Florida Blue Healthcare Navigator

Vincentian CARES•Sebring, FL

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Healthcare Navigator is the frontline Care Navigator for the Vincentian CARES Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Rural Expansion Program, funded by the Florida Blue Foundation Mental Well-Being Grant Program. Based in our Sebring office, the Healthcare Navigator serves Veterans at risk of suicide across Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto, Hendry, Okeechobee, and Glades counties, rural communities where access to mental health care is limited and many Veterans have no recent connection to the VA. The Healthcare Navigator is the Veteran’s single point of contact: identifying and engaging at-risk Veterans through community referral partners, conducting immediate risk screening and safety planning, enrolling Veterans within five days, and building an individualized service plan that connects them to VA health care, community mental health providers, telehealth, and the supports that drive well-being, including housing, transportation, financial stability, and social connection. The position measures participant progress with the Harvard Flourishing Index and other validated tools, documents all services in CaseWorthy, and contributes to the program’s grant reporting and evaluation. The Healthcare Navigator works closely with SSG Fox program staff, VA partners, and community providers, and reports to the Operations Supervisor and the Director of Health Services. This is a full-time, grant-funded position.

Requirements

Able to speak, write and understand English.
Possess basic computer skills.
Must be sensitive to and respect cultural diversity amongst clients, staff and volunteers and able to work with diverse racial, ethnic and economic groups.
Flexible work schedule including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Ability to set appropriate limits, work under deadlines and multi-task.
Ability to organize, prioritize, self-motivate, and deliver results.
Excellent communication and listening skills.
Possess strong work ethics.
Successfully pass Levell II background screening.
Valid Florida driver’s license if driving an agency vehicle or a personal vehicle for company business.
Must have reliable transportation.
Mission driven attitude supplemented with integrity and passion.
Adherence to the highest ethical standards, personally and professionally.
A high level of openness and willingness to receive feedback/suggestions from superiors and others, and to learn new skills to improve job performance.
Evidence of deep alignment with the Vincentian CARES, Inc. Mission and Values.
In-depth knowledge of health care and mental health resources available to Veterans, especially VA services and programs; familiarity with resources in Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto, Hendry, Okeechobee, and Glades counties strongly preferred.
Knowledge of suicide risk factors and prevention, severe and persistent mental illness, and substance use disorders.
Ability to form partnerships in rural communities and seek out community resources.
Strong oral and written communication.
Strong organizational, time management, and data management skills, including accurate and timely documentation.
Proven ability to work effectively both independently in the field and as part of a team.
Ability to provide positive, calm customer service to Veterans and families in crisis.

Nice To Haves

Training or certification in ASIST, safeTALK, C-SSRS, motivational interviewing, or trauma-informed care preferred; training will be provided.
At least two years of experience in a health care, behavioral health, or social services area of practice working with Veterans is preferred.
Experience providing case management or care coordination in rural communities is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach across the six-county service area and receive referrals from the VA, the American Legion, 211, crisis centers, law enforcement, fire departments, and veteran service organizations to identify Veterans at risk of suicide, including those not engaged with VA care.
Conduct immediate suicide risk screening using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), complete collaborative safety plans with Veterans, and escalate elevated risk according to agency protocols.
Complete a comprehensive intake and psychosocial assessment with the Veteran, family members, and significant others, identifying strengths, risk factors, supports, and needs across mental health, social support, financial stability, and overall well-being.
Enroll eligible Veterans within five days of referral and develop an individualized service plan with each Veteran that reflects their preferences and personal health goals and supports shared decision-making.
Maintain contact matched to each Veteran’s level of need, from daily to monthly, and address immediate barriers such as housing, transportation, food, and other basic needs to stabilize Veterans and keep them engaged.
Connect Veterans to VA health care and benefits, including services available through the Hannon Act, and to community health care where Veterans are not eligible for VA care; coordinate with telehealth, equine therapy, recreational, and other community partners so services are complementary and comprehensive.
Support Veterans’ use of the HereNow Help telehealth platform and follow up promptly when its AI-enabled journaling tool flags distress or elevated risk between scheduled check-ins.
Administer pre- and post-assessments (Harvard Flourishing Index, PHQ-9, ISEL-12, and General Self-Efficacy Scale) at enrollment, at exit, and as acuity requires, and use results to refine service plans.
Enter all contacts, assessments, and services in CaseWorthy (and HMIS as required) within 24 hours of each interaction; support monthly data quality reviews and the monthly and semi-annual reports required by the funder.
Apply trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and resilience-based (PERMA) approaches in all Veteran interactions.
Act as an advocate for the Veteran, integrating the Veteran’s cultural values into their care plan, and serve as a resource for education and support for Veterans and families.
Participate effectively in team meetings, case conferences, and related activities; identify systemic barriers and work with leadership and the multidisciplinary team to find viable solutions.
Build and maintain relationships with rural community partners to grow the referral network and the range of services available to Veterans in the service area.
Attend the Florida Blue Foundation’s annual Community Health Symposium and Sapphire Awards in Orlando and represent the program at community events and presentations.
Complies with all applicable training requirements.
Complies with all company safety, personnel and operational policies and procedures.
Complies with work schedule to ensure effective operations of Agency programs.
Contributes positively as a member of a productive and cooperative team.
Proficient computer skills, including electronic case management systems (e.g., CaseWorthy, HMIS).
Must be sensitive to and respect cultural diversity amongst clients, staff and volunteers and able to work with diverse racial, ethnic and economic groups.
Flexible work schedule including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Ability to set appropriate limits, work under deadlines and multi-task.
Ability to organize, prioritize, self-motivate, and deliver results.
Excellent communication and listening skills.
Possess strong work ethics.
Participates in Agency Performance Quality Improvement (PQI) program and Accreditation/Reaccreditation process.
Performs other duties as necessary to fulfill the Vincentian CARES, Inc. Mission.