Peer Navigator, Street Medicine - San Fernando Valley

HIAMS Healthcare in Action, Inc; California (MO); On-site; USD 30,004 - 42,912; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual employee bonus program

Robust Wellness Program

Generous paid-time-off

401(k) Retirement Saving Plan with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

HIAMS Healthcare in Action, Inc in California is looking for a Peer Navigator to support members facing homelessness. This role involves motivating behavioral change and connecting members to vital resources while utilizing an innovative street medicine approach.

Candidates should have essential skills in communication and organization, with a preference for those holding a degree or related experience. The position offers a salary ranging from $21.78 to $31.15 per hour along with generous PTO and other benefits.

Qualifications

• Direct work experience with patients experiencing homelessness is essential.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills are needed.
• Proficiency in computer use across multiple systems is required.

Responsibilities

• Build rapport with members and motivate behavioral changes.
• Connect members to appropriate programs and resources.
• Schedule encounters based on member’s acuity level.

Skills

Excellent oral communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently

Ability to work with disadvantaged groups

Education

G.E.D./High School required

Associate’s degree preferred

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Electronic health records system

Call center software

HMIS/Coordinated Entry System

Job description

At Healthcare in Action, we serve patients experiencing homelessness through an innovative “street medicine” approach by contracting with Medicare and Medicaid health plans as well as hospitals and health systems. Street medicine entails using a medically equipped van to deliver medical care directly to people experiencing homelessness in locations such as parking lots, encampments, and parks.

Peer Navigator

The Peer Navigator supports members who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness within the SFV/ Hollywood area. The role focuses on motivating behavioral changes in patients to improve health outcomes through education, peer support, housing & resource navigation, and sharing personal experience.

Responsibilities

• Build rapport with members by communicating personal experiences to increase the likelihood of positive behavior changes.
• Coach members to create and implement strategies that minimize risks associated with common health conditions and behaviors.
• Connect members to appropriate programs to address barriers to care and enhance compliance.
• Link members to local, county and state services/resources.
• Follow up with members and serve as a member advocate, delivering medications and other supplies as needed.
• Conduct regular outreach to onsite patients at Nav Center and to offsite patients (as needed) to provide support for medical needs.
• Provide accompaniment and support to patients for their medical/dental/other appointments.
• Collaborate actively with staff of the Navigation Center and with HIA team members for care management of patients.
• Introduce tools to promote self‑management and self‑efficacy.
• Complete required organization and health plan specific documentation in a timely fashion, such as: enter all patient touch points and encounter notes in HIA’s electronic health records system, update members’ Plan of Care after every street medicine encounter, document all required information during phone calls, complete and submit Monthly Audit Checklist assessments, individual care plans, and update member profiles in the Coordinated Entry System/HMIS.
• Schedule encounters based on member’s acuity level using the Healthcare in Action electronic health record system.
• Work under the supervision of a Social Worker to ensure proper escalation of cases and coordination of care.

Qualifications and Experience

• G.E.D./High School required; associate’s degree preferred with 2+ years of related experience; bachelor’s degree preferred with 1+ year of related experience.
• Direct work experience, lived experience, training or volunteer work with patients experiencing homelessness, and/or those with active mental health and substance use conditions.
• Experience in community settings with disadvantaged groups or outreach.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, outdoors environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license.
• Proficiency in computer use, including multiple systems such as online timesheets, call center software, HMIS/Coordinated Entry System.
• Travel of 50% or more of the time.

Benefits

• Base salary range: $21.78 to $31.15 per hour
• Annual employee bonus program
• Robust Wellness Program
• Generous paid‑time‑off (PTO), 11 paid holidays per year, plus 1 additional floating holiday
• Excellent 401(k) Retirement Saving Plan with employer match
• Robust employee recognition program
• Tuition reimbursement

Additional Requirements

Proof of Tuberculosis screening upon hire, or a negative screening within the last year, is required. Applicants who are disabled, have a medical reason, or sincerely held religious belief preventing them from providing required information will be provided a reasonable accommodation through the interactive process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Healthcare in Action is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action workplace. Individuals seeking employment will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by law. A background check is required.