Health & Wellness Navigator

DAP Health•Palm Springs, CA

30d•Hybrid

About The Position

At DAP Health, we are committed to transforming lives and advancing health equity for all. As a leading nonprofit health care provider, we deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the diverse communities of the Coachella Valley and San Diego County. Our comprehensive services range from primary care to mental health, wellness programs, and beyond, with a focus on those who are most vulnerable. Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate, innovative organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. If you're looking for a dynamic and purpose-driven environment, we invite you to explore the opportunity to contribute to our mission. Job Summary The Health and Wellness Navigator supports Transgender, Gender Diverse and Intersex (TGI) clients through agency programs and external referrals, conducts community outreach, provides patient education, and assists medical providers with direct patient care and care coordination. Acting as a resource and advocate, the Navigator addresses disparities and ensures equitable healthcare access. This role is central to the Health & Wellness Program, fostering collaboration within the care team.

Requirements

Highly skilled interpersonally, with excellent teamwork and relationship skills
Highly skilled in interpersonal communication, including resolving conflict
Able to sufficiently engage clients in a variety of settings, including on the phone, at their homes, in hospitals, and other settings
Knowledge of the community the navigator will be working in, especially non-professional resources, and their reputation in the community
Ability to develop relationships with community members and leaders, including in the faith-based community
Understanding of and sensitivity to mental health conditions and co-occurring disorders
Awareness of the impact of unmitigated bias and judgement on health; commitment to addressing both
Understanding of, and a commitment to, high preforming team practices
Ideal candidate will have knowledge around cultural differences, the transgender, gender diverse and intersex community, the minority health model, sexual practices, and a demonstrated ability in working with the above-mentioned communities
Knowledge of the medical aspects of specialized care, including related medical and surgical interventions
Able to develop effective relationships with team members, working in a community-based setting when needed
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS disease, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) (Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis) and HCV, to include diagnosis, prevention, risk-reduction strategies, as well as familiarity with Pre-Exposure and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP)
A high degree of skillful decision making and judgement, in an autonomous position, including knowing when to consult with the team, supervisors, and experts
Previous professional or volunteer experience working in health care
Experience in public health, community building or other health education
Current BLS certification obtained through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross
Requires current and valid driver's license and current personal auto insurance
Able to travel to DAP Health locations throughout San Diego and the Coachella Valley

Responsibilities

Assist medical providers with direct patient care and care coordination
Conduct patient intakes and collaborate with patients and providers to develop Health Care plans
Provide education and linkage to care for anyone seeking gender affirming care, regardless of where they are in the process
Identify and connect individuals seeking health care who are not currently receiving the necessary medical and social support services
Following completion of the Promotores model training, engage and build relationships with a select impacted community and community partners in the context of health care
Provide client referrals to outside entities or support service programs as appropriate
Establish positive community relations in the context of health care
Deliver information about health and wellness in ways that the community can easily understand and provide information on services provided by the healthcare provider
Promote a collaborative and effective working environment in the field of health care
Engage with individuals seeking health care in medical and psychological capacities
Assist individuals seeking health care in adhering to their care plan
Explain health benefits and other types of available assistance to individuals seeking health care
Model commitment to continuous quality improvement by engaging in quality improvement initiatives and projects, such as identifying and addressing gaps, and by identifying, developing, and testing new practices for improving the outcomes of patients in health care
Participate in all appropriate staff meetings or other activities as needed
Ensure the privacy and security of PHI (Protected Health Information) as outlined in DAP Health's policies and procedures relating to HIPAA compliance, including attending annual compliance training
Coach clients in ways that are culturally appropriate to facilitate positive behavior change in the context of health care
Develop trusting and caring relationships with clients
Communicate with clients to provide or collect information related to their health care needs
Motivate clients by using motivational interviewing and other behavior change techniques
Address client needs, especially around social determinants of health (SDoH) as they relate to their care
Complete other related assignments to help meet the goals and objectives of the department in the realm of health care
Perform other job-related duties as assigned in the field of health care