What are the responsibilities and job description for the Care Navigator III position at Behavioral Health Services North Inc?
A Spanish version of this position is available upon request
La version de esta posicion esta disponible en Español si es requerida
BHSN, one of the fastest-growing organizations providing whole-person care in the region, is in search of passionate individuals to join our rapidly expanding team!
Your role at BHSN:
Our Care Navigator III acts as a behavioral health liaison for the purpose of facilitating access to BHSN services in community locations, including the hospital. This individual skillfully describes the array of support services available at BHSN to individuals, other providers, and the wider community, for the purpose of helping people to effectively engage in agency services.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am to 4pm. Some evenings required.
What your day may look like:
- Educates hospital patients and other potential service recipients about the agency’s array of behavioral health, social supports, and related eligibility requirements
- Works with the staff members of the hospital (including social workers, case managers, and discharge planners), or other community provider agencies, to facilitate timely referrals to BHSN and to conduct personalized warm handoffs to these services when beneficial
- Represents BHSN in a professional manner in the community, serving as both a knowledgeable ambassador of agency services and the person who can link individuals with agency services
- Supports hospital discharge planning by ensuring timely connection to behavioral health treatment and community supports
- Makes recommendations for resources to address individuals’ behavioral health and/or health related social needs
- Follows up with individuals served to confirm service engagement, troubleshoot barriers, and adjust outreach plans as needed
- Provides practical assistance including, but not limited to, transportation or delivery of a telehealth device, as needed to assist individuals in connecting to services
- Advocates on behalf of the individuals served to address access challenges, such as appointment availability, transportation, insurance issues, or language barriers
- Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, and care managers
- Builds and maintains relationships with community partners to strengthen referral pathways and to promote awareness of resources
- Participates in outreach activities, such as home and/or community visits, as well as collaboration with other professional or natural supports to support effective linkage for individuals who may otherwise not be effectively engaged by the healthcare system
- Assists with the coordination of care across settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, housing providers, and community agencies
- Tracks referral volume, conversion rates, and turnaround times
- Monitors timeliness of follow-up appointments and access metrics
- Receives, reviews, and processes incoming hospital referrals
- Supports 72-hour access targets for psychiatric/urgent care where applicable
- Ensures that referrals are complete (including demographic data), clinically appropriate, and aligned with program eligibility criteria
- Tracks and reports outcomes, such as service utilization, engagement rates, and client progress, to support quality improvement efforts and service excellence
- Coordinates timely scheduling in alignment with access standards (including urgent needs)
- Practices consistent and timely documentation of referrals, client interactions, and outcomes in the EHR and referral tracking system to support audit readiness
- Identifies trends, gaps, and opportunities to improve referral flow and access and makes related recommendations
- Acts in compliance with HIPAA, OMH, OASAS (42 CFR Part 2), and CCBHC requirements with regards to information sharing
- Maintains the ability to travel locally and work in various locations in the community as required to effectively engage individuals, remedy service gaps, and connect individuals to supports
Skills and Qualifications:
- Must possess strong communication, presentation, and engagement skills
- Two – five years of professional experience working in healthcare or behavioral health is strongly preferred
- A Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration, Human Development, Human Services, Psychology, Public Health, Sociology, Social Work, or an Associate’s degree in Nursing is preferred
- Valid NYS driver’s license for required local travel
- Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of individuals served required
- Individuals with lived experience who are certified as Peers by New York State are encouraged to apply (e.g. NYCPS, CRPA, FPA, YPA)
What’s in it for you?
- Generous benefits, including personalized health coverage, paid time off, and holiday pay
- Working within our community, making a real impact, working alongside passionate colleagues
- Accessible leadership team, coaching for your growth, and ample training opportunities
- As a rapidly growing organization, there are endless opportunities to grow within the organization
- Community discounts, loan forgiveness & more
JOIN A WORKPLACE WHERE YOU BELONG
BHSN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and champions Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across all levels of the organization. We are committed to ensuring every team member can be their authentic self and thrive both personally and professionally. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest or conviction record, domestic violence survivor status, reproductive health decisions, citizenship or immigration status, or any other factor protected by law.
Salary : $22 - $23