Patient Navigator 2

Patient Navigator 2 serves as a health promotion advocate and linkage coordinator 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, substance use, etc. Participates 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, 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 community resources and provides linkage to care; maintains patients records ensuring strict confidentiality; maintains appropriate tracking and reporting systems; collects, analyzes and compiles data for inclusion in progress reports.

The Patient Navigator 2 is responsible for carrying out successful screening, intervention and linkage to care of patients presenting to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center facilities for various health related services such as OUD/SUD, HIV testing/linkage to care, HCV linkage to care, harm reduction education, addressing non-clinical barriers preventing engagement with the health system and utilizing inclusion and exclusion criteria for participation in the clinical services and research studies. Additionally, the Patient Navigator 2 may 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.

Essential Functions:

Screen patients and receive referrals for patients potentially eligible for HealthNow program activities. Approach patients and explain HealthNow program services. Complete system approved point of care clinical and confirmatory tests for diagnostic screening and assessment (e.g., HIV test under CLIA waiver with Insti confirmatory test, risk reduction counseling, delivering test results, and offer linkage to care as needed). Provide on-site linkage to care in the Emergency Department (e.g., linkage to care for HIV, HCV, PrEP, SUD) and follow-up with the patient post-discharge. May consent and enroll participants in eligible research studies.

Approximately 66%: Clinical Role

Address patient concerns through active listening and escalate as needed to the care team. Provide linkage to care for diseases of public health importance and ensure referrals are completed and patients needs are addressed. Research and remain up to date on available services/programs both within and outside of the OSU network that may benefit patients in order to successfully match patient needs with resources. Maintain appropriate tracking and reporting systems and complete other related duties as assigned. The Patient Navigator 2 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 care team. This role involves multi-disciplinary teams and collaboration.

Approximately 33%: Research Role

May provides assistance in support of clinical research studies being conducted in the Department of Emergency Medicine; participates in the recruitment of study participants; collects and provides relevant data to be used in assessing eligibility of patients for participation in protocols; assists with administration of informed consent process; assists with cognitive testing both clinically and for research visits; assists principal investigator (PI) and sub-investigator with continuity of care of study patients during and between clinic visits; assists with collection, entering, maintenance and reporting of clinical research data; assists with analysis and interpretation of research data; enters protocol, medical history, and demographic information abstracted from patient charts into appropriate data capturing system; enters patient clinical data into electronic medical record system; reviews data and progress notes with research specialists, CRCs, principal investigator and sponsor agencies as appropriate; composes and responds to correspondence from principal investigators; prepares appropriate protocol files for data audits; assists with development of data collection plan and forms for new research protocols; prepares summaries of research results for protocol evaluation, abstract and manuscripts.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in public health or related field (or equivalent number of years of experience); 2-4 years of experience working with patients, public health services and/or community-based programming preferred.

Excellent communications, coordination and organizational skills required. Requires successful completion of a background check. The selected candidate may be asked to complete a pre-employment physical, including a drug screen.