Patient Resource Navigator - AD286

Native American Rehabilitation Assoc. of the NW•Portland, OR

3d•$24 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Navigator supports patients in overcoming barriers to care and improving health outcomes through culturally responsive care coordination, short-term case management, and resource navigation. This role addresses social determinants of health such as housing, food security, transportation, and access to healthcare. The Patient Navigator works independently and with multi-disciplinary teams to connect patients to services, ensure continuity of care, and promote self-sufficiency. This position requires strong relationship-building, advocacy, and problem-solving skills, along with a proactive approach to identifying resources and meeting patient needs.

Requirements

High School Diploma / GED required
Community Health Worker certification (can be attained within 6 months of hire)
CPR certification (within 30 days of hire)
Professional experience or training which demonstrates ability to perform above-described duties.
Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and active auto insurance
Ability to travel between multiple sites and locations in a day
Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests (including marijuana)
Ability to pass criminal background and DMV checks

Nice To Haves

Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community
Bachelor’s degree in healthcare, social work, human services, public health, housing studies, or a related field
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint); Publisher, Centricity, and database management, and CAST.
Availability to work some evenings, weekends, and special events, as needed.
Ability to persuade clients to take courses of action beneficial to their health and well-being.
Evidence of ability to convey information clearly, effectively and in grammatically accurate way.
Evidence of ability to gather information and apply it to current situation to arrive at conclusion, solve problem or make valid decision.

Responsibilities

Guide patients through healthcare and social service systems to reduce barriers to care
Foster trust with patients through culturally responsive, trauma-informed care
Assess patient needs and barriers related to social determinants of health (housing, food, transportation, etc.)
Coordinate appointments, referrals, and follow-up care
Educate patients on available social services, eligibility requirements, and application processes
Connect patients to community resources and benefit programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, OHP)
Provide clear explanations of care plans, after-visit instructions, and next steps
Arrange transportation, interpretation, and other supports to promote access and engagement
Conduct outreach and follow-ups to support patient engagement
Facilitate warm handoffs to internal and external providers, including attending initial appointments when appropriate
Support access to culturally relevant programs and community services
Initiate, track, and follow up on referrals using a closed-loop system
Build relationships with internal teams and community partners
Attend trainings, conferences, workshops, and other meetings as directed by program directors.
Communicate with care teams to ensure coordinated services
Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in accordance with agency and OARS requirements
Submit required documentation to support HRSN-related billing and reimbursement processes
Maintain high level knowledge on all internal NARA NW programs, qualifications and intake processes.
Perform other duties as assigned.