Navigator - Community Mental Health Services

Navigator - Community Mental Health Services
Live Well Winona Department
0.50 - 1.0 FTE, 40 - 80 Hours a Pay Period
Days, Hours between 7:30 am - 5 pm
Weekends: Occasional as needed
Holidays: No Holidays

Position Overview:

The Navigator provides health education, systems navigation, and connection with resources and services in the community to improve health outcomes for individuals struggling with mental health or general health concerns. This position aims to increase access to support services, improve the quality and cultural competence of their care, and increase the health knowledge and self-management skills of participants served. The Navigator has a deep knowledge and understanding of the Winona-area community, and is a bridge to barriers related to culture, race, language, socioeconomic status, or other factors. This position requires travel within Winona County to meet individuals where they are to reduce the barrier of transportation. The Navigator is housed within the Psych & Counseling Department and works in close partnership with members of the Mental Health Collaborative.

*Position may be partially or fully funded by grant(s).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Serve as a critical linkage between health, mental health and social services agencies by providing compassionate and professional outreach to participants.
• Meet with participants in their homes or other community-based locations to conduct evaluation of social, medical, employment, housing, financial or other social needs.
• Apply lived experience and training to assist participants with education, advocacy, systems navigation, and coaching to ensure needs are systematically addressed.
• Provide communication support and act as a participant advocate on issues of access and use of health, mental health and social services.
• Facilitate transportation for participants to access health, mental health or social service appointments. May attend appointments with participants, facilitate paperwork completion, ensure instructions are understood and that progress towards self-sufficiency is being achieved.
• Ensure the privacy and security of PHI (Protected Health Information) relating to HIPAA compliance. Document participant interactions in a timely and thorough manner using a HIPAA-compliant electronic data collection platform.
• Attend meetings and trainings as required.
• Promote systems navigation services within the community and table at community based organizations frequented by individuals struggling with mental health concerns.
• Provide application and insurance enrollment help, through the MNSure website.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No direct reports

Skills and Experience:

Required:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• At least one-year professional experience providing direct care in public health, human services, or related field
• Knowledge of local community resources and services, especially those related to mental health and substance use, or ability to quickly learn and understand these systems
• Strong social, listening and communication skills, including the ability to build trusting relationships and work effectively with socially and medically complex participants in a variety of non-traditional settings
• Effective time-management skills and understanding of professional boundaries
• Intermediate computer and phone skills. Ability to use email, navigate the internet, and perform data entry in a timely manner
• Willingness to become a MNSure Certified Navigator

Summary of Benefits at Winona Health:

At Winona Health, we are dedicated to offering a comprehensive and affordable benefits package for our employees and their families. While benefits may vary based on employment classification and job status, the following key benefits are available: 

Health Insurance: Options for medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as mental health support and wellness incentives 
Income Protection: Short and long-term disability, plus additional benefits like accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, legal assistance, and identity protection plans
Retirement Planning: Access to a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions once eligibility requirements are met
Work/Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, paid time off, and earned sick time to support personal well-being 
Education & Development: Paid training, tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and sponsored seminars to foster both personal and professional growth 
Employee Discounts: Special offers with local businesses, including the YMCA and cell phone providers

For more details or specific information, visit our website or contact Human Resources

Internal Applicant Policy:

It is the policy of Winona Health to work with employees in an equitable fashion regarding promotions, transfers, and position reclassifications.
 
Any employee wishing to apply for another available position at Winona Health must submit an application for consideration through the internal application portal. Employees requesting to change positions should have successfully completed at least six (6) months in their current position. Employees currently in the formal disciplinary process may be required to meet with the Director of Human Resources to determine eligibility to request transfer. The employee’s past performance, experience, training and qualifications will be considered in transfer/hiring decisions. Consideration for transfer or promotion is not a guarantee of transfer or promotion. Employees may be given a chance to interview for a position when they meet the minimum position qualifications.

Disclaimer:

Winona Health is an equal opportunity employer. Winona Health does not refuse to hire, discharge, or discriminate against a person with respect to tenure, compensation, terms, upgrading, conditions, facilities, or privileges of employment because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local discrimination commission, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other prohibited basis of discrimination under applicable local, state, or federal law. Winona Health does not tolerate retaliation against any employee, patient/resident, physician, or other individuals pursuing concerns regarding Civil Rights issues. Winona Health adheres to ALL pertinent governmental policies and legislation including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, as amended, and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.