Patient Navigator

Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York (PPCWNY) protects and provides health care and education that empowers individuals and families. With respect. Without judgment.?No matter what.  

In support of PPCWNY’s mission, the Patient Navigator builds strong relationships with patients and with community agencies, organizations, groups and members to connect patients with services to improve their social determinants of health and reduce longstanding disparities in health and health care. This position is based in the Syracuse health center and requires some travel in Onondaga Country. 

• Establishes relationships with and serves as primary point of contact for patients regarding barriers to care and social determinants of health, such as economic stability/employment opportunities/education, food stability, housing stability, transportation, accessing healthcare, neighborhood, and physical environment/social support networks 
• Assists patients with linking to a primary care provider and to health insurance when needed 
• Refers patients to community resources to assist patients with the Social Determinants of Health 
• Provides immediate intervention for crisis situations, referrals and linking patients to community resources 
• Makes appointments and connections (warm referrals) as needed. 
• Documents, tracks and follows-up on patient encounters, referral appointments and outcomes 
• Works collaboratively with Syracuse-based Outreach and Education staff and Manager of Care Coordination to update and maintain referral lists/databases of community resources including service providers, community programs, and community organizations 
• Researches and identifies resources as patient needs arise if not currently known 
• Maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with agency policies and HIPAA 
• Helps promote a climate of positive sexual health 
• Shows respect to all internal and external customers for differences in backgrounds, lifestyles, viewpoints and needs 

Other Accountability Activities 

• Attend appropriate community meetings and events to network with community agencies, organizations, and professionals to establish mutual referral relationships to improve health and well-being of community members 
• Attends bi-weekly supervision meetings with supervisors 
• Participates on committees and coalitions as assigned 
• Participates in agency meetings and initiatives as assigned 
• Other duties/tasks as assigned by supervisor 

Applicants must possess the following qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience): 

Education 

• High School Diploma or GED equivalence  

Experience 

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant community outreach/engagement experience 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 

• Relationships with and knowledge of community-based programs and resources in Syracuse area 
• Awareness of SDOH such as housing insecurity, food insecurity, mental illness, childcare needs, transportation barriers, interpersonal violence. 
• Competency in navigating and advocating for patient access  
• Knowledge of or willingness to be trained in Trauma Informed Care tenets/practices and ability to use these practices with patients 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office skills 
• Demonstrated problem solving skills  
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, set priorities, manage multiple tasks with accuracy, attention to detail, flexibility and humor 
• Ability to work as part of multi-disciplinary team 
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and needs of patients and promote patient autonomy 
• Strong interpersonal and cooperative skills with both internal and external customers 
• Dealing with emotionally charged patient care issues possibly including grief and loss, interpersonal violence, sexual, drug and alcohol issues 
• Planned Parenthood seeks candidates who are proficient in two or more languages 
• A commitment to Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York’s mission, vision and values along with a commitment to providing services to a diverse range of clients and to the goals of PPCWNY is essential 

Working Conditions 

• Standard health center and office environment 
• May experience visual fatigue working at computer with potential extended periods of sitting 
• Well-lit/ventilated 

Physical Requirements 

• Possess sufficient mobility to perform the Essential Functions listed in this Job Description with or without accommodation