ED Substance Use Navigator – Compassionate Care & Referrals

Ochsner Clinic Foundation; New Orleans, LaPlace (LA, LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner Clinic Foundation is seeking a Substance Use Navigator to engage ED patients with SUD, provide compassionate support, and link them to treatment and community resources. The role may require shifts including overnights, weekends, and holidays, with travel to other Ochsner campuses as needed.

The SUN leverages lived experience when appropriate to build trust, reduce stigma, and support patients in navigating treatment and recovery pathways, while coordinating with care teams and

Qualifications

• Require 1 year in healthcare, behavioral health, social services, or related area.
• Lived experience with substance use encouraged; must be able to use it appropriately in a professional setting.
• Experience in ED, crisis, behavioral health, addiction treatment, outreach, or case management preferred.
• Familiarity with MAT referral pathways.
• Experience with populations experiencing homelessness or social needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct bedside engagement of ED patients with substance use concerns using trauma-informed approaches.
• Establish rapport and build trust with patients in crisis or ambivalent about treatment.
• Perform SBIRT activities and provide education on SUD and treatment options.
• Facilitate real-time referrals and warm handoffs to MAT, recovery services, and community resources.
• Coordinate with ED clinicians, social workers, and behavioral health teams.
• Document all patient interactions and referrals in the EHR.
• Assist with follow-up outreach for care coordination.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Culturally responsive care

Motivational interviewing

Interpersonal skills

EHR proficiency

Documentation accuracy

Safety escalation

Emotional resilience

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's degree in related field

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

Ochsner Clinic Foundation is seeking a Substance Use Navigator to engage ED patients with SUD, provide compassionate support, and link them to treatment and community resources. The role may require shifts including overnights, weekends, and holidays, with travel to other Ochsner campuses as needed.

The SUN leverages lived experience when appropriate to build trust, reduce stigma, and support patients in navigating treatment and recovery pathways, while coordinating with care teams and