Community Navigator

Camino Health Center; San Clemente (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Camino Health Center is seeking a Community Navigator to assist patients with Medi-Cal enrollment and related ACA education. The role is supervised by the Clinic Manager and focuses on enrollment and outreach across Camino’s service area.

Responsibilities include screening patients for eligibility, helping complete Medi-Cal/Cal-Fresh applications, and coordinating with schools, shelters, and community partners to provide education and redetermination services. Bilingual English/Spanish required.

Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish with strong interpersonal communication.
• Basic time management and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in using computer and office equipment.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide enrollment assistance for Medi-Cal and Cal-Fresh applications.
• Screen patients for eligibility for programs and services.
• Attend outreach events and educate on Medi-Cal and ACA benefits.
• Answer calls related to enrollment and outreach.
• Perform Patient Services Representative duties as needed (scheduling, check-in).
• Coordinate with partners to provide redetermination services and education.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Time management

Confidentiality

Computer literacy

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Under the direct supervision of the Clinic Manager, the Community Navigator is primarily responsible for providing enrollment assistance into Medi-Cal for newly eligible patients. The Community Navigator will be required to successfully complete any required state and federal training related to providing enrollment assistance to eligible participants through the health care exchange. The Community Navigator will be the principal contact for Camino’s service area with respect to facilitating and/or attending outreach events for the purpose of providing education about benefits available to eligible participants through Medi-Cal as well as other provisions made available through the Affordable Care Act and Camino Health Center. Secondary job responsibilities will include duties traditionally assigned to the Community Navigator role.

• Screen new and current patients to assess potential eligibility for appropriate programs and services.
• Provide enrollment assistance for patients applying for health care insurance.
• Identify eligibility for program services according to established criteria.
• Assist patients with completion of various applications (i.e. Medi-Cal, Cal-Fresh, etc.).
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including but not limited to school sites, Family Resource Centers, shelters, ethnic markets, non-profits, government entities and faith-based organizations to provide redetermination services for Medi-Cal enrollment.
• Provide support to patients needing assistance with identifying funding opportunities for medical bills.
• Assist patients in Cal-Fresh enrollment if necessary.
• Educate patients on financial responsibilities and agency resources.
• Assist staff in researching potential resources to meet financial needs of patients.
• Keep current with programmatic changes and serve as an educational resource to staff.
• Attend and complete relevant 3rd party payer, county, state, and federal educational and training programs.

Administration

• Charged with ensuring applications and documentation are captured and completed.
• Answer patient and staff phone calls in relation to enrollment and community outreach events.
• Perform various duties of the Patient Services Representative as needed (schedule appointments, assist patients with check‑in, etc.)

Community Outreach

• Attend community events identified by Camino Health Center and Cal-Optima, such as health, community and resource fairs hosted by CalOptima Health and community stakeholders to provide redetermination services and Medi-Cal enrollment.
• Conduct and attend community outreach events for the purpose of educating the general public, stakeholders, and potential recipients about benefits available through the Health Care Reform Act.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Work collaboratively with people of all ages, social, and ethnic backgrounds
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Basic time management skills with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects/tasks and meet deadlines
• Ability to work in a fast passed environment
• Basic oral and written communication; basic math skills
• Proficient in using computer and office equipment
• Ability to convey a sense of confidence and trust to all patients
• Ability to relate well to other health professionals and support staff
• Ability to carry out administrative and patient support services
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

Additional Requirements

• Assertive communication style and ability to work independently with diverse client base
• Able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed
• Able to work at various health center locations and outreach sites

Minimum Position Qualifications

• Education: High School graduate or equivalent
• Experience / Training: Bilingual English/Spanish. Strong interpersonal communication skills; knowledge of medical terminology