THRIVE Clinical Navigator

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 53,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a THRIVE Clinical Navigator to lead the THRIVE program intake and scheduling efforts. The role supports veterans through a 3-week intensive outpatient model, coordinating referrals, assessments, and care planning within UNC Health.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and experience with clinical data systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Team Lead for the THRIVE Program intake & scheduling.
• Oversee intake process and supervise Intake Coordinator.
• Review program applications, medical records and Release of Information (ROI) forms for completeness.
• Conduct clinical phone interviews and complete online assessments.
• Create and present summary of assessment findings to Clinical Decision Team.

Job description

Department:

Exercise and Sport Science-318600

Career Area:

Administrative/Clerical Support

Is this an internal only recruitment?:

No

Posting Open Date :

10/23/2026

Application Deadline:

11/03/2026

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title:

Soc/Clin Research Assistant - Advanced

Salary Grade Equivalent:

NC10 / GN10

Working Title:

THRIVE Clinical Navigator

Position Number:

20041065

Vacancy ID:

P021497

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited:

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week:

40

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm, schedule will be determined based on clinic hours

Work Location:

CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

$52,960 - $59,676

Pay Band Information:

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Notice to Applicants:

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The purpose of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science (EXSS) is to discover, create and promote knowledge of human movement to improve the quality of life of individuals and society. This will be accomplished by establishing and maintaining well-funded research programs with a high-quality, productive research faculty who are committed to the research mission of UNC Chapel Hill and EXSS. The department provides leadership in teaching, research, and scholarship in the discipline of physical education, exercise, and sport science. A major commitment of the department is to discover, interpret, disseminate, and apply discipline specific knowledge to the university, state, national, and international communities. The department pursues excellence in educational programs including physical activity instruction, undergraduate academic and graduate academic programs. The mission of EXSS is further enhanced through interdisciplinary cooperation and departmental faculty securing competitive extramural funding in the form of contracts and grants. These endeavors enable the department to advance knowledge and thus serve the state and nation.

The Matthew Gfeller Center and the Center for the Study of Retired Athletes are housed within the Department of Exercise and Sport Science. The mission of the Matthew Gfeller Center is to improve the prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of sport-related traumatic brain injuries through research, education, and clinical practice. The Matthew Gfeller Center is a diverse and inclusive team exceeding 25 individuals. These core faculty, staff, and trainees are supported by extramural research grants and contracts totaling approximately $10M. In addition, the Matthew Gfeller Center recently secured a $12.5M gift to develop the Transforming Health and Resilience in Veterans (THRIVE) Program. While the THRIVE Program will begin to see patients in early 2022, a critical need exists to establish the programmatic framework in the preceding time. In its full capacity, the THRIVE Program will touch ~400 participants annually, including ~150 who will participate in a 3-week intensive outpatient program.

The Center for the Study of Retired Athletes has been studying the health and well-being of former athletes since 2001. The Center aims to:
* Learn about the physical and mental challenges that former athletes face;
* Inform the sport and science communities about physical and mental health needs and challenges;
* Facilitate the provision of medical care to former athletes in a clinical research setting; and
* Empower current athletes to actively transition to a healthy and fulfilling life after sport participation.

• Learn about the physical and mental challenges that former athletes face;


• Inform the sport and science communities about physical and mental health needs and challenges;


• Facilitate the provision of medical care to former athletes in a clinical research setting; and


• Empower current athletes to actively transition to a healthy and fulfilling life after sport participation.

The CSRA has ongoing research studies (approximately $4.7M) as well as the NFLPA Trust Brain and Body Clinic Program. The purpose of the Brain and Body program is to provide former athletes with a comprehensive evaluation of their cognitive, mental, and physical functioning. The program sees approximately 100 patients a year.

Position Summary:

This position will serve as the Clinical Navigator for the Transforming Health & Resilience in Veterans (THRIVE) Program. The THRIVE Program will be a community-based clinical outreach program designed to provide care to veterans who are experiencing the effects of traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress, resulting from a career serving our nation. The program will evaluate, diagnose, and treat physical, cognitive and other health conditions during a 3-week intensive outpatient program. The program will see approximately 150 veterans per year and will provide a referral network and post-program follow-ups for as many as 400 veterans and family members every year when it is fully operational.

• Serve as Team lead for the THRIVE Program intake & scheduling process


• Oversee intake process and supervise Intake Coordinator


• Review program applications, medical records and Release of Information (ROI) forms for completeness


• Conduct clinical phone interviews and complete online assessments


• Create and present summary of assessment findings to Clinical Decision Team to help determine appropriateness of program


• Provide recommendations to team regarding patient’s physical, behavioral, and psychological needs


• Schedule veteran and first responder 3-day evaluation visit


• Register patients in EPIC


• Create individual patient schedules and manage outlook appointments


• Provide resources to those not eligible for program


• Develop and maintain working relationships with partner programs


• Oversee and assist with pre-screening veterans and first responders for eligibility


• Assist with data information collection and entry

This position will report to the Assistant Director of Clinical Operations and will be in-person located at the off-campus UNC Health clinic in Chapel Hill. The THRIVE Program is housed in a UNC Health operated clinic; therefore, all UNC Chapel Hill employees working in-person at the clinic must abide by UNC Health policies, procedures and vaccination requirements.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences:

• Experience with EPIC, and data capture software (REDcap, Qualtrics, QuesGen)


• Experience with service members or veterans


• Excellent organization skills in order to manage program interests, procedures, resources, and timelines


• Ability to search and critically review best evidence to guide clinical decision making and effectively share knowledge and communicate relevant findings


• Outstanding customer service skills

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions:

Please note that a resume, cover letter, and a list of references are required to apply to this position.