ED Substance Use Navigator: Swift Treatment Linkage

Ochsner Health; Gretna (LA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner Health seeks a Substance Use Navigator to serve ED patients with SUD, engaging them with compassionate, trauma-informed care and linking to treatment and community resources. You may work varied shifts, including overnights, weekends and holidays to support ED operations.

Ideal candidates have 1 year in healthcare or related fields and a commitment to harm reduction, patient-centered care, and accurate documentation in the EHR.

Qualifications

• Commitment to patient-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care.
• Ability to engage diverse patient populations in high-stress environments.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and motivational interviewing skills.
• Knowledge of substance use disorder, recovery principles, and harm reduction strategies.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and documentation workflows.

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 ambivalence toward treatment.
• Perform SBIRT activities and educate patients on treatment options.
• Facilitate real-time referrals and warm handoffs to treatment programs and community resources.
• Coordinate with ED clinicians, social workers, and behavioral health teams to support care plans.
• Document all interactions and referrals in the EHR and assist with follow-up outreach.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and program improvement efforts.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Culturally responsive care

Motivational interviewing

Interpersonal skills

Documentation

EHR proficiency

Professional boundaries

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate's/College Diploma in Social Services or related field

Bachelor's in Social Services or related field

Job description

Ochsner Health seeks a Substance Use Navigator to serve ED patients with SUD, engaging them with compassionate, trauma-informed care and linking to treatment and community resources. You may work varied shifts, including overnights, weekends and holidays to support ED operations.

Ideal candidates have 1 year in healthcare or related fields and a commitment to harm reduction, patient-centered care, and accurate documentation in the EHR.