Peer Navigator, Street Medicine (San Diego, CA)

Healthcare in Action•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Healthcare in Action provides street medicine to people experiencing homelessness through medically equipped vans that bring care to locations such as parking lots, encampments, and parks. The Peer Navigator supports members who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in managing their health in the San Diego, California area. The role promotes positive health outcomes through education, peer support, housing and resource navigation, and shared experiences. This patient-facing position involves regular outreach, appointment accompaniment, medication and supply delivery as needed, and collaboration with Navigation Center staff and Healthcare in Action team members. The Peer Navigator works under the supervision of a Social Worker to support escalation and coordination of care, and helps advance the organization’s goals, particularly housing placement for unsheltered members. Employees may be eligible for differential pay.

Requirements

G.E.D. or high school education plus at least 3 years of relevant work experience; or an associate degree plus at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
Relevant 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. Other relevant experience in similar community settings, including work with disadvantaged groups or outreach, may be considered.
A comparable combination of education, experience, and/or training may be considered equivalent.
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.
Computer proficiency, including the ability to use multiple systems such as online timesheets 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, subject to the stated accommodation process.
Complete a background check.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree plus at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
Experience with HMIS or the Coordinated Entry System.

Responsibilities

Build rapport with members by sharing personal experiences to encourage positive behavior changes.
Coach members to develop and implement strategies to reduce risks related to identified health conditions and behaviors.
Connect members with programs that address barriers to care and support compliance.
Link members to local, county, and state services and resources.
Follow up with members and advocate for them, including delivering medications and other supplies as needed.
Conduct regular outreach to patients at the Navigation Center and, as needed, to offsite patients to support their 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 organization- and health-plan-specific documentation on time, including patient touchpoints 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 the Healthcare in Action electronic health record system.
Work under a Social Worker's supervision to ensure appropriate case escalation and care coordination.
Support achievement of Healthcare in Action's vision and goals, particularly housing placement for unsheltered members.
Perform other duties as assigned.