Patient Navigator

Charles R. Drew University•Los Angeles, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Navigator and Retention Outreach Specialist provides navigation, psychosocial support, outreach, and re-engagement services to people living with HIV through Drew CARES’ Patient Support Services program. The position supports newly diagnosed individuals, clients who need help remaining in care, and individuals who have disengaged from HIV services. Working with the multidisciplinary HIV clinic team, the role addresses barriers to care, connects clients with medical and supportive services, and promotes treatment engagement, well-being, and sustained viral suppression. Services may take place in a clinic, by telephone, or during community visits and appointment accompaniment. The position provides navigation, education, and supportive services within assigned training and supervision. Clinical assessment, psychotherapy, and medical treatment decisions are referred to appropriately licensed staff. The role requires detailed, attentive work and the ability to manage numerous inquiries and competing tasks. The position is based on campus and includes a general office environment, clinic services, field outreach, community visits, and occasional work in confined spaces, social settings, or public events. Employment is conditional on continued availability of restricted funding for HIV Core Medical Services - Patient Support; the stated funding end date is February 28, 2027. Employment is also subject to current university COVID-19 requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or successful completion of GED.
Reflect the population and community being served and have lived experience relevant to the peer role.
Must not be a current client of the contractor’s clinic.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expression, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, ages, English-speaking abilities, immigration statuses, and physical abilities.
Valid Class C California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation for travel to sites throughout Los Angeles County.
Ability and interest in performing field-based work to locate and assist clients.
Ability to work effectively with a diverse community.
Ability to perform detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing or obtaining information on numerous inquiries.
Ability to prioritize work for best outcomes.
Comply with current CDU COVID-19 requirements as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of HIV, transmission, and conditions that commonly co-occur with HIV.
Ability to interact with people living with HIV and their partners with empathy and without judgment; strong interpersonal and client advocacy skills.
Comfort with field outreach.
Experience in patient navigation, community outreach, HIV services, or related social services.
Familiarity with E2LA and local resources.
Accurate documentation and organizational skills.
Bilingual English and Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Build supportive client relationships using culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and nonjudgmental approaches that promote dignity, self-determination, and engagement in care.
Assess barriers to care; assist with intake and eligibility documentation; identify client goals; and collaborate with the care team on navigation plans and follow-up priorities.
Provide individual and group psychosocial support and goal-focused interventions, creating a safe space to discuss living with HIV, relationships, substance use, adherence, prevention, disclosure, and stigma.
Coordinate appointments, reminders, follow-up, and accompaniment as needed.
Locate and re-engage clients with missed visits or interrupted care through telephone and field outreach.
Liaise between HIV counseling and testing sites and the medical clinic to facilitate timely enrollment.
Conduct outreach to individuals not yet enrolled in Patient Support Services, medical care coordination, or other agency services.
Connect clients with HIV medical care, mental health care, substance use services, benefits assistance, housing resources, transportation, and other supportive services; use warm handoffs and follow up on referral outcomes.
Provide health education and practical support related to HIV care, treatment engagement, medication routines, and communication with providers, consistent with approved materials and staff training.
Collaborate with clinic staff, social workers, and community partners; participate in case conferences; and communicate service needs to reduce gaps and duplication in care.
Oversee assigned incentives, contingency management activities, or other evidence-based interventions in accordance with program procedures and training.
Accurately and promptly document client contacts, services, referrals, follow-up, and outcomes in E2LA and other required systems; maintain complete records and support service reporting and quality improvement.
Protect client confidentiality, obtain required consents, maintain professional boundaries, and follow requirements for secure handling of client information.
Provide immediate supportive assistance during crises within training and assigned scope, and coordinate promptly with supervisors, licensed providers, or emergency resources according to program procedures.
Participate in supervision, staff meetings, required training, and program activities; perform other related duties consistent with the position and program scope.