Float Peer Navigator, Street Medicine (San Diego, CA)

About the role

At Healthcare in Action, we serve patients experiencing homelessness through an innovative "street medicine" approach by contracting with Medicare and Medicaid health plans as well as hospitals and health systems. The San Diego Float Peer Navigator supports members who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness in San Diego, CA area.

Responsibilities

• Build rapport with members by using trauma-informed engagement, peer support, and relevant lived or professional experience to increase the likelihood of positive behavior change.
• Coach members to create and implement strategies that reduce risks associated with identified health conditions, behavioral health needs, substance use, housing instability, and other barriers to care.
• Connect members to appropriate medical, behavioral health, housing, benefits, local, county, state, and community-based services.
• Follow up with members and serve as a member advocate.
• Accompany members to medical, behavioral health, housing, and social service appointments when support is needed outside of the street medicine unit.
• Introduce systems and practical strategies that promote self-management, self-efficacy, appointment adherence, medication access, benefits navigation, and connection to ongoing care.
• Adhere to the guidelines, standards, and operational requirements outlined in the CalOptima Street Medicine Operations Manual.
• Work collaboratively with members to develop individualized housing plans and care management plans and actively support members in progressing toward and completing their identified goals.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation across all required systems.
• Schedule encounters based on the member acuity level and program requirements using the Healthcare in Action electronic health record system and other approved scheduling or tracking tools.
• Work under the direction of the Care Management Supervisor and in collaboration with clinicians, Community Support Partners, behavioral health staff, and other care team members to ensure appropriate escalation, care coordination, and follow-through.
• Provide Peer Navigator coverage across Anaheim and Garden Grove during leaves of absence, extended vacancies, vacations, or other approved staffing gaps.
• Temporarily assume assigned member panels, support warm handoffs, and help maintain continuity of care and required service delivery.
• When not actively covering an absent Peer Navigator, maintain an assigned member panel and meet established productivity, documentation, patient engagement, and compliance expectations.
• Assist with selected Community Support Partner related functions during extended CSP absences following completion of required training and competency validation.
• Safely operate the HIA medical van, including transporting the clinical team to and from field sites.
• Clean and maintain the interior and exterior of the van to ensure a safe, sanitary care environment.
• Maintain compliance logs and related documentation, such as vehicle, safety, and supply logs.
• Obtain and record patient vital signs.
• Perform phlebotomy and related specimen collection, contingent upon completion of phlebotomy training and any required certification.
• Serve in a supplemental support capacity only. The primary responsibility of this role remains Peer Navigator coverage and member panel management.
• Travel between Anaheim and Garden Grove service areas as directed by leadership.
• Adapt to varying team workflows, field schedules, and member panel needs.
• Actively support the achievement of HIA’s Vision and Goals and particularly housing placement for unsheltered members.

Qualifications and Experience

• G.E.D./High School, required plus 3+ years of work experience as defined below.
• Associate's degree preferred plus 2 years of work experience as defined below.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred plus 1-2 years of work experience as defined below.
• Work Experience to include direct work experience, lived experience, training or volunteer work with patients experiencing homelessness, as well as those with active mental health and substance use conditions.
• Other demonstrated relevant experience in similar community settings, for example, working with other disadvantaged groups, and/or outreach will be considered.
• A comparable combination of education/experience and/or training will be considered equivalent to the education listed above.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, outdoors environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to organize effectively.
• Ability to prioritize multiple and competing tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including articulating one’s own relevant personal experiences.
• Excellent oral communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
• Maintenance of reliable transportation.
• Proficiency in operating a computer, including logging into and maneuvering around multiple systems such as online timesheets (time and attendance) and call center software.
• HMIS/ Coordinated Entry System, preferred.
• Travel 50% or more - Must have a valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, reliable transportation, and clean driving record.