Patient Navigator

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Description

Job Purpose:

Under the supervision of the Resources and Outreach Program Manager, the Patient Navigator (PN) functions in an integrated team and mission-based setting, to provide services to improve the health and wellness of Waterfall Community Health Center patients. PN is a front-line community health worker who breaks down Social Determinates of Health barriers. PN acts as a liaison, link, intermediary, and navigator between the patient and their health team and resources to facilitate access to and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery in clinic, home, school, or community settings.

Duties:

• Adhere to the spirit of Waterfall Community Health Center to remove barriers to care and our mission statement while performing assigned duties.
• Demonstrate the cove values of Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Compassion, Partnership and Collaborative Communication.
• Establish positive, supportive relationships with, and provide feedback to, integrated team participants.
• Assist a panel of clients to gain access to health-related social services (including identifying socio-economic issues) that affect patient overall health and wellbeing; will develop health/social management plans and goals with patients and act as a case manager for patients and their health and wellness team.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation which include client notes, release of information, assessments and other medical documents.
• Coach patients in effective management of their chronic health and/or mental health conditions and self-care and assist patient in understanding care plans and instructions while motivating patients/clients to be active and engaged participants in their health and overall wellbeing.
• Provide care coordination and advocacy during initial medical visit, or when necessary, case management to assure that the client's medical needs and required referrals are being conveyed and that health and social services plans are being followed up on, with both providers and clients.
• Continuously expand knowledge and understanding of community resources/services; facilitate client access to, and assist client in utilizing those services, including scheduling appointments with social services agencies and assist with completion of applications and making phone calls for programs for which they may be eligible.
• Assist patients with eligibility for Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and work to increase OHP members particularly in local marginalized and underserved community populations. Assist patients with access to and eligibility for Marketplace Health Insurance programs.
• Participate in overall data collection and review of Social Determinants of Health programming and work with team to coordinate and supply relevant information to clinic leadership and statewide partners.
• Implement program goals to reduce cultural and socio-economic barriers between clients and institutions committed to working with marginalized and diverse community populations; may include populations utilizing various Waterfall School Based Health Centers.
• Participate in and help advance the continued success of programs that stem from attempts to reduce barriers identified by SDH screens; monitor the impacts of those programs on the health and well-being of patients and students.
• Seek out opportunities and contacts to assist WCHC in building community relationships and assist with resource fairs and events.
• Provide health education and advocate for the individual by supporting their personal goals and individual wellness journey; Provide health education and act as a positive role model for individuals being served, showing a healthful lifestyle orientation.
• Perform any other duties needed to help drive our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by our Organization's Values.

Requirements

Education and/or Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in sciences or social services field or equivalent education and experience, preferred.
• 2 years' experience working in community health with a minimum of 6 months at a FQHC preferred.
• Experience working in healthcare preferred.
• Maintain confidentiality - in accordance with WCHC policies and HIPAA regulations.

Licensures/Certifications Requirement:

• Certified Community Health Worker credentials preferred or obtained within 1 year of employment, and recertify prior to expiration date, and
• Certified Oregon Health Plan and Marketplace Assister within 6 months of employment.
• Current American Health Association (AHA) Basic Life Support Card (BLS) within 2 weeks of hire.
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention Comprehensive training class completed within 6 months of hire and recertify prior to the expiration date.

Immunizations Required:

• TB test (upon hire)

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk working at a computer.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally without assistance.
• Able to travel as needed.