Federal Navigator I (Bilingual)

Company Overview

CentroMed is a 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization that provides healthcare for all populations. It is a primary care provider and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with multiple locations throughout San Antonio and the New Braunfels area. Over the past 50 years, CentroMed has changed lives while remaining dedicated to the mission and vision of being a premier healthcare provider in the community. Founded in 1971 by CEO and President Ernesto Gomez, PhD, CentroMed has grown from a community‑based program focused on culturally competent care for underserved populations to a network of high‑quality healthcare clinics offering full‑service health and dental care to all populations, regardless of income limitations.

Mission & Core Values

Mission: We improve lives through improving the well‑being of families through high quality, compassionate health care.

• Respect: We treat all persons with dignity and compassion.
• Integrity: We build trust through honesty, word and deed.
• Excellence: We use best practices to deliver exceptional quality care.
• Affordability: We manage resources to provide affordable health care.
• Teamwork: We work together as a team in the interest of patient care.

Position Overview

As part of the Federal Navigator Grant and under the supervision of the Manager, the Navigator I position involves meeting and interviewing Community Health Center patients and other community members to determine eligibility and facilitate enrollment in various health programs, including Medicaid, CHIP, Title V, Primary Health Care, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, and Qualified Health Plans (QHP) through the Federal Marketplace. The role requires maintaining current knowledge of patient eligibility status, enrollment protocols, and changes in program specifications. This role includes assisting patients in making informed decisions regarding their health plans and ensuring the security and confidentiality of consumer information. The Navigator will be required to complete up to 30 hours of Navigator training through CMS and the HHSC Community Partner Program to obtain consumer assistance certification and will be required to recertify on an annual basis.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients’ eligibility using the VeritySource Medicaid Eligibility System and provide application assistance for health programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, and QHPs.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of eligibility, enrollment procedures, and program details for various health coverage programs.
• Implement outreach and in‑reach strategies to promote health insurance availability, especially in underserved and under‑represented communities.
• Conduct confidential interviews to gather necessary information from patients and potential clients and assist them in applying for services.
• Educate the public and patients about available programs, services, policies, and procedures, ensuring information is provided in the consumer’s preferred language.
• Ensure the protection and security of a consumer’s personal, confidential, and identifiable information in a professional and responsible manner and carry out all measures to prevent unauthorized disclosures, demonstrating and maintaining the standards and requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Prepare and submit narrative and statistical reports daily as required by the Federal Navigator Grant.
• Complete necessary forms and maintain complete and accurate records of each prospective client, abiding by the company’s confidentiality policies.
• Assist in training new employees in performing their duties as requested.
• Comply with TDH, state, and private funding requirements (e.g., Centro del Barrio’s infection control, hazardous materials, and safety policies).
• Perform all duties in conformance with appropriate safety and security standards.
• Participate in the agency’s Quality Improvement Program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Performance Standards

Performance will be evaluated by the Manager using the Performance Evaluation CDB Form No. 1006c (2/94). A satisfactory overall rating is considered the minimum acceptable level of performance.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

All offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of pre‑employment screenings, including a criminal background check, drug screen, educational and prior employment verification, professional reference checks, and verification of eligibility and authorization to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• Education: High School graduate or equivalent.
• Experience: At least 6 months of experience in a health care setting – preferably a public health setting.
• Other: Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to work effectively and professionally in a fast‑paced environment; knowledge of and ability to work with uninsured, underserved, and under‑represented populations; advanced computer skills with Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher, and PowerPoint; typing speed of at least 40 wpm; Spanish and English bilingual preferred.

Work/Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must meet the attendance requirements of the position.
• Work must be performed on‑site as designated.
• Must not pose a threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Physical ability to lift up to 20 pounds unassisted.
• Must be able to deliver excellent customer service, externally and internally.