The Program Service Specialist (Patient Navigator) functions as a healthcare advocate performing various patient care activities including social service coordination in clinics. He/she/they is responsible for providing outreach, education, and social support in clinical settings as outlined in specific programs.
Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for patient outreach for preventive or chronic care services including navigation of health care system.
• Identifies barriers for patients using Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screening and works with care team to provide resources and support.
• Assist patient in overcoming obstacles that would prevent them from receiving quality of care.
• Identify resources for clients to overcome barriers to care, such as transportation, housing, and childcare arrangements.
• Remain aware of current services offered by service providers, such as mental health, housing, and employment assistance
• Provide basic instruction/health education to clarify provider instructions, procedures, and referral needs.
• Patient Needs Focus: Recognizes needs, physical characteristics, and behavior of a variety of age groups and special needs of patients.
• Navigate clients through the healthcare system to determine the insurance status, need of each client, and navigate them through the health system accordingly.
• Schedule patient appointments via the practice management system or other system as indicated.
• Liaison between the institution or agency and the individuals served; refer patients to support services when needed and follow up on referrals; and assist participants in utilizing referral services.
• Create and develop resource materials and the preparation and maintenance of records and data.
• Complete all required reports to document activities and provide data to measure impact.
• Uses motivational interviewing techniques and the stages of change model. Builds a trustful relationship with patients.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects and assignments as assigned.