Health Navigator

Overview

Pacific Clinics will be opening a high‑intensity, community‑based Adult Full Service Partnership (FSP) programs for adults age 18+ with serious mental illness (SMI) and complex needs. The program delivers “whatever‑it‑takes,” recovery‑oriented services primarily in the community to stabilize individuals, reduce hospitalizations and incarceration, prevent homelessness, and support long‑term recovery and community integration.

The ACT FSP (Assertive Community Treatment - Full-Service Partnership) program is an intensive, community‑based mental health service for 96 individuals with serious mental illness who have high needs. It provides wraparound, multidisciplinary support, including psychiatry, therapy, case management, crisis intervention, housing assistance, and rehabilitation, delivered with a community-driven approach. The goal is to reduce hospitalization and incarceration, promote recovery, support housing stability, and improve quality of life through continuous, personalized care. This program will also serve those who are involved in the justice system as well.

A Health Navigator serves as a resource and advocate for individuals navigating the healthcare system. They provide guidance, support, and education to help individuals access and utilize healthcare services effectively. Health Navigators may have personal experience with the healthcare system or specific health conditions, allowing them to offer unique insights and perspectives. They work collaboratively with healthcare providers, community organizations, and individuals to address barriers to healthcare access and promote health equity.

Responsibilities

• Provides one‑on‑one support to individuals navigating the healthcare system.
• Offers guidance and education on accessing medical, behavioral, and preventive health services.
• Assists with scheduling appointments, completing forms, and following up on care plans.
• Shares personal experiences (as appropriate) to build trust and promote engagement.
• Identifies and addresses barriers to healthcare access such as transportation, insurance, or stigma.
• Collaborates with healthcare providers and community organizations to coordinate care.
• Promotes health equity and advocates for client needs within service systems.
• Encourages self‑advocacy, healthy behaviors, and informed decision‑making.
• Maintains accurate documentation of client interactions and referrals.
• Participates in outreach, workshops, and community health education events.
• Supports culturally responsive and trauma‑informed service delivery.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required, or equivalent combination of education and experience (two years of experience equals one year of education).
• Lived experience with mental illness or the mental health system is preferred.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license and maintain an insurable driving record under the Clinics' liability policy OR demonstrated ability to use public transportation.
• Must know or quickly acquire basic computer/word processing skills.
• Flexible work schedule to include occasional evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Must know or quickly acquire extensive knowledge of local community and medical resources.

Skills & Competencies

• Lived experience navigating the healthcare or behavioral health system.
• Strong interpersonal and peer engagement skills.
• Ability to build trust and relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of community health resources and social support services.
• Basic understanding of health systems, insurance navigation, and care coordination.
• Effective verbal communication and active listening skills.
• Cultural humility and sensitivity to health disparities and systemic barriers.
• Ability to advocate for clients and promote health equity.
• Organizational skills for managing client follow‑up and documentation.
• Comfort with maintaining confidentiality and setting appropriate boundaries.
• Team‑oriented with the ability to collaborate across roles and disciplines.
• Dependability, professionalism, and commitment to empowering others.
• Familiarity with basic computer programs and willingness to learn new systems.

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to stand or sit.
• The employee is required to use hands to produce records and/or documentation in manual or electronic format.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 5 pounds and occasionally move or lift up to 10 pounds.
• Driving required.
• May have unsupervised contact with children.
• Requires full background check and TB Exam.

Compensation

The initial compensation for this position ranges from $23.00 – $27.41 Per Hour, depending on experience, location and internal equity considerations.

Possible additional compensation may include an 8% License Differential for LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, PsyD. and select Peer Certifications, as well as Bilingual Differentials: up to 7.5% for qualifying direct‑service roles; up to $80.00/month flat fee for qualifying non‑direct service roles.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility starts on day one.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401K Employer Match up to 4%.
• Competitive time off plans (must meet eligibility requirements based on employment status).