The navigator is a care coordinator and an integral team member of a statewide initiative to improve access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). Navigators conduct initial brief assessments, introduce patients to MOUD programs and services, expedite appointments at MOUD-capable clinics, serve as the primary coach for their clients, and maintain ongoing contact with their panel. They also assist with access to other services such as financial counseling, primary care, mental health services, social services, and residential treatment facilities.

PIH Health is a nonprofit, regional healthcare network that serves approximately 3 million residents in the Los Angeles County, Orange County and San Gabriel Valley region. The fully integrated network is comprised of PIH Health Downey Hospital, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, PIH Health Whittier Hospital, 37 outpatient medical office buildings, a multispecialty medical (physician) group, home healthcare services and hospice care, as well as heart, cancer, digestive health, orthopedics, women’s health, urgent care and emergency services. The organization is nationally recognized for excellence in patient care and patient experience, and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) has identified PIH Health as one of the nation’s top hospital systems for best practices, cutting-edge advancements, quality of care and healthcare technology. For more information, visit PIHHealth.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated skill in patient brief assessment and linkage to MOUD clinics.
• Strong communication skills, verbal, non-verbal, written and oral.
• Nonjudgmental, energetic, positive approach to assisting patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
• Understanding of SUD as a medical condition and the role of MOUD in treatment and harm reduction. Adherence to an abstinence-based social model that is unsupportive of MOUD is not aligned with the goals of this position.
• Interest/proficiency in working with individuals recently released from incarceration, homeless individuals and other marginalized populations.
• Able to interact with patients in a culturally relatable manner. Any additional ability to communicate in languages spoken in local community such as Spanish, Tagalog, Hmong, etc. helpful
• Respect for patient confidentiality and privacy.
• Ability to express oneself effectively with excellent written and verbal communication skills including phone etiquette
• Computer skills with advanced knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Resourceful with strong problem solving skills
• Excellent organization skills with ability to effectively manage task in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to exhibit teamwork

Required Experience

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of 1 year in substance abuse treatment services

Preferred:

• Proficiency with main-frame and personal computers.
• Registration or Certification from a recognized certifying organization, agency or board evidencing training or expertise in areas appropriate to substance abuse treatment preferred.