Navigator - Community Mental Health Services

Winona Health • Winona, MN

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Navigator provides health education, systems navigation, and connection with resources and services in the community to improve health outcomes for individuals struggling with mental health or general health concerns. This position aims to increase access to support services, improve the quality and cultural competence of their care, and increase the health knowledge and self-management skills of participants served. The Navigator has a deep knowledge and understanding of the Winona-area community, and is a bridge to barriers related to culture, race, language, socioeconomic status, or other factors. This position requires travel within Winona County to meet individuals where they are to reduce the barrier of transportation. The Navigator is housed within the Psych & Counseling Department and works in close partnership with members of the Mental Health Collaborative. Position may be partially or fully funded by grant(s).

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• At least one-year professional experience providing direct care in public health, human services, or related field
• Knowledge of local community resources and services, especially those related to mental health and substance use, or ability to quickly learn and understand these systems
• Strong social, listening and communication skills, including the ability to build trusting relationships and work effectively with socially and medically complex participants in a variety of non-traditional settings
• Effective time-management skills and understanding of professional boundaries
• Intermediate computer and phone skills. Ability to use email, navigate the internet, and perform data entry in a timely manner
• Willingness to become a MNSure Certified Navigator

Nice To Haves

• Lived experience

Responsibilities

• Serve as a critical linkage between health, mental health and social services agencies by providing compassionate and professional outreach to participants.
• Meet with participants in their homes or other community-based locations to conduct evaluation of social, medical, employment, housing, financial or other social needs.
• Apply lived experience and training to assist participants with education, advocacy, systems navigation, and coaching to ensure needs are systematically addressed.
• Provide communication support and act as a participant advocate on issues of access and use of health, mental health and social services.
• Facilitate transportation for participants to access health, mental health or social service appointments.
• May attend appointments with participants, facilitate paperwork completion, ensure instructions are understood and that progress towards self-sufficiency is being achieved.
• Ensure the privacy and security of PHI (Protected Health Information) relating to HIPAA compliance.
• Document participant interactions in a timely and thorough manner using a HIPAA-compliant electronic data collection platform.
• Attend meetings and trainings as required.
• Promote systems navigation services within the community and table at community based organizations frequented by individuals struggling with mental health concerns.
• Provide application and insurance enrollment help, through the MNSure website.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Options for medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as mental health support and wellness incentives
• Income Protection: Short and long-term disability, plus additional benefits like accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, legal assistance, and identity protection plans
• Retirement Planning: Access to a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions once eligibility requirements are met
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, paid time off, and earned sick time to support personal well-being
• Education & Development: Paid training, tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and sponsored seminars to foster both personal and professional growth
• Employee Discounts: Special offers with local businesses, including the YMCA and cell phone providers

What This Job Offers

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