Peer Navigator, Street Medicine (Riverside)

Healthcare in Action•Riverside, CA

5d•$22 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

Healthcare in Action serves people experiencing homelessness through street medicine, using medically equipped vans to provide care in places such as parking lots, encampments, and parks. The Peer Navigator supports members who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness in the Riverside, California area as they manage their health. The role promotes positive health outcomes through education, peer support, housing and resource navigation, and sharing relevant lived experiences. This is a patient-facing role involving regular onsite outreach at the Navigation Center and outreach to offsite patients as needed. The Peer Navigator works with patients and community partners, helps members access and attend care, and completes required documentation and care-planning tasks. The position works under the supervision of a Social Worker to support appropriate case escalation and coordination of care. Travel is 50% or more, and the role requires working in a dynamic outdoor environment. Healthcare in Action seeks employees who are curious about AI and its potential to transform operations and member services. The Peer Navigator is also expected to support the organization's vision and goals, particularly housing placement for unsheltered members.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED plus at least 3 years of relevant work experience; alternatively, an associate degree plus at least 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 or substance use conditions.
Ability to work in a dynamic outdoor environment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Effective organization and ability to prioritize multiple competing tasks.
Effective communication, 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 timesheets and call center software.
Travel of 50% or more; valid driver's license, clean driving record, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.
Proof of tuberculosis screening upon hire or proof of a negative screening within the last year; reasonable accommodations may be considered through an interactive process.
A background check is required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred, with at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
Relevant experience in similar community settings, such as working with other disadvantaged groups or conducting outreach.
Experience with HMIS or the Coordinated Entry System.

Responsibilities

Build rapport with members by communicating personal experiences to encourage positive behavior changes.
Coach members on strategies to minimize risks associated with identified health conditions and behaviors, and connect them with programs that address barriers to care and support compliance.
Connect members to local, county, and state services and resources; follow up with members and advocate for them, including delivering medications and supplies as needed.
Conduct regular outreach to onsite patients at the Navigation Center and to 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 organizational and health-plan documentation promptly, including patient touchpoints and encounter notes in the electronic health record, member health-risk information, 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 the Healthcare in Action electronic health record system.
Work under Social Worker supervision to ensure appropriate case escalation and care coordination.
Actively support Healthcare in Action's vision and goals, particularly housing placement for unsheltered members.
Perform other duties as assigned.