Directly supervised by the Director of Behavioral Health.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires prolonged sitting stooping and bending. May require moving up to 25 pounds. Requires the use of office equipment, such as computer terminals, telephone and copiers, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work as part of a care team with a behavioral health provider (i.e. LPC-A, LPC, LMSW, LCSW).
• Manage each individual case (patient) allotted to each team from the overall 1,750 patients proposed for this program.
• Each care team will assess/screen and recognize the necessary treatment and management for the patient, as well as any primary care services needed.
• Develop a case file for each patient, identify the primary care and mental services needed, routinely facilitate referrals, provide peer support group services when needed, as well as health education, skills development, and medication management.
• Ensure a smooth transition for each patient from one healthcare provider or setting to another, ensuring that there is no interruption or fragmentation in their medical care.
• Evaluate all patients with the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 for children and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for adults.
• Assess patients through the PRAPARE Assessment to identify the social determinants of health.
• Maintain confidentiality per HIPAA guidelines in regards to patient information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Health Education and/or related field from an accredited college or university.
• College education may be substituted for three years' experience in a healthcare setting.
• Must be able to work long hours during the week and weekends as necessary.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Possess means of transportation.
• Valid Texas Driver's License and minimum liability insurance.
• Must be able to travel within Webb, Zapata and Jim Hogg counties.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• Ability to gather information and analyze data;
• Ability to professionally and accurately represent the Center, its mission, philosophy and services;
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Publisher and Power Point);
• Must be able to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions;
• Business English, spelling, and arithmetic.
• Modern office practices, procedures, methods, and equipment.
• Maintain confidentiality of information per HIPAA guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, co-workers, and the general public.
• Work flexible hours.