Substance Use Navigator

Loretto Hospital•Chicago, IL

52d•$30 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director, Emergency Department, the Substance Use Disorder Navigator (SUN) serves as a key member of the care team, providing direct support to individuals affected by substance use. The Navigator helps patients access appropriate treatment, recovery, and community resources while reducing barriers to care. This role focuses on engagement, education, coordination, and advocacy to promote sustained recovery and improve health outcomes by focusing on access to MAT (medication for addiction treatment), facilitating appointments and serving as a resource and coach for their clients.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
A minimum of 1 year of direct patient care experience in substance use disorder, behavioral health, care coordination, or case management
Knowledge of substance use disorders recovery principles, and harm reduction practices
Familiarity with local treatment systems, community resources, and public benefits
Current CPR certification with the American Heart Association or American Red Cross is required.
Experience with an EHR System, Meditech Expanse Preferred
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or above preferred
Experience as social worker or case manager
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), or equivalent licensure preferred
Candidates should plan to obtain certification as a community health worker

Responsibilities

Assist in identification of patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) or co-occurring mental health disorders in the emergency department and, where feasible, within inpatient units by monitoring patient tracking systems to screen for eligible patients and checking in with clinician and nursing staff to receive referrals for eligible
Conduct screenings and assessments to identify substance use concerns and determine appropriate levels of care
Engage patients in a nonjudgmental, trauma-informed manner to build trust and support readiness for change
Provide education on substance use disorders, treatment options, harm reduction strategies, and recovery supports
Assists clients in navigating healthcare systems, behavioral health services, and social service programs (e.g., housing, employment, insurance)
Coordinate referrals and facilitate warm hand-offs to treatment providers and community resources
Follow up regularly with clients to endure linkage to care and continued engagement in treatment or recovery programs
Develop connections with a comprehensive array of community service providers to address the needs of people with SUD or co-occurring mental health disorders
Document all encounters and interventions in the electronic health record (EHR)
Track and report outcomes, service utilization, and programs metrics as required
Report as required, aggregate monthly counts of targeted metrics, such as number of patients served, buprenorphine administrations, prescriptions, referrals to care, etc.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including physicians, social worlds, crisis workers, case management or recovery programs
Participate in team meetings, training, and quality improvement initiatives
Understands and adheres to Loretto Hospital’s compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy.
Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state, and Hospital regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.