The Health Navigator (HN) provides comprehensive care coordination of patients as assigned. The HN assesses the patient’s plan of care and develops, implements, monitors and documents the utilization of resources and progress of the patient through their care, facilitating options and services to meet the patient’s health care needs at either our La Clinica or Downtown Location. The intensity of care coordination provided is situational and delivered as appropriate based on patient need. This position also identifies/resolves barriers which may hinder effective patient care. This position has responsibility to determine how to best accomplish functions within established procedures, coordinating with the Health Navigation Supervisor on any unusual situations. The person filling this role must be flexible, creative and have an understanding of marginalized populations, the unique health conditions affecting them and the social context in which they develop.

Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Manages patients across the health care continuum to achieve efficient clinical, financial, operational, and satisfaction outcomes.
• Acts as one point of contact for patients, physicians and care providers as a key member of the clinical home.
• Collaborates with health care team partners and patients/family to manage the patient care plan.
• Actively supervises clinical outcomes and participates in care plan management.
• Identifies barriers to patients achieving health goals.
• Identifies interventions and resources to assist patients reaching personal health related goals.
• Empowers patients to attain their health goals and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Conducts needs assessments of assigned patients on a regular basis.
• Participates in special projects to support MCC integrated health partnerships.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skill in exercising initiative, judgment, independent problem-solving, and decision making.
• High standard of ethics in upholding patient’s rights.
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Ability to work with and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people and cultures.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clinical and administrative employees.
• Working knowledge of the Twin Cities community resources, state and county resources, and health system navigation.
• Experience working with an Electronic Medical Record (EMR), like Athena Health or EPIC.
• Proficiency with computers, tablets, cellular phones, Microsoft Office, basic knowledge of Microsoft Teams, Outlook or similar applications

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This job operates in a healthcare setting between multiple clinical sites. This role will frequently come into contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses. This position is active and requires standing, and/or walking, bending, kneeling, and stooping. The employee may need to lift and/or move items over 20 pounds.

Who We Are
As Minnesota's largest Federally Qualified Health Center, Minnesota Community Care ensures that the communities we serve have access to high quality and affordable health care. Our patients predominantly identify as people of color (80%), low-wealth (61% patients = 200% FPL), and un/under-insured (40% uninsured, 45% publicly insured) (UDS, 2020).

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Minnesota Community Care values building a culturally diverse staff that reflects the communities it serves, and strongly encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply. Minnesota Community Care is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunities to all applicants. EO M/F/Disability/Vet Employer.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Education and Experience

• Associates’ degree in social work, human services, or a related field; or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• Graduation from an accredited Medical Assisting, Emergency Medical Technician or Community Health Worker program
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, immigrant, and traditionally underserved populations
• 2 years in a clinical setting
• BLS certification