PATIENT NAVIGATOR - LH

Volunteers of America Northern Rockies•Sheridan, WY

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Navigator serves as a central resource for clients, providing case management, planning educational programs, coordinating with staff on medical care, assisting with aftercare and continuing-care plans, facilitating groups, and coordinating volunteer and educational opportunities. The role educates patients about available services and develops contacts with service providers and agencies to support referrals and negotiate affordable services. Working with the Clinical Nurse, Clinical Program Director, clinicians, and other facility staff, the Patient Navigator helps patients develop practical living skills that support recovery and their lives beyond treatment. The position is full-time, based at Gathering Place in Sheridan, Wyoming. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; occasional evening and weekend work may be required. Travel to various locations for patient outreach is required as needed, and Patient Navigators are frequently asked to transport patients. The role operates in a professional office environment and has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Associate degree, or high school education with relevant training or experience.
Demonstrated working knowledge of regional community services, particularly services for the population living within the facility.
Proven case-management experience, including organizing, problem-solving, and advocacy.
Training in addiction, the correctional system, and mental health issues.
Knowledge of eligibility for and application procedures for federal and state entitlement programs.
Knowledge of legal liability issues related to case management, including HIPAA.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to use computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Effective communication and collaboration skills with internal and external parties.
Professional and respectful conduct toward patients; ability to remain calm under pressure and during crises.
Ability to maintain strict patient confidentiality and demonstrate empathy toward patients with addiction.
Demonstrated behavior aligned with servant leadership and the organization's cultural values.
Ability to meet the physical demands described, including regularly talking or hearing, close vision and adjusting focus, and lifting files, opening filing cabinets, and bending or standing on a stool as necessary.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Social Work or a degree in Addiction, Psychology, or Counseling.

Responsibilities

Meet with patients on assigned caseloads during their first week of admission and regularly throughout treatment to track progress toward case-management goals.
Perform case-management functions for assigned patients and monitor whether services are appropriate, timely, and satisfactory.
Coordinate with the clinical team across employment, medical care, housing, finances, education, recreation, and volunteering.
Guide patients in achieving goals in their areas of need from admission through discharge.
Guide patients through step-down and discharge planning, educate them about step-down expectations, and enforce those expectations.
Facilitate groups at one or both houses on living skills, personal growth and well-being, and new-patient orientation.
Provide support to counterparts in Sheridan and Riverton.
Serve as a liaison among community agencies, service providers, staff, and patients, and make referrals as needed.
Communicate with referents and facilitate communication between patients and public entities, including the Department of Family Services.
Educate patients about service availability, application procedures, and their rights.
Coordinate Indian Health Services trips for tribal-member patients.
Help patients build informal support networks with one another and community members to meet social, psychological, and recovery needs.
Transport patients as requested and perform patient outreach travel as needed.