Substance Use Navigator - MAT & Harm Reduction Advocate

Alameda Health System; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Alameda Health System is seeking a SLH Substance Use Navigator to engage patients across clinic, ED, and hospital settings, promoting harm reduction and access to medications for addiction treatment. You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and rely on motivational interviewing and coaching to support patients and families.

The role emphasizes rapid response in diverse community settings, warmline duties, and direct advocacy to connect patients with healthcare, housing, and social

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates degree preferred.
• One year of direct patient care experience in substance use disorders and harm reduction within the last two years OR current full-time employment as a substance use navigator in an ED for at least three months, with experience supporting buprenorphine initiation and maintenance in OUD; naloxone distribution/training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engage people using drugs in non-judgmental conversations to promote engagement in harm reduction and treatment.
• Educate on medications for addiction treatment (MAT) including methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, bupropion, mirtazapine, and gabapentin.
• Motivate and assist patients to access healthcare, behavioral health, and social resources, including advocacy with pharmacies, insurance, and treatment facilities.
• In ED and on hospital floors, screen for substance use, initiate MAT, and coordinate psychosocial supports.
• Answer the Substance Use Navigator Warmline and recruit staff to respond to patient needs.
• Schedule clinic visits and provide transportation or access facilitation.
• Document patient interactions in the EMR.
• Coordinate daily activity focus with Bridge practice manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Motivational interviewing

Counseling

Harm reduction

Non-judgmental communication

Advocacy

Empathy

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associates Degree

Tools

Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

Job description

Alameda Health System is seeking a SLH Substance Use Navigator to engage patients across clinic, ED, and hospital settings, promoting harm reduction and access to medications for addiction treatment. You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and rely on motivational interviewing and coaching to support patients and families.

The role emphasizes rapid response in diverse community settings, warmline duties, and direct advocacy to connect patients with healthcare, housing, and social