Peer Navigator, Street Medicine (San Diego, CA)

Healthcare in Action•San Diego, CA

2d•$22 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

Healthcare in Action’s Peer Navigator supports members who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness in the San Diego area with managing their health. The role uses education, peer support, housing and resource navigation, and shared experiences to encourage behavioral changes and improve health outcomes. Street medicine involves delivering care directly to people experiencing homelessness, including at parking lots, encampments, and parks, using medically equipped vans. This is a patient-facing role that involves regular onsite and offsite outreach, appointment accompaniment, and coordination with Navigation Center staff and Healthcare in Action team members. The Peer Navigator works under a Social Worker’s supervision to escalate cases appropriately and coordinate care, and supports HIA’s goals, particularly housing placement for unsheltered members. Employees may be eligible for differential pay. The position requires working in a dynamic outdoor environment and travel of 50% or more. A job offer is contingent on providing proof of tuberculosis screening upon hire or proof of a negative screening within the last year, subject to the stated accommodation process. A background check is required.

Requirements

G.E.D. or high school education plus at least 3 years of relevant work experience; alternatively, an associate’s degree plus 2 years of relevant work experience.
Relevant work experience may include direct work, lived experience, training, or volunteer work with people experiencing homelessness and people with active mental health and substance use conditions.
Relevant experience in similar community settings, including work with other disadvantaged groups or outreach, will be considered.
A comparable combination of education, experience, and/or training may be considered equivalent to the listed education requirements.
Ability to work in a dynamic outdoor environment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to organize effectively and prioritize multiple competing tasks.
Effective communication skills, including the ability to articulate relevant personal experiences; excellent oral communication and strong interpersonal skills.
Reliable transportation.
Proficiency using a computer and navigating multiple systems, including online timekeeping and call center software.
For travel of 50% or more: valid driver’s license, clean driving record, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.
Provide proof of tuberculosis screening upon hire or proof of a negative screening within the last year, unless an accommodation process applies.
Submit to a background check.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree plus at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
HMIS/Coordinated Entry System experience.

Responsibilities

Build rapport with members by sharing personal experiences to encourage positive behavior changes.
Coach members in creating and implementing strategies to reduce risks associated with identified health conditions and behaviors; connect them to programs that address barriers to care and improve compliance.
Link members to local, county, and state services and resources; follow up, advocate for members, and deliver medications and other supplies as needed.
Conduct regular outreach to onsite patients at the Navigation Center and offsite patients as needed to support medical needs.
Accompany and support patients at medical, dental, and other appointments.
Collaborate with Navigation Center staff and Healthcare in Action team members on patient care management.
Introduce tools that promote self-management and self-efficacy.
Complete required organization- and health-plan-specific documentation in a timely manner, including patient touch points and encounter notes in the electronic health record, member health risks, and Plan of Care updates after street medicine encounters.
Document required information in the care management system during member phone calls.
Complete and submit Monthly Audit Checklist assessments and individual care plans, and update member profiles in the Coordinated Entry System/HMIS.
Schedule encounters according to member acuity using Healthcare in Action’s electronic health record system.
Work under Social Worker supervision to ensure appropriate case escalation and care coordination.
Actively support HIA’s vision and goals, particularly housing placement for unsheltered members.
Perform other duties as assigned.