Patient Navigator Jobs in Connecticut

INTRODUCTION

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

The Project Access-New Haven (PA-NH) patient navigator reports to the RN navigation manager and works closely with PA-NH navigation team and other PA-NH staff. In collaboration with the team, the patient navigator coordinates medical care and services, and removes barriers to care, for low income, uninsured and underinsured patients. The patient navigator provides culturally, and linguistically appropriate services aimed at facilitating access to needed medical care in a timely manner. They work closely with the patient's care team and key collaborative teams across YNHHS, NEMG, Yale Medicine, and community-based providers/resources. Responsibilities include evaluating patients referred for enrollment, referring ineligible patients to other sources of medical support, coordinating medical appointments and ancillary services for enrolled patients, coordinating the application process for prescription assistance, reminding patients of appointments, coordinating nonclinical services, and maintaining appropriate documentation of patient contact and services provided.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Responsibilities:

• Facilitates access to medical care and services for underserved patients
• Approaches patients, conducts screenings and enrolls eligible patients in patient navigation program carefully explaining to the patient their commitment to the program.
• Establishes rapport with patients, family members, and caregivers.
• Provides referrals to other local agencies as appropriate.
• Demonstrates comfort working with patients around issues of healthcare access and clinical adherence.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication with patients (in English and Spanish) as well as department staff, healthcare providers, health system staff, and community partners.

• Demonstrates ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work under time pressure, prioritizing tasks to improve patient care and enhance work efficiency.

• Provides patient navigation services to patients enrolled in PA-NH program

• Schedules/coordinates patient appointments as necessary with PA-NH RN navigation manager.
• Connects patients to appropriate care using a multidimensional approach that fits with the patients' level of need/complexity of barriers and the patients' treatment goals (as established by licensed professionals).
• Provides patient reminder and follow up calls for appointments and maintains regular communication with patient throughout the course of their participation in the program.
• Assists patients with referrals for transportation services to appointments as necessary.
• Assists with the coordination of interpreter services for patient appointments as appropriate.
• Provides information on discount prescription services.

• Builds and maintains trusted working relations with clients, healthcare providers, and agency representatives.

• Maintains accurate patient records and processes client records appropriately.

• Demonstrates computer proficiency, including use of electronic medical records, data management, and communication tools. Maintains patient records securely.
• Documents all client interactions in electronic database with accurate notes indicating interactions with patients, healthcare providers, and hospital staff.
• Works collaboratively with other patient navigators to ensure that each patient receives comprehensive services from PA-NH.
• Prioritizes daily work with the help of an electronic patient tracking system.
• Conducts financial reevaluation of patients as appropriate during enrollment in PA-NH.

• Meets with patient (face-to-face or virtual) for reevaluation process every 6 months as appropriate while enrolled in PA-NH.

• Participates in PA-NH required meetings and trainings.

• Participates in and contributes to staff meetings and team meetings (huddle) to discuss workload and triage any other current or upcoming work items.
• Provides assistance to administrative personnel in the department and trains other staff.
• Performs other duties as directed by the RN navigation manager, lead staff, and executive director.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's or associate degree in health and/or human services or related field preferred. High School diploma or GED required.

EXPERIENCE: Any years of experience in healthcare or human services preferred (but not required) with a bachelor's degree.
- 2 years of experience in healthcare or human services is required with an associate degree.
- 3 years of experience in healthcare or human services is required with a high school diploma.

LICENSURE: Completion of Bilingual Competency Test required within 6 months of hire. Completion of Community Health Worker Certification required within 12 months of hire.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

- Bilingual Spanish required.
- Ability to work independently with support and supervision from RN navigation manager.
- Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others, including patients and families, staff, health care providers, and community partners.
- Sensitivity and responsiveness to varying cultural characteristics and beliefs.
- Interest in serving the community by helping patients access medical care and services.
- Ability to identify resources that will best serve each patient's needs.
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills that reflect professional, appropriate, effective, and tactful approaches to interacting with patients, family members, department staff, non-department staff, healthcare providers, and staff at community resources.
- Excellent discretion and professionalism regarding sensitive and private issues.
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
- Ability to comply with dress code and to always act professionally.
- High level of self-motivation and desire to problem solve.
- Desire to learn and grow both personally and professionally.