Outpatient Program Navigator

Oceans Healthcare; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Oceans Behavioral Hospital Waco is seeking an Outpatient Navigator to support seamless transitions from inpatient to Oceans Outpatient Program, coordinating with the Director of Outpatient Services and Clinical Director to ensure compliance with Joint Commission and regulations.

The role handles education, admission documentation, discharge escorts, family engagement, and follow-ups during the first two weeks of outpatient care, with a focus on patient-centered outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• Experience with psychiatric patients preferred.
• Strong communication and de-escalation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Educate inpatient groups about IOP services and benefits.
• Facilitate the admit process for patients stepping down into the IOP program.
• Submit required admission documentation prior to admit.
• Escort patients at discharge from hospital to IOP group.
• Coordinate with families to involve them in therapy sessions.
• Collaborate with case management for discharge planning respecting age/cultural needs.
• Respond to patient and family inquiries about outpatient program.
• Conduct follow-ups with patients and families after the first 2 weeks in outpatient care.
• Communicate patient/family concerns to the IOP director promptly.
• Handle other duties as assigned.

Skills

Age-specific care

Communication skills

De-escalation training

BLS certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

At Oceans Behavioral Hospital Waco, healing is our focus. We are passionate about helping adults and seniors manage the challenges associated with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Utilizing proven, innovative and progressive therapies, our qualified professionals strive to promote long-term wellness through a range of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric counseling and treatment options.

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.