Peer Navigator, Street Medicine (Compton/Gardena, CA)

Healthcare in Action • Long Beach, CA

7d • $22 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

Healthcare in Action provides care to people experiencing homelessness through street medicine, using medically equipped vans to deliver services directly in places 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 Compton/Gardena, California. The role promotes health outcomes through education, peer support, housing and resource navigation, and shared experiences. It is a patient-facing field position, scheduled full-time Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with travel of 50% or more. The employee may occasionally drive the medically equipped van and works under the supervision of a Social Worker to escalate cases and coordinate care. Employees may be eligible for differential pay.

Healthcare in Action was established in 2021 as a 501(c)(3) organization and associated medical group. Its mobile clinics and teams provide holistic care where people experiencing homelessness reside, including tents, cars, shelters, and temporary housing. The organization’s mission is to improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness through quality holistic care, and its vision is that everyone experiencing homelessness has access to healthcare addressing mental, social, and physical health needs.

Requirements

• GED or high school education and at least 3 years of relevant work experience; a comparable combination of education, experience, and/or training may be considered equivalent.
• 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.
• Relevant experience in similar community settings, including work with disadvantaged groups or outreach, may be considered.
• 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 using multiple systems such as online timesheets and call center software.
• For travel of 50% or more: valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, reliable transportation, and a clean driving record.
• If selected, provide 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.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree with 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with 1–2 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience with HMIS/Coordinated Entry System.

Responsibilities

• Build rapport with members by sharing relevant personal experiences to encourage positive behavior changes.
• Coach members to develop and implement strategies that reduce risks related to identified health conditions and behaviors.
• Connect members with programs that address barriers to care and improve compliance.
• Link members to local, county, and state services and resources.
• Follow up with members and advocate on their behalf, including delivering medications and other supplies as needed.
• Coordinate or accompany members to medical and social services appointments outside the street medicine unit.
• 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 risks, and Plan of Care updates after each street medicine encounter.
• 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 based on member acuity using Healthcare in Action’s electronic health record system.
• Work under Social Worker supervision to ensure appropriate case escalation and coordination of care.
• Support Healthcare in Action’s vision and goals, particularly housing placement for unsheltered members.
• Occasionally drive the medically equipped van.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual employee bonus program.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off.
• 11 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Employee recognition program.
• Wellness program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Eligible employees may receive differential pay.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED