Job Title: Pandemic Health Navigator Department:
Reports to: PHN Supervisor Effective Date:
Job Summary: The Pandemic Health Navigator (PHN) will work to decrease the spread of COVID-19 through specialized and individualistic work with clients. PHNs will work with clients who do not often fit well within the standard medical model. The PHN will work closely with medical providers, primary care teams, and other agencies to improve patient outcomes and care. PHNs will complete an intake interview for their clients, provide regular follow-up care and documentation and provide referrals to other services, as necessary. This position will work to decrease the disparities in health due to COVID-19 and will help advocate for social and environmental needs as they arise. The PHN will work closely with PCPs, Local Health Departments, and Community Based Organizations to provide wrap-around services to encourage clients to remain in their homes while positive with COVID-19. The PHN will create a foundation of trust for continued care of socially vulnerable populations.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Build rapport and connection with clients in an empathetic manner.
- Assist clients in scheduling, accessing, and utilizing telehealth services with their primary care provider. If the client does not have a PCP, work to get the client established with a PCP.
- Screen clients for Social Determinant of Health Issues (SDOH) and make service referrals as appropriate.
- Provide clients with resource information by utilizing local database systems and the IPHA Resource List.
- Practice social distancing, mask wearing, and always use proper PPE.
- Able to identify symptoms of distress and act/intervene appropriately.
- Collects data for the program by being accurate and timely in documentation of client encounters.
- Protect HIPAA of clients participating in the PHN program.
- Participate in all IPHA required meetings and trainings related to the PHN program.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to think critically and make decisions based upon information you are provided with.
- Must be able to maintain professionalism with clients, coworkers, staff, and referring agencies.
- Spanish and English language knowledge preferred
- Transportation preferred, if PHN has transportation, must also have auto insurance.
- Ability to be a self-starter and work independently with limited oversight.
- Ability to communicate affectively by telephone, in person and digital. This includes texting, phone calls, emails, and video conferencing, as necessary.
- Ability to navigate stairs, curbs, or other environmental obstacles.
Education and Experience:
- Must have experience working in community work. This can include advocacy, volunteering, etc.
- Must be willing to see the inherent worth and dignity of each client.
Physical Requirements:
Most of the work the PHN will do, will be in an office or in their personal home-based setting. The PHN will meet virtually with most clients. This virtual meeting may include phone calls, emails, texting, or video conferencing. There will be times that clients need items delivered to their homes such as food. This would include lifting and carrying of 20 pounds. The PHN may deal with time sensitive requests. The PHN may be exposed to outdoor temperature extremes, including dust. The PHN must follow Covid-19 personal protection guidelines.