Patient Navigator

Position Summary Patient Navigator assists patients and their families in accessing appropriate clinical and social services to achieve improved health outcomes for Zufall Health Center patients.  The Patient Navigator plays an integral role in the care coordination and management of patients and is a key member of the Care Team.  The Patient Navigator will assist any patient that the team identifies and will focus specifically on those with complex medical issues (such as cancer, diabetes, renal failure) and with needs and barriers (such as financial, cultural, language, insurance) that prevent them from achieving healthy outcomes. The Patient Navigator reports to the Site Manager.  Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities • Works as part of the Care Team to identify patients in need of services and communicates with provider or Care Coordinator of progress of case and of unidentified needs • Conducts intake process and determines clinical and social (financial, insurance applications, referrals, outside services). Enters interventions done and plans in electronic medical record in Case Management Visits • Keeps active problem list and tracks clients who have been referred and documents level of services provided, and issues reports on a monthly basis. Follows up on missed appointments and reschedules as appropriate. Contact patients who are overdue for visits • Assists physicians and nurse practitioners with contacting patients to discuss results and additional procedures. Enters interventions and follow up plans in electronic medical record via telephone encounters or case management notes • Assists patients with arrangements for transportation, translation, and other barriers to attending appointments • Educates patients about what, why and how tests are being done. Instructs patients with preparation for all procedures • Assists patients with completion of medical and prescription forms and requests to other providers and agencies • Assists patients with applications for Charity Care at local hospitals, Medicaid, NJ Family Care and other benefits or insurances as appropriate • Develops referral protocols for Zufall Health Center physicians and nurse practitioners to refer patients into clinical and enabling services. Facilitates interchange of pertinent medical information as per HIPAA guidelines to providers involved in the patients care • Acts as advocate for patients and their families with community organizations and governmental agencies • Coordinates and assists in outreach workshops, health fairs and educational activities • Prepares reports for analysis and presentation as per the Chief Medical Officer and brings to the team and to the CMO any barriers or process issues identified that are interfering with optimal patient care • Performs other duties as assigned by CMO  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Knowledge of Microsoft Office, keyboarding, and use of electronic medical records • Excellent knowledge of available community services and resources • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Bilingual Spanish/English required • Ability to communicate well with patients, staff and outside providers and agencies appropriately • Demonstrated ability to adapt to changes readily • Ability to follow instructions, given either orally or in writing • Ability to work with little supervision • Demonstrate effective follow up-through with all tasks • Maintain high level of confidentially • Ability to complete assignments in a timely manner • Working knowledge of Zufall policies and procedures, and adoption of mission and values of Zufall • Able to work in a team • Learn and apply the trauma informed care principles with the scope of my position Education, Training and Experience • Minimum Associates Degree with appropriate health and/or social services related experience or High School graduate with extensive and appropriate experience • Minimum of three years’ experience in medical setting • Experience working with community services agencies

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