Substance Use Navigator

Tahoe Forest Health System•Truckee, CA

7d•$31

About The Position

The Navigator is an integral team member of a statewide initiative to improve access for addiction treatment at Tahoe Forest Hospital. Navigators conduct initial brief assessments, introduce/reconnect patients to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs and services, expedite appointments at MAT clinics, serve as the primary coach for their clients, and maintain ongoing contact and support with their patient panel. They also assist with access to other services such as financial counseling, primary care, mental health services, social services, and residential treatment facilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a related field and 1-2 years relevant experience

Nice To Haves

One to three years' experience with Substance Use Disorder programs.
Nonjudgmental, energetic, positive approach to assisting patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
Understanding of SUD as a medical condition and the role in treatment and harm reduction.
Interest/proficiency in working with individuals recently released from incarceration, homeless individuals and other marginalized populations.
Able to interact with patients in a culturally relatable manner. Any additional ability to communicate in languages spoken in local community such as Spanish, etc. helpful.
Preference for applicants with connections to, and reflecting the diversity of, the local community.
Respect for patient confidentiality and privacy.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Serves as a member of the Emergency Department (ED) and the Medication Assisted Treatment program.
Performs Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation appropriate to ED settings.
Completes Mental Status Exam.
Maintains knowledge in a variety of substance-use treatment models, patterns of substance use, effects of intoxicants and withdrawal of various substances.
Maintains knowledge of local and regional substance-use treatment options and local harm reduction services.
Initiates, develops and maintains constructive relationships with TFHD MAT.
Schedules follow up appointments, offers additional resources, networks to help achieve sustained access to care.
Establishes relationship with patient and communicates via telephone, texting, and/or email to remind patients of appointments, help patients navigate any obstacles to follow up treatment, and provide encouragement.
Supports patient to access the most optimal level of care available. If patient from out of county and needs to access MAT in their home county, assists to connect with local resources in their home county.
Communicates and interacts with patients in a culturally competent and relatable way.
Maintains updated, in-depth knowledge of local and regional Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD) treatment programs including capacity, insurance requirements, and additional services provided at local and regional programs (benefits assistance, housing assistance, mental health, primary care, etc.).
Follows up with PHQ 9, GAD7 and SBIRT screening tool results and provides counseling services and/or refers to appropriate clinical specialist.
Participates in team consultations; helps to direct goals of care discussions; symptom assessment; and helps to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Works with the primary care provider to refer cases to mental health specialists as appropriate.
Assists in the detection of at-risk patients and development of plans to prevent further psychological or physical deterioration.
Serves as liaison with the health system and other outpatient services to ensure care coordination and appropriate assignments and resource allocation to meet patient needs throughout the continuum of care related to Behavioral Health.
Assists in the prevention of relapse and assists in the process of suicide prevention.
Provides education to patients, families and staff about care, prevention and treatment enhancement techniques.
Attends and participates in meetings and quality improvement activities as required.
Serves as a member of committees as requested.
Develops positive working relationships with ED, Behavioral Health staff and community agencies.
Assesses and addresses any barriers to attending follow up appointments (transportation, contact phone # availability for appointment reminders, shelter needs, etc).
Arranges transportation to nearby residential treatment facilities and partner programs.
Assists with navigating barriers to patients obtaining buprenorphine prescription from pharmacy (insurance status, copay expense, cost differences between formulations, etc).
Routinely assists patients by having the patient and/or pharmacist call from the pharmacy to sort out encountered insurance barriers in real time.
After discharge from ED +/- Inpatient, on the day prior to follow up appointment, contacts patients to remind them of their follow up appointment.
Engages in California Bridge coaching calls, navigator trainings and/or other educational trainings and programs.
Furthers the mission of the organization through active support of the strategic goals.
Participates in the collection of data, health outcomes reporting, and clinical audits.
Pursues professional growth and demonstrates professional behavior in all interactions.
Adheres to patient care standards and follows Hospital policies and procedures.
Demonstrates System Values in performance and behavior.
Complies with System policies and procedures.
Other duties as may be assigned.