Patient Navigator

The goal of the Catholic Health (CH) Patient Navigator (PN) is to assist patients of the Center for Integrative Medicine and Optimal Health in receiving timely, patient-centered care at St. Francis Hospital and other CH-affiliated clinics and centers. The PN will engage patients on a pro-active basis, creating trusting relationships and helping patients arrange medical appointments as required.  The PN will closely communicate with a patient’s entire care team based on clearly outlined goals and identified patient needs. The PN will aid patients in the coordination and completion of appointments across the CH network and will help overcome barriers to timely care and treatment. 

As a patient navigator - sometimes referred to as a patient advocate - your responsibilities are to help coordinate a patient’s experience in the healthcare system. You work with the patient to plan care goals; support and educate patients about treatment options; help patients understand referrals; assist with admissions and discharge paperwork; and advocate for patients to ensure they receive timely and high-quality care.

While the patient navigator is not a clinical position, it requires a thorough knowledge of basic clinical concepts and an understanding of when a referral to a licensed clinician is appropriate. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate care within the Department of Center for Integrative Medicine and Optimal Health
• Connect patients to available services, such as primary care providers, specialists, and community health resources
• Contact patients over the phone to assist in setting up appointments at CH and provide reminder phone calls prior to every appointment
• Provide navigation for patient by addressing any logistic barriers, scheduling complications, etc., that would prevent a patient from receiving timely care
• Verify insurance eligibility and benefits within 24 hours of call
• Provide information to patients about health insurance options and assist in enrolling patients in the health insurance plan of their choice
• Help patients understand their diagnoses, treatment, and medications
• Coordinate care between providers, including scheduling and attending appointments with patients
• Provide emotional support and assistance to patients throughout the healthcare process
• Monitor patient progress and provide follow-up care
• Provide culturally sensitive services to patients from different cultures
• Maintain regular communication with the patient’s providers through clinical messages in EPIC and via emails, phone calls and case review meetings
• Document every intervention into the appropriate electronic medical record (EPIC, etc.)
• Work with medical interpreters to reach patients of other languages
• Produce quarterly, mid-year and year-end reports on program activities, compiling data from data bases and writing up case examples

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field (preferred)
• Experience working as a patient navigator/community health worker preferred
• At least two years of experience in a healthcare setting, ideally in wellness and coaching
• Knowledge of healthcare systems, insurance plans, and patient resources
• Knowledge of complex patient issues preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Must maintain patient confidentiality
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member in multicultural settings
• Demonstrated commitment to impacting the care patients
• Ability to speak a second language a plus
• Proficient in all Microsoft Applications, including MS Office and Excel
• RN License in NY State (preferred)

This range serves as a good faith estimate and actual pay will encompass a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and position location. The salary range or rate listed does not include any bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation that may be applicable to this job and it does not include the value of benefits.

At Catholic Health, we believe in a people-first approach. In addition to the estimated base pay provided, Catholic Health offers generous benefits packages, generous tuition assistance, a defined benefit pension plan, and a culture that supports professional and educational growth.

Salary : $42 - $65