Description

Description: DAMIAN FAMILY CARE CENTERS, INC. is a Federally Qualified Health Center with 14 community based health centers located in the metro NYC area, Suffolk County and Upstate, NY, providing primary care, behavioral health and specialized care at all sites. 

Damian is seeking to add to its team a Peer Navigator to work at Firehouse Health Center located in Jamaica NY. Selected candidate will be reporting to the Director of Special Populations. 

Position Summary: The Peer Navigator will support and provide guidance to clients from their own lived experience; to engage the patient on a continuum of care; to help the patient achieve and maintain motivation to improve their overall health and well - being. 

Essential Functions: Explain to patients the role of peer navigation and what to expect from medical, mental/behavioral health screenings, accompany the patient to their clinic visit as appropriate and assist patients with completing required paperwork as deemed necessary. Work with staff in referring patients for linkage to treatment and other services within and outside Damian health centers, as deemed appropriate. Escort patients to referral appointments in the community. Educate patients about available resources and how to access them, educate patients on how to make beneficial changes to their lifestyle. Arrange and participate in community outreach programs, schedule and assist in coordinating internal support groups. Sets appointments for patients, create appointment reminders, and reschedule appointments as necessary, outreach patients who have not visited the health center for more than 3 months, and schedule their appointment and ensure these patients show up. 

Requirements

Qualifications: Applicant must have a High School Diploma/Equivalency required. College degree in the field of social services preferred or an A1 Peer Certification preferred. Must have experience as a peer navigator in areas of drug treatment counseling, disease prevention, chronic illnesses and or mental/behavioral health. They must also have the ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines, and is comfortable disclosing experience and history. Must have the ability to highly develop verbal, listening and written communication skills. and able to work independently and as part of a team. Must be computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft WORD and able to create and maintain a spreadsheet. They must have experience documenting in electronic medical record (EMR) and have the ability to work independently, and prioritizing tasks. Must have the ability to interface with participants/patients as well as all levels of staff. Must have the ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, education, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus.