| Description: |
Job Description: ED Navigator
Reports To: ED Clinical Director and AVP Administration
Status: Full-Time, Hospital-Based
Summary
The ED Navigator serves as a bridge between the Emergency Department (ED) and outpatient services, providing coaching, advocacy, and coordination to ensure successful transitions of care. The ED Navigator also facilitates patient access to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health conditions. This role focuses on low-threshold access to Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) and comprehensive discharge planning.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Patient Identification and Assessment
-
Identify patients with SUD or co-occurring mental health disorders in the ED and inpatient units by monitoring patient tracking systems and receiving clinician referrals.
-
Conduct initial brief assessments and interventions using standardized tools to determine patient needs.
-
Assist in the coordination of care in close collaboration with clinicians in patient evaluation and treatment.
-
Establish rapport and build positive relationships with patients, including those from marginalized or underserved populations.
2. Treatment Engagement
-
Facilitate the initiation of MAT in collaboration with hospital clinicians.
-
Use motivational interviewing techniques to communicate with patients in a respectful, non-judgmental, and culturally appropriate manner.
-
Educate patients and families on treatment options, withdrawal symptoms, and long-term recovery strategies.
-
Advocate for the use of non-stigmatizing language and evidence-based care standards throughout the facility.
3. Discharge Planning and Follow-Up
-
Develop discharge plans that address social determinants of health, including insurance coverage, transportation, and cost barriers for medications.
-
Schedule follow-up appointments at MAT-capable clinics and facilitate referrals to primary care, mental health services, and residential treatment facilities.
-
Maintain contact with patients post-discharge to remind them of appointments and help navigate obstacles to continued care.
-
Work with hospital staff to set up a robust system for ensuring patient referral and follow-up outside of the EDN’s regular hours.
4. Documentation and Data Management
-
Enter all patient encounter data and discharge plans into the electronic health record (EHR) according to hospital protocols.
-
Track and report program metrics, such as the number of patients served, successful referrals, and treatment initiations.
5. Community Outreach
-
Build and maintain a network of community service providers to address the diverse needs of patients.
-
Utilize community resources to assist patients in achieving optimum level of functioning - socially, physically and psychologically.
-
Conduct outreach to local community organizations, shelters, and support programs to build trust and increase awareness of available hospital services.
Qualifications
-
Communication:Ability to communicate with diverse patient populations clearly, respectfully, and positively.
-
Education/Experience:Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related Human Services field; or 2+ years of experience as a Community Health Worker. Certification: Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification preferred or in progress.
-
Knowledge:Strong understanding of SUD as a medical condition and familiarity with evidence-based treatments like MAT.
-
Technical Skills:Proficiency in using computers and electronic health record systems.
Hourly Range $21 to $25
Benefits
|