Nurse Triage Specialist

Southwest Community Health Center•Bridgeport, CT

63d

About The Position

The Nurse Triage Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring accessible, equitable healthcare for patients in a community health setting. Responsibilities include assessing patient symptoms over the phone or via electronic communication, providing timely clinical advice, and directing patients to appropriate levels of care using evidence-based protocols. The Nurse Triage Specialist helps bridge healthcare gaps for vulnerable and underserved populations, promoting preventative care and reducing unnecessary emergency room visits.

Requirements

Experienced and able to function effectively and professionally within an outpatient setting providing services to a special and diverse population group.
Strong clinical judgement and excellent communication skills.
Familiarity with underserved populations and commitment to health equity.
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.
Proficiency with electronic health records, EPIC preferred.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure.
CPR / BLS Certified
Graduate of an accredited nursing program
CT Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license required, Registered Nurse (RN) preferred
Minimum 2 years of clinical nursing experience; community health, primary care, or emergency nursing preferred

Responsibilities

Provide telephone and electronic triage to patients of all ages
Assess urgency of patient symptoms using standardized triage protocols and clinical judgment.
Educate patients on self-care, medication use, chronic disease management, and when to seek in-person care.
Coordinate same-day or next-day appointments for patient needs in collaboration with scheduling staff and clinical teams.
Recognize and escalate emergency crises, including connecting patients with urgent in-clinic, telehealth, or emergency services.
Serve as a resource for community health navigation, including referrals to social services, behavioral health, or public health programs.
Maintain accurate documentation of all patient interactions in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Monitor patient messages, prescription refills, and overdue results within the EHR system and respond promptly.
Participate in quality improvement activities aimed at improving access, patient experience, and clinical outcomes.
Collaborate with healthcare providers, specialists, and other team members to coordinate patient care.
May require flexible hours, including evenings or weekends based on patient needs.
In-person clinical support and/or outreach participation.