Patient Navigator 3

University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent academic institution in San Francisco is seeking a Substance Use Disorder Patient Navigator to provide transitional support to individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. The role involves enrolling and serving patients, linking them to community providers, and administering standardized assessments. Ideal candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree and strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Additional experience in behavioral health interventions is preferred. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least three years of experience or equivalent training.
• Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and remain calm under pressure.
• Strong familiarity with community resources, organizations, and harm-reduction practices.
• Familiarity with community resources, organizations, and harm-reduction practices.
• Demonstrated reliability and attendance.

Responsibilities

• Enroll and serve patients, providing individualized and group harm‑reduction counseling.
• Link patients to community providers for continued opioid treatment.
• Administer and score standardized intake, 3‑month, 6‑month, and discharge questionnaires.
• Maintain accurate patient records and data for program evaluation.
• Advise patients on community resources, harm‑reduction practices, and treatment options.
• Advise patients on community resources, harm‑reduction practices, and treatment options.
• Participate in program meetings, training, and continuous quality improvement.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer-service skills

Effective communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Knowledge of community resources

Community resources familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Windows-based software (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Job Summary

The Substance Use Disorder Patient Navigator will provide transitional support to individuals struggling with Opioid Use Disorder who are currently in custody and/or recently released from San Francisco County Jails. The role includes enrolling and serving about 200 patients over a five-year grant period, both individually and in group settings, with a focus on harm‑reduction counseling and opioid treatment linkage. Navigators will work in the jails and at the OBIC Clinic (1380 Howard Street) and aim to connect patients with community providers for ongoing medication treatment. Other goals include decreasing overdose risk and substance‑use comorbidities, improving physical and mental health, employment, housing, and social connectedness for up to six months after release. The position requires administering standardized questionnaires at intake, 3 months, 6 months, and at program discharge.

Responsibilities

• Enroll and serve patients, providing individualized and group harm‑reduction counseling.
• Link patients to community providers for continued opioid treatment.
• Administer and score standardized intake, 3‑month, 6‑month, and discharge questionnaires.
• Maintain accurate patient records and data for program evaluation.
• Collaborate with jail staff, OBIC clinic personnel, and community agencies.
• Advise patients on community resources, harm‑reduction practices, and treatment options.
• Participate in program meetings, training, and continuous quality improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least three years of experience or equivalent training.
• Strong interpersonal and customer‑service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and remain calm under pressure.
• Strong familiarity with community resources, organizations, and harm‑reduction practices.
• Demonstrated attendance and reliability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registration with a California‑approved Substance Abuse Counselor Certification Organization.
• Proficiency with Windows‑based software (Word, Excel, Outlook). Knowledge of relevant computer systems.
• Experience delivering behavioral health interventions to persons with substance use disorders and conducting point‑of‑care urine drug screens.
• Ability to speak, write, and understand Spanish.
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing, wellness & recovery principles, trauma‑informed care, and related counseling strategies.
• Strong understanding of patient rights, Joint Commission standards, and Medicare/Medicaid regulations.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and data collection/analysis techniques.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.