Substance Use Navigator

Loretto Hospital; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Job summary

Loretto Hospital in Chicago is seeking a Substance Use Disorder Navigator to join the Emergency Department team. The navigator will help patients access treatment, recovery services, and community resources, while reducing barriers to care and promoting engagement in MAT.

The role emphasizes engagement, education, coordination, and advocacy, with duties including screenings, referrals, warm hand-offs, and ongoing follow-up to support sustained recovery and improved health outcomes.

Qualifications

• Identify SUD or co-occurring disorders in ED and inpatient units.
• Screen and assess substance use to determine level of care.
• Engage patients in a trauma-informed, nonjudgmental manner.
• Provide education on treatment options, harm reduction, and recovery supports.
• Assist clients in navigating healthcare systems, behavioral health services and social programs.

Responsibilities

• Identify patients with SUD or co-occurring disorders in ED and inpatient units.
• Conduct screenings and determine levels of care.
• Engage patients in a trauma-informed, nonjudgmental manner.
• Provide education on substance use disorders, treatment options and recovery supports.
• Assist clients in navigating healthcare systems and social services.
• Coordinate referrals and facilitate warm hand-offs to treatment providers and community resources.
• Follow up to ensure linkage to care and continued engagement in treatment.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Nonjudgmental communication

Care coordination

Patient advocacy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or higher preferred

Tools

Meditech Expanse

Job description

Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year from Chicago’s Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers its community a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The hospital staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe and comfortable resident environment. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, Loretto Hospital strives to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management within the community, with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients and community residents.

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director, Emergency Department, the Substance Use Disorder Navigator (SUN) serves as a key member of the care team, providing direct support to individuals affected by substance use. The Navigator helps patients access appropriate treatment, recovery, and community resources while reducing barriers to care. This role focuses on engagement, education, coordination, and advocacy to promote sustained recovery and improve health outcomes by focusing on access to MAT (medication for addiction treatment), facilitating appointments and serving as a resource and coach for their clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in identification of patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) or co-occurring mental health disorders in the emergency department and, where feasible, within inpatient units by monitoring patient tracking systems to screen for eligible patients and checking in with clinician and nursing staff to receive referrals for eligible
• Conduct screenings and assessments to identify substance use concerns and determine appropriate levels of care
• Engage patients in a nonjudgmental, trauma-informed manner to build trust and support readiness for change
• Provide education on substance use disorders, treatment options, harm reduction strategies, and recovery supports
• Assists clients in navigating healthcare systems, behavioral health services, and social service programs (e.g., housing, employment, insurance)
• Coordinate referrals and facilitate warm hand-offs to treatment providers and community resources
• Follow up regularly with clients to endure linkage to care and continued engagement in treatment or recovery programs

Community Outreach

• Develop connections with a comprehensive array of community service providers to address the needs of people with SUD or co-occurring mental health disorders

Documentation and Compliance

• Document all encounters and interventions in the electronic health record (EHR)
• Track and report outcomes, service utilization, and programs metrics as required
• Report as required, aggregate monthly counts of targeted metrics, such as number of patients served, buprenorphine administrations, prescriptions, referrals to care, etc.

Hospital Support

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including physicians, social worlds, crisis workers, case management or recovery programs
• Participate in team meetings, training, and quality improvement initiatives

Other Duties as assigned

COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understands and adheres to Loretto Hospital’s compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state, and Hospital regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• A minimum of 1 year of direct patient care experience in substance use disorder, behavioral health, care coordination, or case management
• Knowledge of substance use disorders recovery principles, and harm reduction practices
• Familiarity with local treatment systems, community resources, and public benefits
• Current CPR certification with the American Heart Association or American Red Cross is required.
• Experience with an EHR System, Meditech Expanse Preferred
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred:

• Associate’s degree or above preferred
• Experience as social worker or case manager
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), or equivalent licensure preferred
• Candidates should plan to obtain certification as a community health worker

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act, “Job Duties” are essential job functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and walk and occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch. Normal or corrected vision, hearing, and ability to speak are necessary. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, sharp eye focus, and the ability to distinguish colors. There may be periods of stressful, intense concentration with more than average pressure used in various problem-solving situations. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally

WHY LORETTO

Competitive Compensation:

Along with a competitive salary, Loretto Hospital offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.

Career Development:

Loretto Hospital is a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to administering excellent patient care. Whether you are pursuing a career in allied health, support services, clinical or nursing support, or professional administration, Loretto Hospital is a tremendous place to grow as a health care professional.

Work Environment:

As a not-for-profit, community-focused hospital, Loretto Hospital is truly a place where patients come first. We are seeking team members who not only support our mission, but who are customer service-driven and who desire to enhance the patient experience.