Patient Navigator

Position Overview

Neighborhood Health Association is seeking a compassionate, organized, and patient-focused Patient Navigator to join our healthcare team. The Patient Navigator serves as a vital resource for patients by coordinating care, promoting health literacy, addressing barriers to treatment, and connecting individuals with community resources. This role works closely with providers, care teams, patients, and families to ensure a seamless healthcare experience while supporting improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Essential Responsibilities

Care Coordination

• Coordinate patient appointments, referrals, follow-up visits, and care transitions to ensure continuity of care.
• Prepare Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) care teams and patients for scheduled visits through electronic health record (EHR) reviews and pre-visit outreach.
• Collaborate with providers and interdisciplinary teams to support comprehensive patient care plans.
• Track patient progress and facilitate communication among healthcare providers and support services.

Patient Education & Advocacy

• Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, preventive care, and insurance coverage.
• Promote health literacy by translating complex medical information into clear, understandable guidance.
• Provide individualized education and self-management support based on language, literacy level, cultural considerations, learning preferences, and readiness for change.
• Advocate for patients and assist them in navigating healthcare systems and available resources.

Care Planning & Population Health

• Develop collaborative care plans based on provider recommendations, evidence-based guidelines, and patient goals.
• Support patients with chronic conditions and recent care transitions to improve adherence to treatment plans.
• Monitor patient-level and program-specific quality measures and implement interventions to improve outcomes.
• Manage population health initiatives through registries, referrals, and patient outreach activities.

Barrier Resolution & Community Resources

• Identify and address barriers to care, including transportation, financial concerns, housing instability, language barriers, and other social determinants of health.
• Connect patients and families with appropriate community-based services and support programs.
• Serve as a resource for community referrals and supportive services.

Documentation & Compliance

• Document patient interactions, navigation services, and care coordination activities accurately within the EHR.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations and organizational policies.
• Manage assigned patient cases to completion through timely review of system tasks, communications, and follow-up activities.
• Provide coverage for assigned patient outreach and navigation activities during team member absences.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with departmental policies, accreditation standards, Trauma-Informed Care principles, Patient Safety initiatives, and Patient Rights standards.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Human Services, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• Experience in care coordination, case management, patient advocacy, social services, or healthcare navigation preferred.
• Experience working within a healthcare setting and multidisciplinary care teams preferred.
• Familiarity with Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) models is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural competency and patient-centered care.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and healthcare confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to establish professional relationships with patients, families, providers, and community partners.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Ohio driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Current automobile insurance and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to travel occasionally throughout Lucas County.

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary work involving prolonged sitting, occasional standing and walking, and occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds.
• Frequent use of computers, telephones, and office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, and repetitive motion activities.
• This is a full-time, exempt salary position, Monday - Friday, no weekends or holidays
• Excellent benefits including Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, PTO and 11 paid holidays.
• We are a drug free workplace, and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Who We Are:

Neighborhood Health Association (NHA) is Northwest Ohio's largest community health center system. Since 1969, we've grown to 13+ clinics offering medical, dental, pediatric, women's, senior, and homeless care-plus a full-service pharmacy and lab. We focus on prevention and helping people take charge of their health

Our Mission:

Through our exceptional health care services, we empower and educate, aggressively working to eliminate health care inequities, while supporting personal responsibility for one's own health regardless of the ability to pay.

Join Our Team:

We are a drug free workplace, and an Equal Opportunity Employer