CHW Wellness Navigator

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our CHW Wellness Navigator, you will help patients navigating substance use and mental health disorders access the healthcare system so they can achieve long-term recovery, improved health outcomes, and overall well-being.

Every day you will act as a bridge between patients and clinical teams to address social determinants of health and facilitate essential care. You will be expected to perform comprehensive patient assessments, provide personalized advocacy, and coordinate services across hospital and community settings.

To be successful in this role, you will possess lived experience in substance use or mental health recovery, maintain CHW certification, and demonstrate a deep commitment to harm reduction and patient empowerment.

• Conduct thorough social determinants of health (SDOH) screenings to identify and address barriers such as housing, food insecurity, and transportation.
• Build rapport with high-risk patients to advocate for low-threshold Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and harm reduction strategies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary hospital teams to formulate individualized care plans and facilitate seamless warm hand-offs to outpatient services.
• Provide culturally sensitive health education and coaching to empower patients in taking an active, informed role in their own recovery journey.
• Navigate complex insurance and healthcare systems to ensure patients successfully access and attend follow-up medical and behavioral appointments.
• Conduct proactive outreach and maintain strong partnerships with community organizations to support transition planning and reduce high-risk readmissions.

Job Requirements

Required

• Certificate Other CHW Certification or commitment to attain CHW training and certification within 18 months of becoming employed.
• 1-3 years experience in paid or unpaid role as a Community Health Worker, lived experience, personal or loved one, impacted by SUD or other behavioral health challenges, social inequity, or violence.

Preferred

• Associate Of Arts Preferred Education: AA or BA and 1-3 years Experience: Knowledge and ability to work with individuals impacted by adverse conditions, including substance use disorders, mental health challenges, justice involvement, housing instability, Possessing a nonjudgmental, energetic, positive approach to assisting patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Mental Illness , or
• Bachelors Of Arts and 1-3 years Experience: Knowledge and ability to work with individuals impacted by adverse conditions, including substance use disorders, mental health challenges, justice involvement, housing instability, Possessing a nonjudgmental, energetic, positive approach to assisting patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Mental Illness.

Where You'll Work

Founded in 1973, Dignity Health - Methodist Hospital is a 158-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Sacramento, California. Serving over 80,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II NICU, heart care, cancer care, women's health, and neurology. Additionally, Methodist Hospital of Sacramento has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center.

One Community. One Mission. One California