Outpatient Navigator

Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital - Outpatient•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Outpatient Navigator Full Time Great opportunity for an LCSW, LMSW or LMFT or license eligible candidate Busy behavioral health setting looking for enthusiastic candidates to join the team as an Ourtpatient Navigator. Montrose Behavioral Health Childrens and Adolescents Hospital is a leading healthcare facility in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in counseling and mental health services. Our dedicated team of professionals provides comprehensive care for individuals struggling with various mental health challenges. At Montrose, we understand the complexities of mental health and strive to create a compassionate, supportive environment for healing Working at Montrose Behavioral Health offers a deeply rewarding experience for professionals committed to supporting individuals on their mental-health and recovery journeys. Team members collaborate in a compassionate, patient-centered environment where evidence-based treatment, dignity, and respect guide every decision. Staff are encouraged to grow through ongoing training, interdisciplinary teamwork, and opportunities to shape innovative care approaches. With a mission rooted in hope and healing, Montrose Behavioral Health provides a supportive workplace where clinicians and caregivers can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and in the well-being of the broader community PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Outpatient Navigator supports continuity of care by guiding eligible patients transitioning from inpatient or residential behavioral health treatment into Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP), or other community-based services. This role ensures timely, informed referrals; facilitates coordination among inpatient and outpatient departments; and provides education and support to patients and families regarding post-discharge services. With a deep understanding of levels of care, discharge workflows, and what differentiates Acadia’s outpatient programs, the Outpatient Navigator plays a vital role in increasing step-down engagement, reducing readmissions, and strengthening care transitions. The Outpatient Navigator may also help facilitate direct admissions to PHP/IOP programs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in social services-related field strongly preferred.
Minimum of 2 years in behavioral healthcare setting (e.g., acute psychiatric hospital)

Nice To Haves

Licensed or license-eligible clinician (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMHC, LMFT)
Peer support specialist certification
Experience with PHP and IOP levels of care, discharge planning, and/or utilization review

Responsibilities

Own the full stepdown process—from patient identification to program admission
Meet every eligible inpatient and review open direct admission inquiries to facilitate referrals to outpatient
Educate patients and families on the value of continued care post-discharge and highlights of the hospital’s program (specialized tracks, support to address barriers to access such as transportation, etc.)
Maintain multiple in-person check-ins during patient’s inpatient stay, including 1:1 discussions, facilitation of inpatient transitions/discharge groups, and participation in treatment team
Support patients with outpatient orientation/program introduction, including completion of required admissions documentation and consent forms, and introductions to PHP/IOP leaders and therapists
Partner with other hospital departments to facilitate step-downs, including:
Clinical services to confirm clinical appropriateness for outpatient and include outpatient in treatment plans
Business office (BO) for benefits verification and copay clarifications
Utilization Review/Management (UM) to secure necessary authorizations. Support with ongoing UM, as needed, including, but not limited to pre-certifications, renewal authorizations, denial appeals, and tracking days remaining.
Business development and marketing for support to convey outpatient value proposition and key messages for patient engagement
Outpatient Services to ensure capacity, program compatibility, and mutual awareness of discharge dates
Participate in daily flash meetings to review emerging stepdown candidates, rationale for discharges not stepped down, and report out on day one PHP/IOP attendance for prior day’s step-downs
Track step-down admissions and conversion rate and trends over time
Identify barriers/opportunities to further enhance patient engagement and reduce readmissions
Report weekly progress to facility CEO, COO, and Director of Outpatient Services