Bilingual Dental Health Care Patient Navigator

University of Colorado•Denver, CO

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing is hiring a full-time, benefits-eligible Bilingual Dental Health Care Patient Navigator for Sheridan Health Services, a multi-site, nurse-managed federally qualified community health center. The position performs referral coordination, case management support, and administrative duties that help maintain efficient dental and medical office operations. The Navigator represents the clinic professionally and supports its patient-centered model of care, incorporating patients’ values and beliefs into care decisions. The role may require staffing clinical sites in the community. The Navigator serves as a primary contact for dental patients, helping them access and complete care. Duties include coordinating specialty referrals, navigating insurance and authorization processes, explaining treatment plans and financial responsibilities, identifying barriers to care, connecting patients with resources, and following up on appointments and treatment. The role also supports patient intake and records, outreach, grant reporting, dental and behavioral health referral tracking, and oral health education. Administrative responsibilities include scheduling, registration, insurance verification, prior authorizations, records requests, phone support, and supply tracking. The Navigator builds relationships with community organizations and represents Sheridan Health Services in partner activities. The role requires conversational Spanish and English skills in a clinical setting, current or obtainable BLS/CPR certification by the date of hire, and ongoing credentialing. The employee must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and able to work in a patient-care environment with some exposure to biological hazards and infectious diseases. The position is on-site at Sheridan Health Services in Denver, with possible community-site assignments. The stated starting salary range is $53,940 to $60,408, with possible overtime eligibility depending on level.

Requirements

Four years of experience working with patients in a health care setting, including at least one year of referral coordination in a clinical setting and/or an insurance-company health plan referral unit; alternatively, a combination of related education and relevant experience equal to four years.
Conversational Spanish and English skills and willingness and ability to use them in a clinical setting.
Willingness and ability to obtain current BLS/CPR certification by the date of hire.
Willingness and ability to remain credentialed and keep credentialing materials current.
Willingness and ability to work in a patient-care environment with some exposure to biological hazards and infectious diseases.
Legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring current or future sponsorship.
Effective and professional written and oral communication skills.
Interpersonal skills to work effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary health care team members.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time independently.
Strong customer service, attention to detail, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of health terminology and experience using electronic health record systems.
Intermediate computer competency.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member; must be responsible, reliable, and courteous.
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and ensure compliance with HIPAA, FQHC regulations, and University policies.
Submit a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae or resume.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
Experience as a Care Coordinator, Case Manager, Patient Navigator, Dental Assistant, or Medical Assistant.
Experience working with health insurance.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for dental patients to support access, engagement, and continuity of care.
Coordinate dental referrals with community and clinic providers, track referral completion in the electronic health record, and communicate relevant diagnostic and clinical information for referrals and authorization requests.
Provide care navigation, including scheduling, referrals, pre-authorization requests, and follow-up coordination for dental services.
Help patients and families understand dental treatment plans, estimates, insurance coverage, and financial responsibilities.
Screen for barriers to care, such as transportation, language, and insurance, and connect patients with resources.
Facilitate communication between patients and Sheridan Health Services team members, including interpretation support when applicable, using a strengths-based and culturally considerate approach.
Conduct patient outreach by phone, text, and in person to reduce missed appointments and improve treatment completion.
Support patient intake, registration, and electronic health record documentation; maintain accurate records of patient interactions, referrals, and outcomes.
Maintain the Behavioral Oral Health Integration spreadsheet to track referrals between dental and behavioral health services, particularly for patients identified with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Coordinate rescheduling of broken appointments, check Epic and CORHIO for emergency-room or hospital visits, and schedule follow-up as needed.
Support community outreach, education, and oral health promotion activities, including occasional after-hours or weekend events.
Assist with grant reporting and deliverables related to access to community resources and social determinants of health measures.
Verify insurance and eligibility, process health referrals, obtain prior authorizations or pre-certifications, and connect patients with appropriate resources.
Communicate with clinical staff regarding clinical issues; answer phones; provide customer service and basic phone triage; and complete registration and scheduling as needed.
Determine eligibility for services based on established criteria and provider capacity; gather patient demographic and health information; and schedule appointments consistent with insurance plans and health needs.
Perform administrative referral tracking through completion, respond to patient and team requests, and manage releases or requests of information.
Work with the front desk to support administrative needs and schedule dental visits while accounting for patient-specific needs and accommodations.
Coordinate with patients and pharmacies as indicated or requested by providers, and participate in medication prior authorizations as needed.
Work with the dental assistant team to track and stock supplies and maintain and store sterilized instruments.
Build relationships with community resources, attend community partner meetings, and serve as clinic liaison to community partners.