Patient Navigator - SS021

Native American Rehabilitation Assoc. of the NW; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid holidays

PTO

401(k) match

Employee assistance program

Job summary

NARA NW seeks a Patient Navigator to help Native American and Alaska Native communities access health and social services. You will coordinate care, address barriers like housing and transportation, and promote patient engagement with culturally responsive support.

The role emphasizes relationship-building, advocacy, and proactive resource navigation across multiple sites in the Portland area, with a day shift and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• CHW certification (current or within 6 months of hire)
• Professional experience or training demonstrating duties
• CPR certification (within 30 days)
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to travel between multiple sites in a day
• Pre-employment drug tests and background checks

Responsibilities

• Guide patients through healthcare and social service systems to reduce barriers to care
• Foster trust with patients through culturally responsive care
• Assess needs related to housing, food security, transportation, and access to care
• Educate patients on available social services and eligibility
• Connect patients to community resources and benefit programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, OHP)
• Coordinate care plans and follow-ups to promote engagement

Skills

Community Health Worker

Trauma-informed care

Relationship building

Communication skills

Cultural competency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in healthcare or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Publisher

Centricity

CAST

Job description

Job Details

• Location: Wellness Clinic on Burnside - Portland, OR 97233
• Position Type: Full Time
• Salary Range: $24.15 - $30.45 Hourly
• Job Shift: Day
• Title: Patient Navigator
• Location: Indian Health Clinic - 703 NE Hancock, Portland OR 97212 (Primary); Wellness Center - 12360 E Burnside, Portland OR 97212 (As needed)
• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM (approx).
• Wage Range: $24.15 - $30.45 hourly, non-exempt

If you are a motivated and dedicated Social Services Navigator looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you!

At NARA NW, you'll find a supportive and inclusive work environment where every member of our team is valued and respected. Whether you're passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there's a place for you to make a positive impact.

Company Mission

The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.

At NARA NW, we provide essential services and support to Native American and Alaska Native people, empowering them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. As an organization rooted in cultural heritage and community values, we offer a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a direct positive impact in the lives of others.

We have over 550 employees in a wide range of programs and services, including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and cultural enrichment programs, there are endless opportunities to grow and thrive in your career while making a difference in the lives of others.

Position Summary

The Patient Navigator supports patients in overcoming barriers to care and improving health outcomes through culturally responsive care coordination, short-term case management, and resource navigation. This role addresses social determinants of health such as housing, food security, transportation, and access to healthcare. The Patient Navigator works independently and with multi-disciplinary teams to connect patients to services, ensure continuity of care, and promote self-sufficiency. This position requires strong relationship-building, advocacy, and problem-solving skills, along with a proactive approach to identifying resources and meeting patient needs.

What you will do

• Guide patients through healthcare and social service systems to reduce barriers to care
• Foster trust with patients through culturally responsive, trauma-informed care
• Assess patient needs and barriers related to social determinants of health (housing, food, transportation, etc.)
• Educate patients on available social services, eligibility requirements, and application processes
• Connect patients to community resources and benefit programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, OHP)
• Provide clear explanations of care plans, after-visit instructions, and next steps
• Arrange transportation, interpretation, and other supports to promote access and engagement
• Conduct outreach and follow-ups to support patient engagement
• Facilitate warm handoffs to internal and external providers, including attending initial appointments when appropriate
• Support access to culturally relevant programs and community services
• Build relationships with internal teams and community partners
• Attend trainings, conferences, workshops, and other meetings as directed by program directors.
• Communicate with care teams to ensure coordinated services
• Maintain high level knowledge on all internal NARA NW programs, qualifications and intake processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Travel Expectations

Local travel throughout the workday may be required. Fleet vehicles are available for work-related travel. Occasional evening or weekend participation in community events may be requested.

Qualifications - Required

• Community Health Worker certification (current or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire)
• Professional experience or training which demonstrates ability to perform above-described duties.
• CPR certification (within 30 days of hire)
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and active auto insurance
• Ability to travel between multiple sites and locations in a day
• Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests (including marijuana)
• Ability to pass criminal background and DMV checks

Qualifications - Preferred

• Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community
• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare, social work, human services, public health, housing studies, or a related field
• Knowledge of community resources local to Portland and the Pacific Northwest
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint); Publisher, Centricity, and database management, and CAST.
• Availability to work some evenings, weekends, and special events, as needed.

What’s in it for you?

15 Paid Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, December 25th - and a floating Birthday holiday!

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
• 15 Paid Holidays (Listed Above)
• 13 Paid Days of Sick Time
• 13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
• $50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Spending Account
• 401(k) with 4% Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness -NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC

NARA NW Mission: Our mission is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and everyone in need.

NARA NW is fully committed to supporting sobriety. To support NARA NW in its mission, all employees agree to refrain from illicit drug use, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse, both on and off the job. In addition, all employees agree to model alcohol sobriety. Modeling alcohol sobriety means not consuming, discussing, or promoting the use of alcohol, on the job, on social media and when in the community where the employee would be likely to be seen by NARA NW clients or community. If in recovery, employees must have been sober/clean for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate that they will be able to remain sober.

Consistent with NARA NW’s sobriety policy, all employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors, as applicable, are required to sign a “Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form” and NARA NW “Modeling Sobriety Policy Form” as a condition of employment to confirm that they are aware of this policy and that they agree to comply with it. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. This policy is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its state counterpart

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/ Alaska Native community is considered a plus.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position’s activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties, as necessary.