Patient Navigator

Founded as a faith-based hospital in 1931 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Dignity Health – St. Bernardine Medical Center is a 342-bed acute care nonprofit hospital located in San Bernardino California. The hospital offers a full complement of services including the Inland Empire Heart and Vascular Institute an award-winning orthopedics program surgical weight loss and is an official Neurovascular Stroke Center as designated by ICEMA. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. Visit https://www.dignityhealth.org/socal/locations/stbernardinemedical for more information.

The priority goal of the Patient Navigator is to provide outreach, education, coaching, linkage to care, documentation, data collection, and advocate for culture change in the hospital and the community for patients diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Syphilis where they can receive appropriate levels of care with the desired outcome of improving the health and quality of life for the designated patient populations. The Patient Navigator will promote patient informed decision making and identify/minimize socioeconomic, environmental, and circumstantial issues that bar access to care and hinder compliance with treatment. He/she will coordinate plans of care in adherence to activities such as appointment reminders, arranging transportation and coordinating the referral process between St. Bernardine Medical Center (SBMC), community health centers/primary care clinics and social supportive resources. The process involves a high level of interaction with the patients, SBMC staff and providers, and community health providers and resources to determine optimal care needs and settings and transfer relevant patient health data through  a secure web based system and maintain patient documentation on every patient contact, as well as necessary follow-up to ensure continuity of care. The Patient Navigator must have excellent communication skills including the ability to communicate sensitive issues, including sexuality, drug use, and physical and mental health.  This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the Mission of the Organization.  It is expected that the employee will demonstrate behavior consistent with the Core Values.  The employee shall support the Organization's strategic plan and the community benefit goals.  Must be flexible to meet ongoing business changes of the organizational environment and community need.  Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Experience Required: At least two years' experience in health care, social service setting including any experience conducting community outreach, case management, or patient focused services.

Education Required: Accredited AA Degree with emphasis in social services, psychology or related health field. Equivalent combination of experience and education will be accepted

Special Skills: Must have strong knowledge of community resources in San Bernardino County and surrounding areas and be familiar with community based health care delivery.  Demonstrates excellent communications skills and interpersonal relationships. Ability to collaborate and facilitate interdisciplinary team communications. Demonstrate flexibility and ability to manage multiple complex situations Strong computer literacy skills with Microsoft Office/Google applications, authorization systems and spreadsheets. Knowledge of HIPAA Guidelines including the PHI privacy requirements

Trainings: Familiarity and working knowledge of Medical and other public programs. Knowledge in providing application assistance for Medi-Cal, Covered California and other public benefit programs.