Patient Navigator

Finger Lakes Community Health; City of Geneva (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life ins.

Safe Harbor 3% 401k contribution

Robust PTO offerings

Education assistance

Job summary

Finger Lakes Community Health seeks a Patient Navigator to guide patients through the healthcare system and help them access services in a timely manner.

The role includes coordinating appointments, assisting with forms, and providing interpretation during visits. On-site work is required in Port Byron, NY one day per week, with mileage reimbursement per policy.

Qualifications

• Requires strong interpersonal and communication skills to assist patients and families.
• Certification in medical or community interpretation (e.g. CCHI, NCMI) preferred.
• Ability to educate patients about health services and programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive information about available services and resources to patients.
• Guide patients through forms and eligibility requirements for programs.
• Assist patients in understanding health conditions, treatment options, and follow-up care.
• Provide interpretation services during patient visits.
• Identify and address social, financial, or logistical barriers to care.
• Coordinate appointments, referrals, and follow-ups to ensure continuity of care.
• Educate patients on preventive health and available programs; support teledental coordination.
• Document encounters and referrals in the electronic health record system.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Interpretation

Bilingual Spanish-English

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Health Sciences, Spanish, or Interpretation Studies

Job description

About Finger Lakes Community Health:

Finger Lakes Community Health (FLCH) was founded in 1989 with an original mission of serving the region's agricultural workers by linking individuals to area resources and providing essential health services. In 2009 the organization expanded to become a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), serving patients of all incomes, ethnicities and walks of life. Over the last decade, FLCH has grown to provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services to over 28,000 patients at eight health centers. With over 200 employees, we strive to provide high-quality and innovative health care services to the Finger Lakes Region.

BenefitsOffered:

• Monday through Friday schedule, closed all major holidays
  
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• Safe Harbor 3% 401k contribution
• Robust PTO offerings
• Education assistance

Job Summary:

The Patient Navigator serves as a vital resource for patients and their families, guiding them through the healthcare system to ensure they receive the necessary support and care. This role involves facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers, assisting with care coordination, and addressing any barriers to accessing services.

This position will also require supporting on-site work in Port Byron, NY, one day per week. Mileage reimbursement will be provided, subject to FLCH policy.

Main Responsibilities:

Patient Support and Guidance:

• Provide comprehensive information to patients about available services and resources.
• Guide patients through completion of relevant patient forms or eligible program requirements.
• Assist patients in understanding their health conditions, treatment options, and follow-up care.
• Provide interpretation services for patients for the duration of the patient visit.

Barrier Identification and Resolution:

• Identify and address social, financial, or logistical barriers that may impede patient care.
• Refer high-risk patients to the appropriate Finger Lakes Community Health department, outside agency, or community resource.
• Contact patient prior to appointment based on provider request and identified risk/patient needs.

Patient Education:

• Ensure understanding of appointment information through use of printed educational materials and teach-back method.
• Educate patients about preventive health measures, disease management, and available healthcare programs.
• Provide resources and materials to empower patients in their healthcare journey.
• Educate patients on community and social services resources through verbal discussion and providing resources/materials.

Care Coordination:

• Coordinate appointments, referrals, and follow-up visits to ensure continuity of care.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement care plans tailored to individual patient needs.

Teledental:

• Serve as bridge between the patient, Finger Lakes Community Health, and partnered teledental program, including:
  • Patient follow-up, appointment coordination, and addressing barriers to care

Documentation:

• Submit telephone encounters regarding patient vouchers for processing.
• Record progress notes and patient education information in the electronic health record system.
• Address telephone encounters, actions, and referrals in the electronic health record system in accordance with Finger Lakes Community Health policies and procedures.

Other Duties:

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Education and Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Health Sciences, Spanish, or Interpretation Studies ispreferred.
• 2+ years in a healthcare or customer service setting preferred.
• A valid government-issued photo identification document is required.
• Certification in medical or community interpretation from a recognized accrediting body (e.g. CCHI, NCMI) inaccordance with FLCH policy is required.
• Serves as a resource and educates on effective outreach and support programs.
• Uses judgement to adapt communication style to various audiences and situations.
• Able to collaborate across roles to achieve shared outcomes.
• Applies sound reasoning while analyzing problems and implementing effective solutions.

Work Environment:

• Health Center/Clinic: Work within a healthcare facility, interacting with patients and staff.
• Fast-Paced: Busy environment with multiple priorities to manage and changing business needs that requireproblem-solving skills.
• Office Hours: Standard business hours, with occasional extended shifts based on clinic needs.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting/Standing: Prolonged sitting with occasional standing or walking.
• Computer Use: Frequent typing and prolonged screen time.
• Light Lifting: Frequently lifting or carrying objects up to 15 pounds.
• Visual: Clear vision for reading and inspections.
• Hearing Clarity: Ability to hear conversations in person or in virtual communications.