Care Navigator - BH Specialist

East Boston Neighborhood Health Center; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health center in Boston seeks a Care Navigator Behavioral Health Specialist to provide outreach support for behavioral health patients and families. This role involves connecting patients to necessary community resources and administering screening tools. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and 1-2 years of relevant experience, preferably with underserved populations. Strong organizational and bilingual skills are a plus, making this an opportunity to impact community wellness significantly.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in a direct service role, preferably with underserved populations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills essential.
• Ability to effectively multitask.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach and support to behavioral health patients and families.
• Connect patients to community-based agencies for SDOH assistance.
• Administer behavioral health screening tools under supervision.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Bilingual (Spanish preferred)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Epic (CRM software)

Job description

Care Navigator, BH Specialist

The Care Navigator Behavioral Health Specialist (CNBHS) provides direct outreach and support to behavioral health patients and their families to address complex social determinants of health (SDOH) needs that negatively impact health and well-being. The CNBHS offers outreach and case management to promote compliance with treatment plans and connect patients to community resources supporting SDOH needs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with the BHC to assess SDOH needs (e.g., food, financial, housing, legal) and connect patients to community-based agencies for assistance.
• Provide referral bridging to access mental health services internally and externally; help coordinate care with healthcare providers.
• Research and maintain a comprehensive community resource database for behavioral health services; improve provider and extended CN team knowledge on community resources.
• Provide case management support for an active caseload of behavioral health patients; conduct regular outreach to promote treatment plan compliance and act as liaison to the BHC.
• Administer behavioral health screening tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7) under the direction of the BHC and after completing training.
• Assist patients with form completion to access community resources and benefits when literacy or language barriers exist.
• Help patients navigate services provided by third-party agencies such as Inspectional Services, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Senior Services, Transportation Services, and homeless shelters.
• Collaborate with legal service agencies and educate patients about their rights as tenants and workers.
• Support direct service programs such as Cradles to Crayons and Food Pantry services as needed.
• Participate in supervision meetings with the collaborating BHC.
• Participate in professional development and team trainings focused on community resources and the intersections of social justice and community health work.
• Serve as a liaison between Neighbor Health and community behavioral health agencies.
• Support student interns volunteering with the Care Navigation team.
• Assist with training and orienting new Care Navigators.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in Epic (telephone encounters and CRM).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Experience: 1–2 years in a direct service role; experience with underserved populations is preferred.
• Skills/Abilities: Strong second language skills preferred (Spanish). Excellent organizational and time management skills. Ability to multitask effectively.

Licensure/Certification Requirements:

• CPR certification required.

Working Conditions:

• Physical Environment: Frequent sitting; occasional standing/walking; lifting up to 20 lbs.
• Manual Dexterity: Fine hand manipulation required to operate a computer keyboard.
• Audible/Visual Demands: Ability to see computer screens and read reports.

Other Duties:

Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

NeighborHealth is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. We ensure equal employment opportunities for all, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or any other non-job-related characteristic. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an email to [e-mail] or call 617-568-4480 to let us know the nature of your request.

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