Behavioral Health Pediatric Patient Navigator

For over 54 years, FHCHC has been an innovative and vibrant community health center, catering to multiple generations with over 165,000 office visits across 21 locations. Guided by a Board of Directors, most of whom are patients themselves, we take pride in being a healthcare leader dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable medical and dental care to everyone, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Our extensive range of primary and specialty care services, along with evidence-based programs, empowers patients to make informed choices about their health.

About the role

To assist child and adolescent primary care and behavioral health (BH) clinicians and patients in navigating the BH care system and managing the child and adolescent referrals to BH at FHCHC, scheduling them at FHCHC or referring them to resources in the community.

Responsibilities

• Work with the child and adolescent primary care and BH clinicians to manage internal/external referrals
• Document all aspects of the intake and referrals process in the electronic health record (EHR)
• Assist with initial triages for urgent BH crises arising on the primary care pediatric teams to determine what intervention is needed for the situation and arrange for the intervention
• Conduct patient screenings using standardized tools if/when asked
• Follow up on BH screenings done in primary care to check if referrals placed and appointments made/kept
• Educate patients/families on requirements of referrals and appointment specifics
• Work with child and adolescent primary care and BH clinicians to clarify access issues and barriers to care
• Schedule, cancel, and reschedule appointments for patients/families as needed
• Make reminder phone calls to patients/families and help reduce barriers that keep patients from attending appointments; refer to care coordination if necessary for patients/families with significant barriers to care
• Provide clerical and administrative support to child and adolescent BH clinicians
• Complete all required documentation to fulfill these job functions in a timely manner
• Perform other necessary administrative duties that may arise as required by the Director of Behavioral Health Operations

Requirements

• Associate’s degree is required; Bachelor’s degree is preferred
• Oral and written proficiency in English and Spanish is required
• Experience in Word and Excel is required
• Knowledge of BH and medical terminology, including mental health/DSM diagnoses, is desirable
• Prior experience in the role of care coordinator, case manager, or patient navigator is highly desirable

Skills

• Knowledge and ability to independently carry out the responsibilities listed above
• Interest in working in a medical/BH setting and with medical and BH illnesses
• Previous experience in a health care setting, ideally in an outpatient setting and prior experience working with children and their families in a social services setting
• Knowledge of the New Haven area BH resources for children and adolescents is highly desirable
• Ability to work in a high energy, quickly paced environment and maintain a professional attitude
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to work well in a team and regularly communicate/coordinate with clinicians and staff at FHCHC