Patient Navigation Specialist 1

Patient Navigator serves as a Health Promotion Advocate (HPA) in the Emergency Departments HealthNow Program, a population health-focused program using a systemic approach to address health needs in a more proactive way with a focus on patients who may be living with HIV, Hepatitis C, and substance use disorder. HPAs participate in identifying and intervening with populations most at risk for threats to health and well-being at the earliest opportunity and helping them connect with community resources to improve health outcomes.

Under the direction of the Clinical Manager or Project Leader, and in cooperation with all the members of the patient care teams, performs a wide range of clinical-support and administrative functions to fully support the program. In a professional manner, interviews patients to elicit health needs history; administers questionnaire in a courteous, professional, and empathetic manner; coordinates point-of-care testing as applicable; based on responses, refers to appropriate HealthNow Program team members for further referral to community resources; maintains patients records ensuring strict confidentiality; maintains appropriate tracking and reporting systems; collects, analyzes and compiles data for inclusion in progress reports. Supports various community-based clinical research studies; assists with the organization and maintenance of study files and documents; assists with the timely and accurate data entry of study specific data.

The Patient Navigator is responsible for carrying out successful screening of patients presenting to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center facilities (East and Main campus) for various health related services such as OUD/SUD, HIV testing, HCV education, harm reduction education, naloxone distribution,addressingnon-clinical barriers preventing engagement with the health system and utilizing inclusion and exclusion criteria for participation in the clinical services and research studies.

The Patient Navigator will be trained to provide education and services for health promotion and education. Additionally, the Patient Navigatormay work in a variety of settings as necessary to complete work as approved by medical director, relevant stakeholders, and administrators that promote implementation, system redesign, education and quality initiatives.

Job Description

Approximately 80%: Clinical Role

Address patient concerns through active listening and escalate as needed to the care team. Maintain appropriate tracking and reporting systems and complete other related duties as assigned by Clinical Manager. Work closely with appropriate clinical services and linkage to care teams to ensure referrals are completed and patients' needs are assessed. The Patient Navigator employs motivational interviewing (MI), open ended questions and client centered counseling to collect patient information and ensure the necessary information is promptly passed on to the linkage coordinator or the care team. This role involves multi-disciplinary teams and collaboration.

1. Screen patients for various health related services.

2. Approach patients and explain HealthNow program processes/services.

3. Complete system approved point of care clinical and confirmatory tests for diagnostic screening and assessment (e.g., rapid HIV test under CLIA waiver with Insti confirmatory test, risk screening, and discuss test results with the patient).

4. Refer the patient to the next level of care or linkage services as indicated.

Approximately 20%: Research Role

The Patient Navigator supports clinical research in the Department of Emergency Medicine by assisting with participant recruitment, eligibility, and informed consent. Responsibilities may include collecting and entering patient data into research and EMR systems, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating with research staff.

Minimum Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. CHW preferred but not required.