Patient Navigator through AmeriCorps

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEW YORK • New York, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) is seeking Patient Navigators through the Public Health AmeriCorps program, a partnership between AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Patient Navigators serve for a year, helping RMH-NY build infrastructure to advance health equity for underserved medically complex children and their families. The work focuses on expanding access to wraparound services addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), including conducting social risk assessments, analyzing available community services, and building referral networks with community-based organizations.

Members gain hands-on public health experience and may attend virtual CDC trainings. The role involves patient and community outreach, partnership development, documentation, and collaboration with RMH-NY care teams. Members also shadow Care Coordinators and the Head of Population Health & Healthcare Experience and participate in care team meetings. The position is primarily office-based, with some outdoor work and local/day travel; domestic travel with overnight stays may also be required. Flexible scheduling is sometimes needed, including some evenings and weekends.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic English language skills, including reading, writing, and verbal communication.
• Basic math and arithmetic skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow established policies and procedures.
• Even temperament, emotional balance, empathy, compassion, and maturity, with a balanced approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and serve as an external-facing contact for families who may reside across the boroughs.
• Active, reflective listening and clear, concise communication skills.
• Positive attitude and dedication to helping others succeed in reaching their goals.
• Ability to work within established standards with minimal on-site supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in a human services or related field.
• Experience working with payers, particularly Medicaid policies and programs, and knowledge of child access programs.
• Bilingual skills, as determined by operational needs.
• Valid driver's license, as determined by operational or regional needs.
• At least one year of experience in care coordination, community health, social service, or medical practice.
• Experience as a Community Health Worker, Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Patient Care Technician, Home Health Aide, or other clinical support staff member.
• Knowledge of Community Health Worker theory and practice to promote patient participation and engagement in self-care management.

Responsibilities

• Commit to a year of learning, service, and professional growth while gaining hands-on experience in Social Determinants of Health and community building.
• Conduct a social risk assessment and administer a survey to 200 respondents to identify SDoH affecting target communities.
• Develop tools for data collection and evaluation.
• Research and canvass communities to identify recommended Community Based Organizations that provide SDoH services, then present findings and recommendations.
• Identify supportive services, including mental health, housing, and food assistance, based on assessments and discussions with surveyed populations.
• Contact selected agencies to establish referral relationships with RMH-NY for SDoH services.
• Establish shared goals, referral processes, engagement agreements, and incentive structures between RMH-NY and Community Based Organizations.
• Manage, organize, and document interactions and interventions as directed.
• Shadow Care Coordinators and the Head of Population Health & Healthcare Experience during engagement with patients or caregivers, Community Based Organizations, Managed Care Organizations, and the care team.
• Participate in care team meetings.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, networking, and service-learning opportunities.

Benefits

• Monthly living stipend rather than an hourly wage.
• Education award upon successful completion of service.
• Health coverage, including medical, vision, and dental.
• Childcare assistance for eligible members; childcare coverage is provided to full-time, income-eligible members.
• Potential eligibility for forbearance on most federally guaranteed student loans.
• Interest payments accrued during service may be eligible for repayment by AmeriCorps.
• Training, including trainings with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What This Job Offers

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