Organization:

SSRRH-Sutter Santa Rosa Reg Hospital

Job Shift:

Days

Employee Status:

Non-RightSourcing (Interim Leadership, Strike, Special Projects)

Shift Hours:

8

Schedule:

Full Time

Weekly Hours:

40

Position Overview:

The Patient Navigator is a care coordinator and an integral team member to improve access to treatment of patients with substance use disorder, mental health disorder(s), or co-occurring disorders. Navigators conduct brief initial assessments, introduce patients to substance use and/or behavioral health treatment programs and services and pursue expedited appointments at substance use and/or behavioral health treatment programs.

Job Description:

Job Overview

• Available scheduled hours, for example M-F 9a-5p to approach patients once acutely stabilized to discuss treatment options and develop realistic individualized action plans for the patients.
• Develops robust referral mechanism for after-hours (evening/weekend) to ensure follow up with patients on next scheduled workday.
• Become versed in:
  • Variety of substance use disorder, mental health disorder(s), or co-occurring disorders treatment models and best practices including medication assisted treatment (MAT), drug replacement therapy (DRT), harm reduction, mental health recovery-model, etc.
  • Trajectory of substance use disorder, mental health disorder(s), or co-occurring disorders and their effect on Social Determinants of Health
  • Knowledge of local and regional substance use treatment options and local harm reduction services
  • Insurance benefits and exclusions related to treatment
• Initiate, develop and maintain constructive relationships with community providers serving patients with substance use disorder, mental health disorder(s), or co-occurring disorders.
• Schedule follow up appointments, offers additional resources, networks to help achieve sustained access to care.
• Establish relationship with patient and communicate via telephone, texting, and/or email to remind patients of appointments, help patients navigate any obstacles to follow up treatment, and provide encouragement.
• Support patient to access the most optimal level of care available. If patient from out of county and needs to access SUD or MH treatment, assist to connect with local resources in their home county.

Responsibilities, Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, and Duties

• Communicate with hospital staff daily; work in direct conjunction with the hospital staff in providing bedside support for patients and/or de-escalating crises, as directed.

• Monitor the ED and inpatient patient tracking systems and/or collaborate with ED and inpatient Social Workers in order to identify patients needing navigation services
• Identify current PMD and behavioral health providers, if any. Work to connect patient with existing treatment available at current PMD and/or behavioral health location if available, unless patient prefers an alternate substance use disorder, mental health disorder(s), or co-occurring disorder treatment program(s) location.
  • Identify primary medical home if not secured.
• Maintain updated, in-depth knowledge and record of local and regional inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for patients with substance use disorder, mental health disorders, or co-occurring disorders, including:
  • Capacity, insurance requirements, and additional services provided at local and regional programs (benefits assistance, housing assistance, mental health, primary care, etc.).
• Develop positive working relationships with hospital staff and community agencies.
• Assess and address any barriers to attending follow up appointments (transportation, contact phone # availability for appt reminders, shelter needs, etc). Engage social services to assist with any of these issues as needed.
• Arrange one-time or ongoing transportation to treatment programs, as needed.
• Assist with navigating barriers to patients obtaining medications 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, contact patients to remind them of their follow up appt.
• Ability to use computer information systems, computer literacy, and knowledge of word processing

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate and interact with patients in a culturally competent and relatable way; additional ability to communicate in languages spoken in local community such as Spanish, Tagalog, Hmong, etc., is helpful.
• Non-judgmental, energetic, positive approach to assisting patients with substance use disorder, mental health disorders, or co-occurring disorders, and understanding them as medical conditions
• Interest/proficiency in working with individuals recently released from incarceration, homeless individuals and other marginalized populations
• 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
• Associate Degree required.

• CADC (Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor) preferred.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology or Counseling preferred

Pay Range: $35 P/HR

The salary range for this role may vary above or below the posted range as determined by location. This range has not been adjusted for any specific geographic differential applicable by area where the position may be filled. Compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Base pay is just one piece of the total rewards program offered by Sutter Health. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits:

Yes

Days of the Week:

Friday, Monday, Thursday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Weekend Requirements:

None

Unions:

No

Position Status:

Non-Exempt

Number of Openings:

1

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.