Float Peer Navigator, Street Medicine (San Diego, Ca)

Healthcare in Action • San Diego, CA

5d

About The Position

Healthcare in Action provides medical care to people experiencing homelessness through a street medicine model, using medically equipped vans to reach patients in locations such as parking lots, encampments, and parks. The Float Peer Navigator supports members who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the San Diego area by helping them manage their health through education, peer support, housing and resource navigation, and shared experiences.

This full-time role serves as a flexible regional resource for Healthcare in Action teams, primarily providing continuity of care and caseload coverage during Peer Navigator leaves of absence, vacancies, and other staffing gaps. When coverage is not needed, the Float Peer Navigator maintains an assigned member panel and performs core Peer Navigator duties. The role may also support onboarding and engagement of new members and Medi-Cal eligibility, enrollment, renewal, and verification activities within the scope of the position.

The position works under the direction of the Care Management Supervisor and in collaboration with clinicians, Community Support Partners, behavioral health staff, and other care team members. It includes field work and travel across assigned service areas, adapting to changing team workflows, schedules, and member needs. The job posting describes a Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. schedule and travel of 50% or more. Employment is contingent on providing proof of tuberculosis screening upon hire or proof of a negative screening within the last year; reasonable accommodations may be considered through an interactive process. A background check is required.

Requirements

• G.E.D. or high school education, required, plus 3 or more years of qualifying work experience.
• Qualifying experience may include direct work, lived experience, training, or volunteer work with patients experiencing homelessness and people with active mental health or substance use conditions; relevant experience in similar community settings, with disadvantaged groups, or in outreach may also be considered.
• A comparable combination of education, experience, and/or training may be considered equivalent to the listed education and experience.
• Ability to work in a dynamic outdoor environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to organize effectively and prioritize multiple competing tasks.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to articulate relevant personal experiences; excellent oral communication and strong interpersonal skills.
• Reliable transportation.
• Proficiency operating a computer and navigating multiple systems, including online timesheets and call center software.
• For travel of 50% or more: valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, reliable transportation, and a clean driving record.
• Provide proof of tuberculosis screening upon hire or proof of a negative screening within the last year; reasonable accommodations may be considered through an interactive process.
• Successfully complete a background check.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree, with 2 years of qualifying work experience.
• Bachelor's degree, with 1-2 years of qualifying work experience.
• Experience with HMIS or the Coordinated Entry System.

Responsibilities

• Build rapport with members using trauma-informed engagement, peer support, and relevant lived or professional experience to encourage positive behavior change.
• Coach members on strategies to reduce risks related to health conditions, behavioral health needs, substance use, housing instability, and other barriers to care.
• Connect members with medical, behavioral health, housing, benefits, and local, county, state, and community-based services.
• Follow up with members and advocate on their behalf.
• Accompany members to medical, behavioral health, housing, and social service appointments when support is needed outside the street medicine unit.
• Introduce systems and practical strategies that support self-management, self-efficacy, appointment adherence, medication access, benefits navigation, and connection to ongoing care.
• Follow applicable Street Medicine Operations Manuals, standards, operational requirements, and health plan requirements.
• Develop individualized housing and care management plans with members and support progress toward their goals.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation in required systems, including Epic, HMIS, and applicable health plan care management, tracking, and member engagement systems.
• Schedule encounters according to member acuity and program requirements using the electronic health record and approved scheduling or tracking tools.
• Coordinate care, follow-through, and appropriate escalation in collaboration with the Care Management Supervisor and other care team members.
• When not covering another Peer Navigator, maintain an assigned member panel and meet productivity, documentation, patient engagement, and compliance expectations.
• Travel between Hemet and South County Riverside service areas as directed by leadership and adapt to changing workflows, field schedules, and member panel needs.
• Assist with onboarding and training newly hired Peer Navigators on team workflows, documentation, field operations, and member engagement processes, as directed.
• Support authorized member transfers and assignments to new Peer Navigators and help with outreach, engagement, and onboarding of newly assigned members.
• Provide leave coverage across Hemet and South County Riverside, including continuity of patient support, billable documentation, appointment coordination and attendance, and support for patients and clinical staff in collaboration with the Supervisor and Lead Peer Navigator.
• Coordinate coverage across multiple regions when multiple Peer Navigators are absent, working with regional Supervisors and Lead Peer Navigators to set priorities and distribute support according to team and patient needs.
• Provide cross-team support when leave coverage is not needed, including administrative needs, training, ECM, CSS, Prop 47, patient care workflows, documentation and metrics improvement, Peer Navigator-clinical coordination, and specialty appointment preparation and follow-through.
• Support Healthcare in Action’s vision and goals, particularly housing placement for unsheltered members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual employee bonus program
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• 11 paid holidays per year, plus one additional floating holiday
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Employee recognition program
• Wellness program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Inclusive programs and initiatives, including equal pay, employee resource groups, and inclusive benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED