Care Navigation Specialist

Open Door Community Health Centers • Arcata, CA

2d • $27 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

The Care Navigation Specialist I (CNS I) supports population health management and value-based care initiatives across all payer types through foundational patient outreach, care coordination, and quality assurance activities under established protocols and supervision. This role focuses on engaging patients in preventive and chronic care services, supporting timely follow-up, and maintaining accurate clinical data to help close care gaps and improve quality outcomes. The CNS I contributes to quality programs by executing standardized workflows, assisting with outreach campaigns, updating health maintenance and documentation in the EHR, and collaborating with care teams to support patient safety and care continuity. Our Care Navigation hourly wage ranges are listed below. All new hires will start at the base wage for the position. Certification and other requirements may be required to be hired at a higher step on our Care Navigation ladder. Care Navigation Specialist I - $26.61 to $30.74 Care Navigation Specialist II - $28.61 to $33.05 Hmong and Spanish speakers who successfully pass a language exam will receive a minimum of .75 cents added to their wage. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: These essential responsibilities are carried out within a collaborative, team-based environment and may be aligned with either the Clinical Services or Quality Department, depending on organizational needs and area of focus. The Care Navigation Specialist works in partnership with multidisciplinary teams—including providers, Health Center Care Teams, and leadership—to operationalize population health initiatives and quality workflows. The role emphasizes coordination, communication, and shared accountability to support accurate data management, effective patient outreach, timely care coordination, and consistent execution of clinical and quality processes that contribute to high-quality care delivery and patient safety.

Requirements

• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact and work as part of the Quality Department within the Population Health Team, Clinical Services, and larger ODCHC organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish constructive professional working relationships among a diverse workforce.
• Ability to write basic descriptions, explanations, instructions, and other correspondence.
• Ability to prepare routine reports, effectively present information, and answer questions.
• Ability to read, interpret and implement moderately complex documents, policies, and program specifications.
• Ability to confidently speak to and educate patients on the importance of preventive care screenings and engagement in care.
• Strong computer skills with specific aptitude in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, and Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Computer and computer application skills sufficient to accurately and efficiently use practice management system, EHR system, spreadsheets, email and word processing software.
• Ability to manage and complete multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of multiple teams or groups.
• Adheres to ODCHC policies and protocols.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Prior experience of at least one year in a healthcare setting; experience with ODCHC systems and protocols preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year EHR experience required, knowledge of OCHIN EPIC preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Continuous Quality Improvement principles and tools preferred.
• Completion of accredited Medical Assistant training program OR six months or more related experience and/or training as a medical assistant (preferred).
• Certificate of Completion of Accredited Medical Assistant Program OR evidence of equivalent MA education (optional)
• Medical Assistant Certification (optional)

Responsibilities

• Conduct patient outreach for preventive services, screenings, and follow-up care using approved communication methods (phone, text, MyChart, letters) in accordance with established protocols.
• Review patient lists, registries, and reports to identify gaps in care or outreach needs.
• Audits data for compliance; assesses common data errors and gaps and works with EHR Team to identify areas needing improvement.
• Per protocol, reviews and updates patient health maintenance information.
• Per protocol, reviews and updates provider panels, including patient assignment and reassignment.
• Enters, organizes, and maintains data in Excel and other approved data collection and tracking tool.
• Assists in the preparation of basic quality improvement reports and data summaries.
• Participates on committees, teams, and with colleagues as needed.
• Participates in Open Door Quality Improvement activities, meetings, and initiatives.
• Performs other duties as identified and assigned supervisor.
• Performs specialized duties, projects and other duties as identified and assigned by supervisor.

Benefits

• Open Door Community Health Centers has earned recognition as one of the best places to work in Humboldt County.
• Our focus on employee well-being includes offering free monthly online therapy sessions, interactive training opportunities, educational programs, and various employee appreciation events throughout the year.
• We provide comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, to all full-time employees and some part-time employees.
• For those looking to embark on a new career in the medical or dental fields, Open Door offers paid training for many entry-level positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees