Peer Navigator, Street Medicine (S LA/Compton, 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 Peer Navigator supports members who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness with managing their own health in the South Los Angeles, Compton, and surrounding areas. This position is patient-facing and involves assisting in motivating behavioral changes in patients to improve health outcomes through education, peer support, housing and resource navigation, and sharing of personal experiences.

Responsibilities

• Build rapport with members by communicating personal experiences with a goal of increasing the likelihood of positive behavior changes.
• Coach members to create and implement strategies that minimize risks associated with identified common health conditions and behaviors.
• Connect members to appropriate programs to address barriers to care and enhance compliance.
• Link members to local, county, and state services/resources.
• Follow up with members and serve as a member advocate, delivering their medications and other supplies as needed.
• Coordinate and/or accompany members to medical and social services appointments that fall outside of the street medicine unit.
• Introduce tools to promote self-management and self-efficacy.
• Complete all required organization and health plan-specific documentation in a timely fashion, including:
  • Entering all patient touch points and encounter notes in HIA’s electronic health records system.
  • Updating members’ health risk and Plan of Care after every street medicine encounter.
  • Documenting all required information in the care management system during phone calls with members.
  • Completing and submitting a Monthly Audit Checklist assessment, individual care plans, and updating member profiles in the Coordinated Entry System/HMIS.
• May occasionally drive the medically equipped van.
• Schedule encounters based on member’s acuity level using the Healthcare in Action electronic health record system.
• Work under the supervision of a Social Worker to ensure proper escalation of cases and coordination of care.
• Actively support the achievement of HIA’s Vision and Goals, particularly housing placement for unsheltered members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• G.E.D./High School diploma, 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+ 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 and prioritize multiple and competing tasks.
• Excellent oral communication skills and strong interpersonal skills, including articulating one’s own relevant personal experiences.
• Maintenance of reliable transportation.
• Proficiency in operating a computer, including logging into and maneuvering around multiple systems such as online timesheets and call center software.
• HMIS/Coordinated Entry System experience preferred.
• Travel 50% or more; must have a valid CA driver’s license, automobile insurance, reliable transportation, and a clean driving record.

Benefits

• Base salary range: $21.78 to $33.00 per hour.
• An annual employee bonus program.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Generous paid-time-off (PTO).
• 11 paid holidays per year, plus 1 additional floating holiday.
• Excellent 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match.
• Robust employee recognition program.
• Wellness Program.
• Tuition reimbursement.