Peer Navigator, Street Medicine (San Diego, CA)

Healthcare in Action, Inc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness in San Diego. As a Peer Navigator, you will play a crucial role in providing support and resources to help members manage their health and navigate available services. This patient-facing position emphasizes building rapport and motivating behavioral changes through education and peer support. With a focus on collaboration and community impact, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those you serve. If you are passionate about social justice and healthcare, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

Annual Employee Bonus Program

Robust Wellness Program

Generous Paid-Time-Off (PTO)

11 Paid Holidays per Year

401(k) Retirement Saving Plan with Employer Match

Employee Recognition Program

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience supporting patients with homelessness.
• Bachelor's degree preferred with experience in community settings.

Responsibilities

• Build rapport with members to motivate positive health behavior changes.
• Link members to local services and advocate for their needs.

Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Ability to Work Independently

Ability to Work in Outdoor Environment

Education

G.E.D./High School

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

HMIS/Coordinated Entry System

Electronic Health Records 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.

The Peer Navigator supports members who are experiencing/ are at risk of experiencing homelessness with managing their own health in the San Diego, CA area. Assist in motivating behavioral changes in patients to improve health outcomes through education, peer support, housing & resource navigation, and the relaying of shared experiences.

Responsibilities include:

1. Build rapport with members by communicating personal experiences with a goal of increasing the likelihood of positive behavior changes.
2. Coach members to create and implement strategies that minimize risks associated with the identified common health conditions and behaviors. Connect members to appropriate programs to address barriers to care and to enhance compliance.
3. Link members to local, county and state services/resources. Follow up with members and serve as a member advocate, delivering their medications and other supplies as needed.
4. Conduct regular outreach to onsite patients at Nav Center as well as to offsite (as needed) patients to provide support for medical needs.
5. Provide accompaniment and support to patients for their medical/dental/other appointments.
6. Collaborate actively with staff of the Navigation Center as well as with HIA team members for care management of patients.
7. Introduce tools to promote self-management & self-efficacy. Complete all required organization and health plan specific documentation in a timely fashion, including entering all patient touch points and encounter notes in HIA’s electronic health records system, member health risk, and updating members’ Plan of Care after every street medicine encounter. Document all required information in the care management system during phone calls with members. Complete and submit a Monthly Audit Checklist assessment, individual care plans, and update member profiles in the Coordinated Entry System/HMIS.
8. Schedule encounters based on member’s acuity level using the Healthcare in Action electronic health record system.
9. Work under the supervision of a Social Worker to ensure proper escalation of cases and coordination of care.
10. Actively support the achievement of HIA’s Vision and Goals and particularly housing placement for unsheltered members.
11. This position is a patient-facing role.
12. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and experience:

1. G.E.D./High School, required plus 3+ years of work experience as defined below.
2. Bachelor’s degree preferred plus 1-2 years of work experience as defined below.
3. Work Experience to include direct work experience, lived experience, training or volunteer work with patients experiencing homelessness, as well as those with active mental health and substance use conditions.
4. Other demonstrated relevant experience in similar community settings, for example, working with other disadvantaged groups, and/or outreach will be considered.
5. A comparable combination of education/experience and/or training will be considered equivalent to the education listed above.

Ability to work in a dynamic, outdoors environment.

Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Ability to organize effectively.

Ability to prioritize multiple and competing tasks.

Ability to communicate effectively, including articulating one’s own relevant personal experiences.

Excellent oral communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills.

Maintenance of reliable transportation.

Proficiency in operating a computer, including logging into and maneuvering around multiple systems such as online timesheets (time and attendance) and call center software.

1. HMIS/ Coordinated Entry System, preferred.
2. Travel 50% or more- Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, automobile insurance, reliable transportation, and clean driving record.

Tuberculosis Screening Policy

To ensure the health and safety of our members, if you are selected for this position, your job offer with HIA will be contingent on providing proof of Tuberculosis screening upon hire or providing proof of a negative screening within the last year. If you have a disability/medical reason or sincerely held religious belief that prevents you from providing information required in this policy, HIA will initiate and engage in the interactive process to evaluate what, if any, reasonable accommodations may be available.

What's in it for you?

1. Base salary range: $23.51 to $37.60 per hour
2. An annual employee bonus program
3. Robust Wellness Program
4. Generous paid-time-off (PTO)
5. 11 paid holidays per year, plus 1 additional floating holiday
6. Excellent 401(k) Retirement Saving Plan with employer match.
7. Robust employee recognition program
8. An opportunity to become part of a team that makes a difference to our members and our community every day!

At Healthcare in Action, we believe that it is our business to improve the state of our world. Each of us has a responsibility to drive Equality in our communities and workplaces. We are committed to creating a workforce that reflects our community through inclusive programs and initiatives such as equal pay, employee resource groups, inclusive benefits, and more.

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