Patient Navigator

Summary/
Objective

The Patient Navigator is a core member of the care team, including the patient’s medical provider, primary care team and other supportive members of the Pathways team.  The Patient Navigator is responsible for assisting with health insurance applications and assistance programs. They assist with educating patients on services available in NorthShore, and/or other needs of the medical home. This role will assist with outreach events, as needed.

Essential Functions

• Communicates to patients the purposes of the program and the impact it may have on their wellbeing
• Understand the insurance programs available to patients and the information needed to qualify for the program
• Accurately completes patient applications and provide patient education on available services and networks 
• Assists with Medicaid Primary Care Provider assignments or switches
• Coordinates the intake process for new patients, including assisting with paperwork and providing social service referral information
• Assists patients in accessing health-related services, including obtaining a medical home, providing instruction on appropriate use, overcoming barriers to obtaining needed medical care and/or social services
• Help patients to solve their health insurance issues and grievances
• Informing patients on financial aspects of care and linking patients to financial resources, as needed
• Maintains use of proper ethical standards, informed consent and rational decision making
• Collaborates with PCP, patient, and members of the health care team, including continuum of care settings and community

*These essential functions are a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the position and are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities.  The position will include other duties as assigned and duties are subject to change at the management's discretion.

Competencies

• Planning and strategic foresight
• Responsible Decision Making and Problem Solving
• Integrity and accountability
• Innovation and creativity
• Adaptive and flexible
• Leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution
• Professionalism and work ethic
• Empathy

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent personal and telephone contact with patients, physicians, and other healthcare personnel. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive.

Travel

Travel outside of Northshore locations will be rare for this position.

Required Role Qualifications

• Minimum required education per state of Indiana/HRSA
• Community Health Worker certification within 90 days (about 3 months) of employment
• Lifestyle Training Coach certified within 1 year of employment
• Indiana Navigator License within 3 months of employment
• Application Counselor Certification within 3 months of employment
• Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Certification within 1 year of employment

Preferred Role Qualifications

• Two years of experience working within a healthcare setting.
• Required experience (if any)

Required Skills

• Ability to analyze situations and solve problems at strategic and tactical levels
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization's hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors
• Practiced at organization and planning
• Employ Critical thinking and problem solving
• Maintains composure and operates with emotional intelligence
• Ethical reasoning and decision-making
• Strong attention to detail
• Receptive and responsive to feedback
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Time management, prioritization, and sense of urgency
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
   

Physical, Visual, and Audible Requirements

1. I acknowledge that I may be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases.
2. I acknowledge that I may be in contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances.
3. I acknowledge that I can handle and respond to emergency or crisis situations per NorthShore Health Centers facility plans, protocols, and procedures.
4. I acknowledge that I may occasionally be subject to irregular working hours.
5. I acknowledge that I may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary.

*Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job described.