Substance Use Navigator - EJGH

LCMC Health•Metairie, LA

About The Position

The Substance Use Navigator (SUN) plays a critical role in identifying, engaging, and supporting patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), including opioid use disorder (OUD), within the hospital setting. The SUN provides patient-centered navigation services that promote low-threshold access to medication for addiction treatment (MAT), harm-reduction strategies, and timely linkage to ongoing outpatient care and community-based services. Working primarily in the emergency department, the Substance Use Navigator collaborates closely with physicians, nursing, social work, behavioral health, and community partners to ensure patients receive evidence-based, non-judgmental care and seamless transitions across the continuum. The SUN serves as a trusted resource and coach for patients, helping them overcome barriers to treatment, navigate complex healthcare and social service systems, and engage in ongoing recovery-oriented care. The Substance Use Navigator also plays a key role in advancing organizational culture change by promoting stigma-free, harm-reduction–oriented approaches to substance use, supporting hospital workflows for referral and follow-up, and strengthening relationships with MAT providers and community organizations. The SUN contributes to improved patient outcomes, reduced barriers to treatment access, and alignment with organizational quality, safety, and population health goals. This position requires strong interpersonal skills, cultural humility, and the ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing acute substance use, mental health crises, homelessness, or other social vulnerabilities. The role demands flexibility, independence, and collaboration within a fast-paced clinical environment.

Requirements

Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with individuals with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, or other vulnerable populations in a healthcare, community-based, or social services setting.
High school diploma or GED required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in an emergency department, inpatient hospital setting, community outreach, harm-reduction program, or MAT program preferred.
Experience coordinating care, navigating health systems, or providing patient navigation or case management services is preferred.
Lived experience with substance use recovery or close community experience may be considered in lieu of formal experience, where appropriate.
Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, human services, nursing, or a related field is preferred.
Community health worker or peer support specialist training is preferred.
Community health worker or peer support specialist training certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with identification of patients with SUD or co-occurring mental health disorders in the emergency department (ED) by monitoring patient tracking systems to screen for eligible patients and checking in with clinicians and nursing staff to receive referrals of eligible patients.
Establish a positive relationship with patients struggling with drug use or co-occurring mental health disorders. This may include initial patient assessments and brief interventions using standardized tools.
Advocate for a culture of low threshold access to MAT for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) that includes signage or materials inviting patients to seek help for substance use in prominent areas of the ED and hospital.
Facilitate initiation of MAT with hospital clinicians and collaborate with ED Clinical Champion on continuous quality improvement projects.
Use motivational interviewing techniques to communicate with patients in a respectful, culturally appropriate, non-judgmental manner.
Maintain up-to-date information about the effects of various substances, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options to effectively educate and counsel patients.
Promote harm-reduction strategies based on patients’ goals, preferences, and life circumstances.
Engage patients with co-occurring mental health disorders and help them access treatment.
Help patients overcome barriers to filling prescriptions for MAT (e.g., insurance status, copay expense, cost differences between formulations, etc.)
Develop expertise in insurance benefits and exclusions related to treatment.
Schedule appointments at MAT-capable clinics for ongoing treatment and address access barriers by assisting with transportation, retrieving medical records, providing cell phones, or other supports as determined by patient needs and community resources.
Establish a relationship with patients and communicate via telephone, text, and/or email to remind patients of appointments, help navigate obstacles to follow-up treatment, and provide encouragement.
Collaborate with Social Work to assist patients with referrals to other services, such as mental health services, shelter, primary care, social services, and residential treatment facilities.
Assist out-of-area patients to access MAT and other services in their home area.
Advocate for a harm-reduction approach to patients who use drugs within the hospital and community to reinforce evidence-based, non-judgmental approaches so that patients who use drugs get the same care as patients who do not use drugs.
Promote the use of non-stigmatizing language by hospital staff when referring to people who use drugs.
Develop connections with a comprehensive array of community service providers to address the needs of people with SUD or co-occurring mental health disorders.