POSITION: PATIENT NAVIGATOR/MEDICAL ASSISTANT

REPORTS TO: Director of Population Health

STATUS: The position is part-time or full-time, non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction & supervision of the Director of Population Health, theMA/Patient Navigator is responsible for conducting patient outreach & orientation for individual patients, families & groups, assisting patients to complete health assessment, care plans, self & risk assessments & entering results into the electronic health record (EHR), representing Indian Health Center (IHCSCV) at health fairs & community events, assisting with clinic & community based health education & health screening, promoting & encouraging positive health behaviors, & assisting patients at IHC to access health & social services. He/she will participate in organizational improvement activities as needed. This position includes working & collaborating with other team members of the patient navigator & clinical staff as well as other community based organizations & performing other activities as requested. The IHCSCV is a Patient Centered Health Home and all employees are an integral part of this model of care delivery.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the enrollment of eligible clients in chronic disease case management programs such as Diabetes, Hypertension, etc. Provides clinically necessary services to adults and their families, including evaluation, assessment, crisis intervention, resource and plan development, case management, after- care planning services.
• Conduct telephone outreach and education to patients at IHCSCV to close care gaps and improve health maintenance for established patients.
• Inform patients on how to access IHC services, patients’ rights and responsibilities.
• Complete health history forms, care plans and self assessment forms for patients who do not have one on file and enter health histories in EHR
• Tally patient enrollments/ risk assessment data and enter into EHR
• Provide information and referrals regarding outside health and social services support
• Represent IHC publicly at community events, health fairs and organizational meeting settings
• Liaise with health care providers, social service providers, and peers to connect patients with services, establish new services and programs, and arrange for community presentations and events
• Promote and Encourage positive health behaviors and lifestyles by utilizing behavior change strategies in group and individual settings
• Serve as a role model and mentor for patients and peers, perform community and clinic based health intervention, and advocate for health and social service needs
• Translate & Interpret, use the knowledge of language, cultural practices & beliefs to support patients in a manner that is culturally & linguistically appropriate & assist other health professionals to provide culturally sensitive care
• Communicate effectively in a manner that promotes trust and cooperation
• Participate and attend IHC and community meetings as assigned
• Document and maintain a complete record of work performed, statistics, assessments, and correspondence with patients, community organizations, and professionals
• Schedule weekly meetings with the direct Supervisor and other team member and other staff to report and review program progress
• Performs back office Point of Care testing for HbA1C, Lipis, UA, DRS and foot exams
• Vitals: BP, HR, RR, Temp.
• Complies with HIPAA & Confidentiality policies
• Assists with reporting and statistics data gathering as needed.
  • Participate as a proactive representative of the Patient Centered Health Home
  • Perform duties utilizing the Team-Based Approach
• Other Duties and projects as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit, stand and walk for extensive periods of time
• Manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination for nursing care
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds
• Ability to stoop, squat, or bend frequently
• Corrected vision and hearing within normal range to observe and communicate with patients and professional staff

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to all patient elements, including communicable disease and blood borne pathogens. Will be working in a fast paced medical environment which can be stressful and constantly changing conditions. Normal working hours are from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm with one hour for lunch. However, working hours may vary depending upon need. Will need to be flexible in performing tasks with limited discretion in making judgment decisions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Requires a high school diploma or GED
• Prior experience working in a similar medical position or customer service related position with at least one year working experience
• Fluent in English and Spanish (ability to read, write, and speak) required
• Previous knowledge of office practices and procedures in the medical field preferred
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions
• Flexibility, initiative, reliability, and creativity
• Excellent customer service skills required
• Familiarity with medical computer software and data entry
• Experience using Microsoft Office software packages (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of & ability to work with the American Indian community & other minority populations
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to function independently and as a team member within diverse environments as well as with a diverse staff composition
• Demonstrated ability to perform multiple administrative functions simultaneously in an accurate, organized, & efficient manner. Ability to multitask & thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment
• Ability to carry out all responsibilities in an honest, ethical & professional manner and demonstrate good judgment
• Ability to type a minimum of 20 WPM preferred will need to bring verification or take a typing test on site
• Possession of a valid California Driver License, automobile insurance, and a clean driving record
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

Preference is given to qualified American Indian/Alaskan Natives in accordance with the American Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code Section 472, 473 and 473a). In other than above, the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Approvals/Acknowledgements