Substance Use Navigator

Willis Knighton Health • Shreveport, LA

22d

About The Position

The Substance Use Navigator (SUN) provides patient-centered navigation and care coordination for individuals experiencing substance-use disorders (SUDs), including opioid use disorders (OUD). The role focuses on low-threshold access to evidence-based treatment, including medication for addiction treatment (MAT), harm-reduction strategies, and rapid connections to outpatient and community-based services.

Working primarily in the Emergency Department (ED) and Labor & Delivery (L&D), and collaborating with Network Clinic managers as needed, the SUN identifies and engages patients with substance-use needs, conducts brief assessments and interventions, facilitates MAT initiation and continuation, and helps patients overcome barriers to care. The SUN works closely with physicians, nursing staff, social work, behavioral health, and community partners to support seamless transitions across the continuum of care.

The SUN also promotes stigma-free, harm-reduction-oriented practices within the hospital and contributes to system-level improvements that enhance access, quality, and equity in substance-use care.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least two years of experience working with individuals with substance-use disorders, mental health conditions, or other vulnerable populations in healthcare, community-based, or social service settings.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor's degree in social work, public health, nursing, human services, or a related field.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) or Peer Support Specialist certification, or willingness to obtain certification within a specified timeframe.
• Experience in an emergency department, inpatient hospital environment, community outreach, harm-reduction program, MAT program, or patient navigation role.
• Lived experience with substance-use recovery or close community experience may be considered in lieu of formal experience, where appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Identify and engage patients with substance-use needs, including in the Emergency Department and Labor & Delivery.
• Provide patient-centered navigation and care coordination.
• Conduct brief assessments and interventions.
• Facilitate initiation and continuation of medication for addiction treatment (MAT).
• Help patients overcome barriers to care and rapidly connect them with outpatient and community-based services.
• Coordinate with physicians, nursing staff, social work, behavioral health, community partners, and Network Clinic managers as needed to support transitions across the continuum of care.
• Promote stigma-free, harm-reduction-oriented practices within the hospital environment.
• Contribute to system-level improvements in access, quality, and equity in substance-use care.

What This Job Offers

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