Patient Navigator

The Patient Navigator is the main point of contact for clients enrolled in STEPS to Care. Their goal is to help HIV-positive clients stay engaged in medical care and adhere to their medications. They remove barriers to care by providing critical resources, navigating healthcare services, and promoting client health. The Patient Navigator works closely with the Care Team to support positive client health outcomes.

Field-based direct care to clients with HIV/AIDS:

» Establishes close relationships with and serves as the primary point of contact for clients » Visits clients’ homes on a regular basis

» Accompany clients to medical appointments, when required » Deliver in-home weekly or monthly health education and promote HIV self-management to clients

» Communicate with Care Team members (Care Coordinators, primary care physicians, and other health care providers) to facilitate client care

» Observe, report, and assess client self-administration of medication

» Identify resources for clients to overcome barriers to care, such as transportation, housing, and childcare arrangements

» Remain aware of current services offered by service providers, such as mental health, housing, and employment assistance

» Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with agency policies » May meet with clients after primary care physician appointments to review and update care plan with the Care Coordinator

Organizational duties:

» Meet with Care Team (including, but not limited to, Care Coordinator and primary care provider) to discuss client care issues and needs and facilitate client health care

» Maintain documentation of all client encounters and complete reporting requirements according to organization standards

» Track client information, schedules, files, and forms in a confidential manner

» Track client attendance at medical appointments and patient navigation sessions and initiate outreach and missed appointment procedures, as necessary

» Attend and represent the organization at professional conferences, in-service training, and meetings at the request of or with the approval of the supervisor.

Qualifications Personal characteristics and skills:

» Commitment to the mission of care coordination » Passionate, trustworthy, and empathetic when working with clients

» Ability to build relationships with different types of people, including clients, organization members, and health care providers

» Good communication and interpersonal skills and ability to speak concisely to clients and Care Team members

» Organized with confidential client material and appointment tracking

» Flexible and adaptable in response to changing client and health care providers’ needs » Interest in working with HIV-positive clients

Education and experience:

» Minimum high school degree or some college education

» Strong understanding of cultural competency with the target population

» Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

» Computer literacy desirable