The Patient Health Navigator (PHN) oversees a caseload of patients with substance use disorders and acts as the primary liaison between the patient and treatment programs for infectious diseases. The PHN is responsible for the provision of coordinated services related to the screening and treatment of Hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV. The PHN will be trained in START’s health promotion curriculum and navigation of services to engage patients and assist them in the coordination of appointments. Training will focus on providing guidance, support, education, as well as tracking and promoting progress towards treatment goals. The PHN will work closely with project staff and the clinical team in the medical division at START to ensure the highest quality of care and services with the overarching goal of sustaining a patient centered approach. This position requires a flexible and solutions-oriented individual who is sensitive to the needs of persons with substance misuse. The PHN carries out and not limited to the following tasks to screen and guide patients in their treatment plans. Phlebotomy experience preferred.

Role and Responsibilities:

 Conducts outreach to engage patients about HIV and HCV screening and treatment;  Maintains updates on caseload pertaining to needs assessments, health insurance eligibility, HIV and HCV treatment initiation and follow up visits, laboratory findings, medications and side effects;  Works with patients to increase understanding about HCV and HIV, identify treatment goals, and develop plans to achieve those goals;  Coordinates logistics for patient treatment plans, such as arranging appointments, making appointment reminders, arranging transportation, making childcare arrangements;  Carries out tasks that are needed for patient treatment plans, including accompanying patients to appointments;  Assists patients with questions about coverage and the treatment process;  Conducts health education activities regarding risk reduction strategies;  Maintains ongoing communication with clinical team about treatment outcomes;  Maintains centralized updated list of resources and referrals to treatment services and programs;  Serves as the primary liaison with treatment service providers to ensure patient linkage process is streamlined;  Assists with project events and health fairs;

 Works collaboratively with the research team and medical and other staff to advocate for patients;  Records and collects data, as required, and submits all required documents in a timely manner; and  Performs office and other tasks as required, such as preparing handouts and making copies.   Assists with project events and health fairs;  Works collaboratively with the research team and medical and other staff to advocate for patients;  Records and collects data, as required, and submits all required documents in a timely manner; and  Performs office and other tasks as required, such as preparing handouts and making copies.

Qualifications, experience and skills:

 BA/BS Degree preferred or High School Diploma with 2 years minimum experience,  Phlebotomy services or willingness to undergo training to draw and collect blood  Ability to work with diverse populations,  Experience in working with people with substance use disorders,  Ability to work individually and within a larger team,  Ability to handle multiple tasks and stressful environment,  Ability to communicate well in English and fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred,  Ability to use common office computer software (Word, Excel,)  Ability to work within an organizational structure and multidisciplinary team in a health system environment.

Benefits

• Vacation, personal, and sick leave
• Medical, dental, vision plans
• Pension & retirement plan
• Short & long-term disability
• Life insurance
• AFLAC
• Pet Insurance

Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• National Health Service Corp Loan Repayment

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

START is an equal-opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. START encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.

START undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions.

We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to contact: engagement at startny.org ~Correspondence sent to this email address that is not related to requests for accommodations will not be reviewed. Applicants should follow the instructions above regarding how to apply.