Substance Use Navigator

Willis Knighton Health; Louisiana; On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Willis Knighton Health is seeking a Substance Use Navigator to provide patient-centered navigation and care coordination for individuals with substance-use disorders, including MAT and harm-reduction strategies. The role works primarily in the Emergency Department and Labor & Delivery, collaborating with clinical and community partners to ensure seamless care transitions.

The SUN supports stigma-free, equity-driven practices within the hospital and contributes to system-level improvements in

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, nursing, human services, or related field preferred.
• CHW or Peer Support Specialist certification preferred or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with individuals with substance-use disorders, mental health conditions, or other vulnerable populations in healthcare, community-based, or social service settings.
• Experience in ED, inpatient hospital, community outreach, harm-reduction program, MAT program, or patient navigation role preferred.
• Lived experience with substance-use recovery or close community experience may be considered in lieu of formal experience, where appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Identify and engage patients with substance-use needs in the ED and L&D.
• Conduct brief assessments and interventions and facilitate initiation/continuation of MAT.
• Support patients in overcoming barriers to care and ensure seamless transitions across the continuum of care.
• Promote stigma-free, harm-reduction-oriented practices within the hospital environment.
• Collaborate with physicians, nursing, social work, behavioral health, and community partners to improve access and equity in substance-use care.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, nursing, human services, or related field

Job description

WK South

• Emergency Department
• ED-Emergency Dept

Shreveport, LA

Allied Health

Full-Time, Day, 9a-5p

Posted 10/19/2026

Req # 11308

The Substance Use Navigator (SUN) provides patient-centered navigation and care coordination services for individuals experiencing substance-use disorders (SUDs), including opioid use disorders (OUD). The SUN focuses on low-threshold access to evidence-based treatment, including medication for addiction treatment (MAT), harm-reduction strategies, and rapid linkage to outpatient and community-based services.

Working primarily within the Emergency Department (ED) and Labor & Delivery (L&D) and in collaboration with Network Clinic managers as needed, the SUN identifies and engages patients with substance use needs, conducts brief assessments and interventions, facilitates initiation and continuation of MAT, and supports patients in overcoming barriers to care. The SUN collaborates closely with physicians, nursing staff, social work, behavioral health, and community partners to ensure seamless transitions across the continuum of care.

In addition to direct patient support, the SUN promotes stigma-free, harm-reduction-oriented practices within the hospital environment and contributes to system-level improvements that enhance access, quality, and equity in substance-use care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in social work, public health, nursing, human services, or a related field preferred.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) or Peer Support Specialist certification preferred or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with individuals with substance-use disorders, mental health conditions, or other vulnerable populations in healthcare, community-based, or social service settings.
• Experience in an emergency department, inpatient hospital environment, community outreach, harm-reduction program, MAT program, or patient navigation role is preferred.
• Lived experience with substance-use recovery or close community experience may be considered in lieu of formal experience, where appropriate.