Substance Abuse Navigator

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

4d•$20 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Substance Use Navigator (SUN) is a core member of a collaborative care team and builds relationships with patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) to facilitate their connection to and continued engagement in medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) care. The role includes outreach to patients throughout Penn Health System, people recently released from incarceration, and other community members with substance use disorders. The SUN engages and enrolls patients in the Penn Link program, supports enrollment in outpatient MOUD care, and provides follow-up in the community. The SUN manages a caseload, provides recovery education, helps patients identify their recovery goals, strengths, interests, and barriers to care, and links them with appropriate resources. The role involves coordinating with patients, agency staff, clinicians, and other stakeholders; maintaining knowledge of regional treatment and community resources; and supporting transitions from emergency department or inpatient care to ongoing treatment. Patient contacts may be in person, by phone, text, or email. The SUN documents encounters and related information in electronic medical records, tracking sheets, REDCap, and SAMHSA-required data systems. The position is full-time and in person, and is contingent upon funding.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED, a Bachelor of Science, and 5 to 7 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Nonjudgmental, positive approach to assisting patients with substance use disorder.
Understanding of substance use disorder as a medical condition and of the role of MOUD in treatment and harm reduction.
Ability to interact with patients in a culturally relatable manner.
Respect for patient confidentiality and privacy.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Computer literacy, ability to use computer information systems, and knowledge of word processing.
Ability to establish detailed implementation plans, work standards, and accountabilities.
Leadership, team-building, and diplomacy skills.

Nice To Haves

Certified Recovery Specialist credential.
Experience or proficiency working with people recently released from incarceration, people experiencing homelessness, and other marginalized populations.
Connections to, and representation of, the diversity of the local community.

Responsibilities

Establish rapport with patients with OUD and engage and enroll them in the Penn Link program.
Facilitate enrollment in outpatient MOUD care and connect patients with appropriate treatment providers, respecting patient preferences.
Manage a caseload and provide recovery education and ongoing community follow-up to support sustained engagement in care.
Maintain contact with patients in person, by telephone, text, or email to remind them of appointments, encourage them, and help resolve obstacles to follow-up treatment.
Help patients identify personal interests, goals, strengths, and areas of need related to recovery, and connect them with relevant resources.
Identify barriers to accessing care and recovery activities and develop strategies to address them, engaging social services when needed.
Support transitions from emergency department and/or inpatient care through targeted follow-up to ensure continued MOUD care.
Maintain current knowledge of local and regional SUD treatment programs, including capacity, insurance requirements, and available services.
Schedule follow-up appointments, offer additional resources, and network to support sustained access to care.
Conduct weekly to biweekly community outreach to find patients who have been lost to care.
Conduct biweekly home visits to deliver food to program participants.
Update and expand Penn and community resources, including recovery, educational, vocational, social, cultural, spiritual, mutual self-help, and professional services.
Document patient encounters and related information accurately and promptly in tracking sheets, electronic medical records, REDCap, and SAMHSA-required data systems.
Perform other duties as needed to respond to departmental needs.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn, and for dependent children at other institutions.
Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans.
Substantial time away from work.
Long-term care insurance.
Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
Professional and personal development resources.
Access to University resources, libraries, athletic facilities, cultural activities, and recreational activities.
Discounts and special services, including arts and entertainment, transportation, and other goods and services.
Flexible work options.
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia.
Adoption assistance for eligible expenses.