Substance Use Navigator — Harm Reduction & MAT Advocate

Alameda Health System; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Alameda Health System in Oakland, California seeks a Substance Use Navigator to support patients across clinics, ED, and inpatient settings, recruiting people who use substances and clinicians for evidence-based treatment.

SUNs leverage motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and a collaborative care approach with an interdisciplinary team to promote access to MAT, psychosocial supports, and comprehensive care.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent; associates degree preferred.
• One year of direct patient care in substance use disorders or current full-time employment as a substance use navigator in an emergency department with buprenorphine experience.
• Experience distributing naloxone and overdose recognition training encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Engage people who use drugs in non-judgmental conversations across clinics, ED, hospital floors, or community sites.
• Educate patients on medications for addiction treatment (MAT) including methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and related therapies.
• Motivate and assist patients to access healthcare, behavioral health, and social resources; advocate with pharmacies, insurers, and treatment facilities.
• In ED/hospital, screen, identify, and approach patients suspected of substance use disorders; coordinate MAT and psychosocial supports.
• In clinic, answer the Substance Use Navigator Warmline and recruit additional staff or clinicians.
• Directly schedules clinic visits, motivates attendance, and arranges transportation or access.
• Document patient interactions and status updates in the EMR.
• Coordinate daily activity with Bridge practice manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Motivational interviewing

Harm reduction

Care coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates degree

Tools

Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

Naloxone distribution training

Job description

Alameda Health System in Oakland, California seeks a Substance Use Navigator to support patients across clinics, ED, and inpatient settings, recruiting people who use substances and clinicians for evidence-based treatment.

SUNs leverage motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and a collaborative care approach with an interdisciplinary team to promote access to MAT, psychosocial supports, and comprehensive care.