Health Care Navigator

One80 Place•Charleston, SC

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Grant Per Diem (GPD) Health Care Navigator is a non-clinical position primarily responsible for identifying, coordinating, and connecting clients enrolled in One80 Place’s GPD program to medical care, either through the VA or in the community. This role involves assisting enrolled Veterans with identifying, enrolling in, and applying for healthcare and other entitlement benefits, as well as scheduling and arranging transportation to healthcare appointments. The Health Care Navigator is also responsible for following up on medical referrals for mental health, medical, specialist services, and medication requests. Under the direct supervision of the Shelter Program Director, this position acts as a liaison between the health clinic, shelter, and VA GPD staff to enhance Veteran resiliency in managing their healthcare, thereby supporting permanent housing retention. The position is funded by One80 Place’s Grant & Per Diem grant and is based in Charleston, operating within One80 Place's Emergency Shelter.

Requirements

Ability to guide clients through healthcare systems, benefits, and resources.
Skilled at coordinating appointments, follow-up care, and referrals.
Advocacy skills to ensure clients receive appropriate and timely services.
Understanding of medical, behavioral health, and social service systems.
Familiarity with Medicaid/Medicare, VA services, community clinics, and insurance enrollment processes.
Comfortable working with multidisciplinary teams (medical providers, social workers, case managers, etc.).
Flexibility in working in dynamic environments or with clients in crisis.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in social work, behavioral health, or related field preferred.
Experience working with Veteran populations or health navigation preferred.

Responsibilities

Engage GPD Veterans through proactive outreach and ongoing relationship-building to assess needs and connect them to appropriate services.
Conduct health and psychosocial assessments, identifying barriers related to physical health, mental health, substance use, and housing instability.
Conduct benefit screenings and assist Veterans with enrolling in any eligible benefits and entitlements through the VA as well as any community or government programs.
Educate Veterans about available VA and community healthcare services, including primary care, behavioral health, substance use treatment, and crisis resources.
Coordinate medical and behavioral health appointments, ensuring Veterans can access care by assisting with scheduling, transportation, reminders, and follow-up.
Support enrollment in VA health care, Medicaid/Medicare, or other insurance programs, helping Veterans understand their benefits and how to use them.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including VA providers, social workers, case managers, shelter assistants, and community service partners to address complex needs.
Assist Veterans in navigating hospital discharges or transitions from detox, inpatient treatment, or emergency departments to reduce risk of relapse or medical crises.
Integrate trauma-informed strategies into all interactions to support recovery, engagement, and housing stability.
When needed work with Veterans on higher level of care placements such as Residential Care Facilities or Nursing Homes.
Provide crisis support and safety planning, ensuring Veterans have access to urgent care pathways, including the Veterans Crisis Line and local emergency services.
Track and document services provided in accordance with One80 Place standards, VA requirements, and HIPAA, maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records.
Advocate for Veterans within the health and housing systems, ensuring they receive timely, equitable, and appropriate care and support.
Promote wellness and self-management, helping Veterans build the skills and confidence needed to navigate healthcare systems independently.
Assist and respond to crisis events/emergencies in the facility.
Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and staff meetings.
Partner with community providers and VA homeless programs.
Contribute to program development, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement.
Attend relevant training on topics affecting homeless Veterans.