Patient Navigator (Addiction C/L) - 40 hours, days

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Assesses patient needs for social services, provides referrals, facilitates patient access to care. Coordinates service delivery, provides medical case management, and advocates for community-based social services for patients and their families. Explains service delivery and teaches patients how to navigate some aspects of the health care system themselves.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED.
Two years of social work, human service or related professional experience, including demonstrated ability in psychosocial assessment, knowledge of community resources, crisis intervention skills, and ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services or Counseling.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Working as an integrated member of the primary medical care team, meets with patients, facilitates access to and coordinates delivery of social services, which may include but is not limited to financial assistance, health insurance, medication, reimbursement, transportation, foster care, educational resources, housing and extended/home care. May assist with development of patient education materials and community resource list.
Provides education, information, and referral to specialized intervention programs, including but not limited to substance abuse detoxification, asthma outreach, rehabilitation and prevention services. Advocates and works to resolve problems of patient access to these services. Follows up with patients to complete and evaluate social service referrals, working with medical and mental health providers as well as community service agencies to develop alternate plans when indicated.
Functions as a navigator among service providers and community resources, both within the institution and the community, including state and local government as necessary. Maintains ongoing communication/collaboration with clinical team, acting as a resource and referral source.
May identify patients who are uninsured or need medication coverage. May meet with patients to obtain medical and social service history and counsel patients as necessary regarding insurance eligibility. May enroll patients as necessary.
Attends periodic UMMHC team meetings to improve program. Attends staff education meetings. Receives training at least annually to maintain current knowledge applicable to program including medical care and resources as they affect the social service needs of patients. Develops relationships with community-based health resources.
Adheres to regulatory policies and procedures relative to the program. All responsibilities are essential job functions.