Patient Navigator – Bilingual

JOB SUMMARY

The Patient Navigator will conduct outreach to patients who are HIV positive and meet individuals on the Stroger Hospital Campus, and other Cook County Health (CCH) facilities to assist with initial engagement in care. The Patient Navigator will develop relationship with patients who will receive or re-engaged in HIV primary care at a Cook County Health HIV Integrated Program (CCHIP) site and will assist patients in follow-up and execution of case management and medical treatment plans, address barriers to care, assist with obtaining public benefits, entitlements and conduct home visits.  The Patient Navigator will exemplify the CCH, CCHIP & Institute mission, vision and values and act in accordance with policies and procedures.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Initiates immediate contact with patients in need of care coordination services meet on the Stroger Hospital campus and other CCH facilities to establish rapport and to assist with linkage to care to CCHIP Sites
• Reminds patients of appointments and assists with addressing barriers to care such as transportation, childcare, etc.
• Accompanies patients through their first visit to CCHIP site to orient them to each site’s services and how to access them
• Follows-up to assist patients in accessing their second and subsequent visits to CCHIP sites for medical and supportive services.
• Assists patients in understanding their case management and treatment plans and in following through as necessary.
• Communicates with the multidisciplinary care team at CCHIP sites and other CCH about individual client’s needs and concerns.
• Assists patients in applying for public benefits and entitlements (i.e. reminding of the need to bring necessary documentation to the next visit).
• Arranges for transportation to medical and other appointments.
• Shares knowledge and education to improve patients’ knowledge and attitudes toward HIV.
• Conducts home visits as necessary to provide peer support and to assist with overcoming barriers.
• Enters data into the project’s database.
• Participates in all administrative and staff development meetings.
• Maintain a Working Knowledge of Community and Internal program that would enhance the client’s ability to be maintained in care. This included attending workshops, gathering resources, and becoming familiar with benefits programs.
• Enhance Professional Development and Maintain an Area of Specialization by attending trainings specific to areas of interest and maintaining professional competencies.
• Be able to work with the team to enhance the project and work with AFC and other agencies to devise a work plan, standards, and documentation/tracking requirements.
• Participate in Social Services Continuous Quality Improvement Efforts as outlined within social services and throughout CCHIP Sites.
• Participate in all CCH, CCHIP & Hektoen mandatory training and meetings & adhere to specific Policies & Procedures
• Provide Excellent Customer Service and Professionals when interacting with clients and internal and external customers, including responding to phone calls, emails, and faxes and pages in accordance with the CCH policies.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS – Knowledge/Skills/Experience

Minimal Formal Education Required: Minimum of HS diploma or an equivalency.  Minimal Length & Nature of Experience Required: At least 1 year of direct service experience working in the field of social services or chronic diseases or an equivalency. The candidate should have the ability to relate to people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, races, sexual orientation and gender identities or expression. Experience working with clients with multiple needs and comfortable working with high volumes of clients in a fast-paced environment preferred.  Ability to navigate Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and overall computer proficiency is required.  Special Knowledge and Skills Required and Preferred: Bilingual required. Ability to function autonomously as a worker and as a team member on a multidisciplinary team, excellent oral and written communication skills, problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and family issues, commitment to confidentiality, ethics, and a culturally sensitive approach to counseling are required. Experience working in a hospital or out-patient setting desired. Access to a reliable vehicle with a valid driver license and proof of required automobile insurance.