Patient Navigator

Dignity Health Medical Foundation, established in 1993, is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation with care centers throughout California. Dignity Health Medical Foundation is an affiliate of Dignity Health – one of the largest health systems in the nation - with hospitals and care centers in California, Arizona and Nevada. Today, Dignity Health Medical Foundation works hand-in-hand with physicians and providers throughout California to provide comprehensive health care services to the many communities we serve. As Dignity Health Medical Foundation continues to grow and establish new premier care centers, we provide increasing support and investment in the latest technologies, finest physicians and state-of-the-art medical facilities. Our 130+ clinics across the state of California deliver high-quality, patient-centric care with an emphasis on humankindness. Through affiliations with Dignity Health hospitals, along with our joint ventures and partnerships, we offer a robust, state-of-the-art health care delivery system in the communities we serve .We strive to create purposeful work settings where staff can provide great care, while advancing in knowledge and experience through challenging work assignments and stimulating relationships. Our staff is well-trained and highly skilled, qualities that are vital to maintaining excellence in care and service.

One Community. One Mission. One California 

***This position is hybrid in-office/clinic and work from home.  Please note, this position will require occasional Saturday hours.

Position Summary:

The Navigator is an integral part of the Care Coordination Care team. The care team program improves the quality of care and clinical outcomes for members with complex care needs by coordinating care within the health care delivery system using a collaborative partnership approach. The Navigator collaborates with multiple disciplinary team members across the continuum of care. The Navigator supports the care team with reducing fragmentation of patient care, improves compliance and access to care, supports efforts to reduce or remove treatment barriers, and assists patients in navigating their path through the continuum of care with the goal of improved care coordination amongst providers and reduced hospitalization, readmissions and ER visits. This position will involve telephonic management and direct patient contact through follow up at clinic appointments, in a community setting, and/or home visits as needed. Travel may be required with telecommuting option.

Responsibilities may include:
- Effectively works with patients, staff, health service providers, agencies, etc. from diverse backgrounds to reduce cultural and social-economic barriers between patients and institutions.
- Clearly communicates the purposes and services available in the Care Coordination program to patients, family members and caregivers.
- As part of the Care Coordination Team, assists patients in understanding care plans and instructions and helps patients actualize health management plans and goals.
- Receive patient requests for assistance and refers patient to appropriate member of Care Coordination Care Team (PCP, Care Coordinator, Social Worker, Pharmacist) for resolution, unless Navigator can resolve on his/her own and within the scope of the position.
- Coaches patients in self-management, problem solving and empowers patient, family and/or caregiver to achieve maximum levels of wellness and independence.
- Assists patient with navigating the healthcare system to minimize fragmentation in services, obtain timely care appropriate access to providers, services and necessary procedures.
- Monitors patient's compliance with scheduling and keeping PCP and specialist appointments identifying patterns of non adherence and coordinates scheduling of needed patient appointments.
- Contacts patient telephonically, meets patient at clinic appointments or other settings as needed to assist with care coordination.
- Identifies problems with healthcare access and utilization providing alternatives to overcome these difficulties.
- Assist patient with obtaining the most beneficial, cost-effective health care to enhance the patient's health and wellness, safety, productivity, and quality of life.
- Documents activities, plans, and results in an effective manner to maintain health record and provide reports.
- Works collaboratively with the rest of the Care Coordination Team, including regularly communicating feedback from patients and providers.

Minimum Qualifications:

- 2+ years as Medical Office Referral Coordinator, Medical Assistant, Health Plan.
- High school diploma.
- Basic understanding of ALOS, re-admission rates, Gaps in Care. Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Office, typing, and computer data entry. Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with all levels of individuals, sometimes in stressful situations. Must be flexible and able to adapt to changing patient and organizational priorities. Ability to manage conflict, stress and multiple simultaneous work demands in an effective professional manner. Demonstrates respect, concern, and empathy for the spiritual and emotional needs of patients.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Managed Care Organization Utilization Technician experience preferred.
- Associates degree preferred.