Substance Use Navigator- Emergency Dept- St. Bernard

Ochsner Clinic Foundation•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

The Substance Use Navigator (SUN) serves as a front-line resource in the Emergency Department, engaging patients with substance use disorders through compassionate, nonjudgmental support. The role facilitates rapid linkage to treatment, harm reduction services, and community-based resources to improve patient outcomes and reduce repeat Emergency Department utilization. The SUN may use lived experience with substance use and recovery, when appropriate, to build trust, reduce stigma, and help patients navigate treatment and recovery pathways. The position works with ED clinicians, social workers, case managers, behavioral health teams, treatment providers, peer support services, and community organizations. It includes bedside engagement, screening and brief intervention, referrals and warm handoffs, documentation, follow-up outreach, and tracking program outcomes. Variable shifts, including overnights, weekends, and holidays, may be required to support Emergency Department operations. The position is based in a patient-care environment and involves direct patient interaction and routine exposure to blood, body fluids, and tissue, as well as occupational risk of exposure to communicable diseases and potentially hazardous medications or waste. The physical classification is Light Work, involving exertion of up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year of experience in healthcare, behavioral health, social services, community outreach, or a related area.
Commitment to patient-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care.
Ability to engage diverse patient populations in high-stress environments.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and motivational interviewing skills.
Knowledge of substance use disorder, recovery principles, and harm reduction strategies.
Ability to maintain working relationships with community treatment providers, recovery organizations, and social service agencies to support timely patient linkage.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Proficiency with electronic health records, basic computer applications, and accurate documentation workflows.
Ability to recognize safety concerns and escalate behavioral health, intoxication, withdrawal, or crisis situations according to department protocols.
Emotional resilience and ability to manage challenging or emotionally charged situations.
Ability to meet Light Work physical demands, including exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.
Ability to work variable shifts, including overnights, weekends, and holidays, may be required.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree or college diploma in Social Services, Behavioral Health, Public Health, or a related field.
Bachelor's degree in Social Services, Behavioral Health, Public Health, or a related field.
Personal lived experience of substance use and sustained recovery, or experience supporting a loved one; ability to use lived experience appropriately in a professional clinical setting.
Experience in an Emergency Department, crisis, behavioral health, addiction treatment, community outreach, peer support, or case management setting.
Familiarity with medication-assisted treatment or medications for opioid use disorder referral pathways.
Experience working with populations experiencing homelessness, behavioral health conditions, justice involvement, or other social needs.
Certified Peer Support Specialist or Peer Recovery Specialist certification.
Community Health Worker (CHW) certification.
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) training.
Crisis prevention and de-escalation training.

Responsibilities

Engage Emergency Department patients identified with substance use concerns using trauma-informed, person-centered approaches.
Establish rapport and build trust with patients, including those in crisis or ambivalent about treatment.
Conduct Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) activities.
Educate patients and families about substance use disorder, harm reduction strategies, and available treatment options.
Facilitate real-time referrals and warm handoffs to inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, medication-assisted treatment providers, peer support and recovery services, and community and social support resources.
Coordinate with ED clinicians, social workers, case managers, and behavioral health teams to support care plans.
Document patient interactions and referrals accurately in the electronic health record.
Assist with follow-up outreach, including phone calls and care coordination, to support continuity of care after discharge.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case reviews, and program improvement efforts.
Maintain current knowledge of substance use treatment resources, community programs, and regulatory requirements.
Support tracking of referral completion, warm handoff outcomes, follow-up contact attempts, treatment linkage, and repeat ED utilization metrics as required by program leadership.
Comply with applicable policies, standards, laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements; report known or suspected compliance, privacy, or safety concerns.
Perform other duties as assigned.