Substance Use Navigator (SUN)

SUMMARY

The navigator helps patients access evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) with a focus on low-threshold access to Narcan, MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment), harm reduction, and patient centered linkage to care. Navigators conduct outreach and identification of patients, conduct initial brief assessments, introduce patients to programs and services, facilitate appointments at outpatient clinics, serve as a resource and coach for their clients, and advocate for culture change in the hospital. They also assist with access to other services, such as mental health services, primary care, social services, and residential treatment facilities.  This is an evening position. 

JOB DUTIES

• Assist with identification of patients with SUD in the emergency department (ED) and, where feasible, within inpatient units by monitoring patient tracking systems to screen for eligible patients and checking in with clinicians and nursing staff to receive referrals of eligible patients.
• Establish a positive relationship with patients struggling with drug use Make navigator contact information widely available to people who use drugs and clinicians; respond to calls or texts directly from patients and providers.
• Advocate for a culture of low threshold access to MAT for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) that includes signage or materials inviting patients to seek help for substance use in prominent areas of the ED and hospital.

• Facilitate initiation of MAT with hospital clinicians where appropriate.
• Facilitate connection to follow up care services that are patient centered.
• Use motivational interviewing techniques to communicate with patients in a respectful, culturally appropriate, non-judgmental manner.
• Maintain up-to-date information about the effects of various substances, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options to effectively educate and counsel patients.
• Promote harm-reduction strategies based on patients’ goals, preferences, and life circumstances.

• Help patients overcome barriers to filling prescriptions for MAT (e.g., insurance status, copay expense, cost differences between formulations, etc.)
• Schedule appointments at MAT-capable clinics for ongoing treatment when appropriate (or, other levels of appropriate care including detoxification, in-patient or out-patient MAT) and address access barriers by assisting with transportation, retrieving medical records, or other supports as determined by patient needs and community resources.
• Establish a relationship with patients and communicate via telephone, text, and/or email to remind patients of appointments, help navigate obstacles to follow-up treatment, and provide encouragement.
• Work with hospital staff to set up a robust system for ensuring patient referral and follow-up outside of the navigator’s regular hours.
• Develop expertise in insurance benefits and exclusions related to treatment.
• Assist patients who are indigent in completion of a Medicaid application.
• Provide patients referrals to other services, such as mental health services, shelter, primary care, social services, and residential treatment facilities.

• Document encounters with clients as directed by supervisor.
• Submit aggregate monthly or quarterly counts of targeted metrics to supervisor, such as number of patients served, buprenorphine administrations, prescriptions, referrals to care, etc.

• Advocate for a harm-reduction approach to patients who use drugs within the hospital and community to reinforce evidence-based, non-judgmental approaches so that patients who use drugs get the same care as patients who do not use drugs.
• Promote the use of non-stigmatizing language by hospital staff when referring to people who use drugs.

Community Outreach

• Develop connections with a comprehensive array of community service providers to address the needs of people with SUD. Conduct outreach and build trust in settings where people are at high risk of SUD such as jails, , homeless shelters, and SUD treatment programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Nonjudgmental, energetic, positive, harm-reduction approach to assisting patients with SUD.
• Interest/proficiency in working with individuals recently released from incarceration, homeless individuals, and other marginalized populations.
• Understanding of SUD as a medical condition and MAT as an effective, evidence-based treatment.
• Understanding the importance of providing patient centered care and inclusion of the patient in making decisions about their own health.
• Ability to communicate with patients clearly, respectfully, and in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Ability to communicate in languages spoken in the local community is a plus.
• Preference for applicants with connections to and reflecting the diversity of the local community.
• Respect for patient confidentiality and privacy.
• Ability to use a computer.
• There is no specific degree, certification, or training requirement, but candidates should plan to receive on the job training and eventually obtain certification as a community health worker and/or peer support specialist.