Frontline ED Substance Use Navigator Linkage & Care

ochsner; Kenner (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner Emergency Department is hiring a Substance Use Navigator to engage patients with SUD, provide compassionate support and rapid linkage to treatment. You will collaborate with ED clinicians, social workers and MAT providers to reduce readmissions.

Ideal candidates bring experience in trauma-informed care, SBIRT, and community referrals, and are comfortable working variable shifts, including nights and weekends.

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.
• Maintains working relationships with community treatment providers and social service agencies to support linkage.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation.

Responsibilities

• Conducts bedside engagement of ED patients identified with substance use concerns using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.
• Establishes rapport and build trust with patients, including those in crisis or ambivalent about treatment.
• Performs screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) activities.
• Educates patients and families on substance use disorder, harm reduction strategies, and available treatment options.
• Facilitates real-time referrals and warm handoffs to treatment programs, MAT providers, peer support and recovery services, and community resources.
• Coordinates with ED clinicians, social workers, case managers, and behavioral health teams to support care plans.
• Documents all patient interactions and referrals accurately within the electronic health record (EHR).
• Assists with follow-up outreach to support continuity of care post-discharge.
• Participates in department initiatives.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Patient engagement

Motivational interviewing

Cultural responsiveness

Communication skills

Emotional resilience

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate's Degree in Social Services or related field

Bachelor's in Social Services or related field

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Ochsner Emergency Department is hiring a Substance Use Navigator to engage patients with SUD, provide compassionate support and rapid linkage to treatment. You will collaborate with ED clinicians, social workers and MAT providers to reduce readmissions.

Ideal candidates bring experience in trauma-informed care, SBIRT, and community referrals, and are comfortable working variable shifts, including nights and weekends.