Intensive Outpatient Program Navigator

Oceans Healthcare; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Oceans Lubbock provides inpatient and outpatient mental health services and seeks an Outpatient Navigator to coordinate transitions from inpatient to Oceans Outpatient Program, under supervision of the Director of Outpatient Services.

The role involves educating patients, coordinating admit documentation, and supporting discharge planning with families and case management while ensuring compliance with Joint Commission and state regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• At least 1 year’ experience working with psychiatric patients preferred.

Responsibilities

• Educates inpatient groups about IOP services and benefits of the program.
• Facilitates the admit process for patients stepping down into the IOP program with required documentation.
• Ensures all new admit documentation is received by the Outpatient Coordinator prior to admit.
• Meets and escorts patients at discharge from hospital to their IOP group.
• Contacts family members to coordinate family participation in therapy sessions.
• Coordinates with case management on discharge planning considering age/disability/cultural needs.
• Responds to patient and family inquiries regarding outpatient program.
• Conducts follow ups with patients after the first 2 weeks in outpatient program.
• Communicates patient and family concerns to the IOP director in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Group facilitation

BLS certification

Behavioral de-escalation

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent

Job description

Oceans Lubbock provides inpatient and outpatient mental health services in a safe and comfortable environment with individual and group treatment programs designed to meet the specific needs of patients during any stage of life.

The Outpatient Navigator, under the supervision of the Director Outpatient Services (OP) and in coordination with the Clinical Director, facilitates in-patient transitions into Oceans Outpatient Program upon patient discharge and thereafter in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State Regulations, the Oceans' Mission and Performance Improvement standards.

Essential Functions

• Conducts and assists in educating inpatient groups about IOP services and benefits of the program.
• Facilitate the admit process for patients stepping down into the IOP program including all required documentation such as screenings, signed consents, etc.
• Responsible for getting all new admit documentation to Outpatient Coordinator or other designated role in time required, prior to admit.
• Meets and escorts patients at time of discharge from hospital to their IOP group.
• Contacts family members of patients to coordinate family participation in therapy sessions.
• Coordinates with case management in discharge planning in accordance with age/disability/cultural needs and involves members of the patient's support system in decision making as appropriate.
• Responds to patient and family inquiries regarding outpatient program.
• Conducts follow ups with patients and families after the completion of patient’s first 2 weeks in outpatient program.
• Communicates all patient and family concerns to IOP director in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

Educational / Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• At least 1 years’ experience working with psychiatric patients preferred.

Qualifications / Skills

• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to any age-related disability and the needs of the patients served on assignment.
• Must be able to assess and interpret data about the patient’s status in order to identify each patient’s needs and provide the appropriate care, including age related care/disability/cultural sensitivity related care to adolescent, chronically mentally ill, adult, geriatric, chemically dependent, and dually diagnosed patient populations.
• Must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of mental illness and chemical dependency and the family dynamics, which accompany them.
• Must have basic knowledge of chronic mental illness.
• Must have excellent communication and group/process skills related to age specific patient needs.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development appropriate to the patient population served.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Communicates in an age/disability/culturally sensitive related manner to patients and their families.
• Must successfully complete BLS certification and an Oceans approved behavioral de-escalation program.

Work Environment

Subject to many interruptions. This position can be high paced and stressful including pressure due to multiple calls and inquires; must be able to cope mentally and physically to atmosphere. This person might sometimes experience disagreeable odors, sights and/or unpredictable patient behavior. Work requires spending approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.