Outpatient Navigator

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Outpatient Navigator supports continuity of care by guiding eligible patients transitioning from inpatient or residential behavioral health treatment into Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP), or other community-based services. This role ensures timely, informed referrals; facilitates coordination among inpatient and outpatient departments; and provides education and support to patients and families regarding post-discharge services.

Responsibilities

• Patient Engagement and Referral Coordination
• Own the full step down process—from patient identification to program admission
• Meet every eligible inpatient and review open direct admission inquiries to facilitate referrals to outpatient
• Educate patients and families on the value of continued care post-discharge and highlights of the hospital’s program (specialized tracks, support to address barriers to access such as transportation, etc.)
• Maintain multiple in-person check-ins during patient’s inpatient stay, including 1:1 discussions, facilitation of inpatient transitions/discharge groups, and participation in treatment team
• Support patients with outpatient orientation/program introduction, including completion of required admissions documentation and consent forms, and introductions to PHP/IOP leaders and therapists
• Internal Team Collaboration and Communication
• Partner with other hospital departments to facilitate step-downs, including:
• Clinical services to confirm clinical appropriateness for outpatient and include outpatient in treatment plans
• Business office (BO) for benefits verification and copay clarifications
• Utilization Review/Management (UM) to secure necessary authorizations
• Support with ongoing UM, as needed, including, but not limited to pre-certifications, renewal authorizations, denial appeals, and tracking days remaining
• Participate in daily flash meetings to review emerging step down candidates, rationale for discharges not stepped down, and report out on day one
• PHP/IOP attendance for prior day’s step-downs

Qualifications

• Education/Experience/Skill Requirements
• Required: High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in social services-related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years in behavioral healthcare setting (e.g., acute psychiatric hospital)
• Preferred: Licensed or license-eligible clinician (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMHC, LMFT)
• Peer support specialist certification
• Experience with PHP and IOP levels of care, discharge planning, and/or utilization review

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.