SSVF Health Care Navigator

Position Title: SSVF Health Care Navigator

Supervisor: Director of Community Stabilization Services

Department: Human Services Department/SSVF

Exemption: Non- Exempt

Job Summary:

As part of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) team, the Health Navigator will link Veterans experiencing or at risk for homelessness to medical care, behavioral health treatment, benefits, etc. focusing on those Veterans who may be disconnected from services and/or are struggling with active substance use, mental health disorders and/or chronic medical conditions. This position provides care coordination, case management, health education and collateral contacts to ensure that Veterans are connected to the care, treatment and services that will lead to improved health outcomes and self-determination.

This position must be dedicated to the Harm Reduction service delivery model and will employ a variety of evidence based interventions including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care and Relapse Prevention to provide client centered services to Veterans.

Job Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Veterans primary care provider and members of the Veterans assigned interdisciplinary treatment team and act as a liaison between SSVF and the VA and/or other medical providers to link and retrain Veterans in medical and behavioral health care and treatment. Connect to telehealth as appropriate.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, in collaboration with other interdisciplinary treatment team members and family members (as appropriate), to understand the Veterans situation and barriers to care/treatment, and to create a Veteran centered care plan that outlines a Veterans goals and objectives.
• Act as a health coach by proactively supporting Veterans to optimize treatment interventions and outcomes through working to resolve concerns or questions about their treatment, medications, etc. and communicating their preferences in care and personal health-related goals to interdisciplinary treatment team members.
• Coordinate referrals to the VA, community health clinics, and other programs to ensure access to health care and other services. Follow the care plan to facilitate adherence, and collaborate with community providers to maximize the use of VA and community resources.
• Link Veterans and family members to supportive services, which include, but are not limited to, housing, financial benefits, transportations, etc.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on community resources related to the needs of Veterans and provide education to Veterans and their family on the available services to assist them in establishing the appropriate, Veteran centered referrals and linkages to care.
• Provide trainings to other team members on navigating the VA and community based services, including medical care, behavioral health care as well as other community based resources.
• Consult regularly with other team members to appropriately assess and address the needs of the Veteran.
• Respond to crisis situations and intervene when needed and alerted. Respond and follow up with event reports.
• Ensure all data collection and documentation deadlines are adhered to.
• Provide community based referrals to meet the needs of each Veteran during discharge planning to help maintain independent living. Provide appointment accompaniment as needed.
• Provide direct stabilization case management services as needed.
• Attend and actively participate in department, case conferencing, program meetings and trainings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Two plus years of experience with Veteran population, mental illness, and substance use disorders, and/or homelessness.
• Master level clinician preferred, BA required.
• Proficient crisis intervention skills.
• Strong case management and housing navigation skills and understanding of community based resources and how to proficiently navigate these resources.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate professionally.
• Proficiency with electronic databases and computers.
• Flexible self-starter with strong analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of military culture.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Ability to work comfortably with a multicultural, homeless population experiencing complex challenges.
• Ability to travel in the greater Boston area and work in the community, as needed.
• Demonstrate positive communication with Veterans and other team members and collaborators.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• Strong computer, database and electronic recording keeping skills.
• Ability to maintain professional and personal boundaries.
• Ability to write clear progress notes and person centered service/care plans.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with teams, including other NECHV programs and departments.

The New England Center and Home for Veterans requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID, unless a formal request for exemption has been submitted and approved.