Lead Care Navigator

GLOBAL COMMUNITIES INC•San Diego, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Care Navigator provides culturally responsive, whole-person care management and resource navigation for pregnant and postpartum Medi-Cal members with complex health-related social needs. Working under the direction of the Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Program Manager, this role delivers direct services through telehealth and in-person visits across San Diego County. The position plays a key role within an equity-driven initiative focused on eliminating disparities affecting Black, Black immigrant (e.g., Somali, Haitian), American Indian and Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander communities, with a strong emphasis on pregnancy and postpartum support. As a senior frontline practitioner, the Lead Care Navigator models best practices in care navigation, supports service quality, and contributes to continuous improvement across the program.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree and a minimum of two (4) years of relevant professional experience in health, psychology, child development, social work, or a related field.
Lived or socio-cultural experience comparable to the communities served, with demonstrated respect for the values and beliefs of Black, Black immigrant, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander women and communities.
Experience working in San Diego County community-based settings, including outreach, advocacy, or family support services.
Knowledge of women’s health, including prenatal and postpartum care, maternal mental health, and trauma-informed approaches.
Familiarity with community resources and public benefits, including Medi-Cal, WIC, and CalFresh.
Comfort using telehealth platforms and collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
Strong interpersonal, communication, and data documentation skills.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team.
Access to a quiet, private workspace for remote work.
Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking) required; additional languages are a plus.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and basic computer applications.
Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Global Communities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in childbirth education, doula services, lactation support, case management, or care navigation strongly preferred.
Specialized training or certification in childbirth or lactation education is a plus.
Experience as a Community Health Worker, Patient Navigator, or ECM-related role preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct proactive, culturally responsive outreach to identify and enroll eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals into the Birth Equity program.
Build trust with clients, families, and community partners through respectful, strengths-based engagement.
Represent the program professionally in community meetings, cross-sector collaboratives, and outreach events.
Share information and resources across internal programs to support integrated care and coordinated service delivery.
Contribute to program visibility and outreach through approved communication activities, including community storytelling and social media.
Verify client eligibility and ensure accurate documentation in compliance with Medi-Cal and program requirements.
Conduct comprehensive assessments through home visits and telehealth sessions, addressing medical, behavioral health, social, and emotional needs.
Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized care plans that include screenings, risk assessments, referrals, and measurable goals.
Provide health education, emotional support, and coaching to empower clients during pregnancy and postpartum periods.
Coordinate referrals and follow-up for healthcare, behavioral health, housing, nutrition, and other community-based services.
Maintain a trauma-informed, client-centered approach that demonstrates empathy, cultural humility, and professionalism.
Serve as a lead practitioner by modeling best practices in care navigation, documentation, and client engagement.
Support consistency and quality in care delivery by sharing tools, resources, and practical guidance with peers as requested.
Collaborate with the ECM Program Manager to identify service gaps, emerging client needs, and improvement opportunities.
Participate in case discussions and team meetings to support coordinated care and continuous learning.
Accurately document client strengths, needs, services, and outcomes in the case management system within required timelines.
Conduct routine data quality checks and collaborate with program leadership to ensure data accuracy and completeness.
Ensure full compliance with HIPAA, confidentiality, and data security standards.
Monitor client progress toward care plan goals and use data to inform care adjustments and referrals.
Support community events, health education activities, and outreach initiatives.
Participate actively in team, partner, and interdisciplinary meetings.
Engage in ongoing professional development, including childbirth and lactation education, as applicable.
Adapt to evolving program priorities while maintaining a solution-oriented, flexible approach.
Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.