COMMUNITY RESOURCE NAVIGATOR

North Olympic Healthcare Network; Port Angeles (WA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, and Dental coverage

4% 401k contribution

HRA contribution

PTO and holidays

Job summary

North Olympic Healthcare Network is seeking a Community Resource Navigator to support patients by connecting them with community resources that address social drivers of health. You will work as part of an integrated care team to help patients overcome barriers to care and access services such as housing, food, transportation, and public benefits.

In collaboration with providers and care coordinators, you will document interactions, referrals, and outcomes within the EHR, and participate in

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of experience with patients, clients, or community members in healthcare, social services, or related field.
• Knowledge of community resources and social service systems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel between NOHN sites.

Responsibilities

• Conduct screenings to identify social, economic, and environmental barriers to health.
• Assist patients in accessing resources (food, housing, utility assistance, transportation, employment, childcare, education, legal aid, financial assistance).
• Help patients complete applications and required documentation for resources and benefits.
• Support enrollment in health insurance programs and public assistance as applicable.
• Facilitate referrals and follow-ups to ensure continuity of care and resources.

Skills

Patient advocacy

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Customer service

Cultural humility

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

EHR systems

MS Office

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Expanded Services Building - PORT ANGELES, WA 98362

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: High School

Salary Range: $20.00 - $22.02 Hourly

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Health Care

Job Title: Community Resource Navigator

Department: Outreach and Navigation

Reports To: Outreach and Navigation Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Summary

The Community Resource Navigator is a vital member of NOHN's patient-centered medical home and integrated care team. This position supports patients in overcoming social, economic, cultural, and non-clinical barriers that impact health outcomes and access to care. The Community Resource Navigator connects patients with community resources and support services that address social drivers of health, including food security, housing stability, transportation, health insurance coverage, financial assistance, employment support, and other essential needs.

Working collaboratively with providers, behavioral health professionals, care coordinators, and community partners, the Community Resource Navigator helps patients navigate complex systems, access available resources, and develop self-sufficiency whenever possible. This role supports NOHN's mission of providing equitable, accessible, and comprehensive healthcare to all members of the community.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Conduct screenings and assessments to identify social, economic, and environmental barriers affecting patient health and well-being.
• Assist patients in accessing resources related to:
  • Food assistance and nutrition programs
  • Housing and homelessness services
  • Utility and energy assistance programs
  • Transportation services
  • Employment and vocational support programs
  • Childcare and family support services
  • Community education programs
  • Legal and social service resources
  • Financial assistance and prescription support programs
• Assist patients with completing applications, forms, and required documentation for community resources and benefit programs.
• Support patients in obtaining and maintaining health insurance coverage, including Washington Healthplanfinder and other public assistance programs.
• Facilitate referrals and warm handoffs to internal and external resources to ensure continuity of support.
• Provide follow-up and ongoing engagement to assist patients in successfully connecting with recommended services.

Care Team Collaboration

• Partner with providers, nursing staff, behavioral health clinicians, care coordinators, and other members of the healthcare team to identify and address patient resource needs.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care team meetings as appropriate.
• Document patient interactions, interventions, referrals, and outcomes accurately and timely within the electronic health record (EHR).
• Communicate barriers, resource gaps, and patient concerns to appropriate care team members.

Community Engagement and Resource Development

• Maintain current knowledge of community resources, eligibility requirements, and referral processes throughout Clallam and Jefferson Counties and surrounding service areas.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community agencies, social service organizations, schools, government programs, and local nonprofits.
• Collaborate with Community Outreach staff to identify resource gaps and opportunities for partnership development.
• Represent NOHN professionally within the community and at community events, resource fairs, and outreach activities as assigned.

Health Fairness and Patient Advocacy

• Advocate for patients experiencing barriers to healthcare access.
• Promote culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and patient-centered approaches in all interactions.
• Support NOHN's efforts to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes among underserved populations.
• Respect and protect patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.

Other Duties

• Participate in required trainings, quality improvement initiatives, and organizational meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support department and organizational goals.

Core Competencies

• Patient Advocacy
• Cultural Humility and Inclusivity
• Community Resource Knowledge
• Relationship Building
• Effective Communication
• Problem Solving
• Organization and Time Management
• Adaptability
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Professionalism and Integrity

Qualifications

Mandatory:

• High school diploma or GED.
• One (1) year of experience working with patients, clients, or community members in healthcare, social services, human services, community outreach, public health, or related field.
• Working knowledge of community resources and social service systems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn electronic health record and referral systems.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, or ability to travel between NOHN sites and community locations.

Preferred:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Health, Community Health, Behavioral Health, or related field.
• Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), community health center, behavioral health setting, or social service organization.
• Certification as a Community Health Worker (CHW) or willingness to obtain certification.
• Experience assisting with Washington Healthplanfinder enrollment or public benefits navigation.
• Bilingual skills preferred, particularly Spanish.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of social drivers of health and their impact on healthcare outcomes.
• Ability to establish trust and rapport with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
• Demonstrated compassion, empathy, and customer service orientation.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work independently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic documentation systems.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking, and hearing.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel between clinic locations and community partner sites.
• Exposure to a healthcare environment requiring compliance with infection prevention and safety protocols.
• Occasional evening or community event participation may be required.

NOHN Expectations

• Support NOHN's mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
• Demonstrate commitment to patient-centered care and health fairness.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Maintain compliance with all organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and confidentiality standards.
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient care and organizational performance.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental coverage
• 4% 401k Contribution
• $50 a month HRA contribution to be used towards qualifying medical expenses
• Paid Time Off (PTO) plus paid holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer

North Olympic Healthcare Network is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, family or marital status, sex, genetic information, disability, creed, religion, citizenship, socio-economic status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.