Job Description

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to provide high-quality, comprehensive medical and dental care, patient advocacy and related services to people who need them most, regardless of their ability to pay. Caregivers demonstrate a high level of empathy, compassion and profound respect while providing excellence of care to our patients. They serve as advocates for all of those in our Northeast Ohio community, especially the most vulnerable.

Position Summary: The Behavioral Health Navigator (BHN) serves as a key resource in assisting patients with access to behavioral health services, providing care coordination, and connecting individuals to community resources. BHN works closely with behavioral health providers, primary care teams, and external partners to ensure seamless experience for patients in need of mental health and substance use disorder services. Activities include health care navigation, benefits enrollment and usage, population-specific interventions, community case management, and patient advocacy.

Task Responsibilities: Include but are not limited to:

• Conduct initial screenings and assessments for patients to identify behavioral health needs and social determinants of health barriers.
• Assist patients in navigating behavioral health and primary care services within Care Alliance Health Center.
• Provide patient education on available behavioral health services and treatment options.
• Coordinate warm handoffs between medical, behavioral health, and social service providers.
• Monitor patient progress and provide follow-up support to ensure treatment engagement and adherence.
• Screen patients for eligibility, support enrollment, recertification, and follow up as appropriate. Benefits may include Medicaid, Medicare, SSI/SSDI, CHAP, SNAP, WIC, etc.
• Address barriers to care by connecting patients to available community resources such as reduced fare bus tickets, housing support, income and food support, job training, etc.
• Support patient comprehension of their diagnosis, treatment plan, and next steps, and connect patients to the appropriate licensed clinical professional.
• Connect patients to external mental health and substance use disorder services (when needed), including crisis intervention, counseling, and inpatient treatment facilities.
• Assist patients with scheduling appointments; coordinating prior authorizations or insurance benefits; basic understanding of procedures; retrieval of specialty care reports, results, or visit summaries and appropriate follow up.
• Work as part of an integrated care team, collaborating with BH/primary care providers, social workers, and case managers.
• Track patient referrals, engagement, and outcomes for program reporting and improvement.
• Identify and address non-medical barriers to health and self-sufficiency such as transportation, housing, income, recreation, and education.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with community resources and social service agencies to link patients appropriately.

Minimum Education and Experience: Required:

• Associate’s degree and/or commensurate experience may be considered, BA degree in social work, family development, healthcare administration or a related field preferred.
• 1-3 years’ experience in at least one of the following areas: case management or counseling, experience working with vulnerable populations, mental illness, and/or substance abuse.
• Experience using EPIC or another EHR is an added plus.
• Knowledge of relevant community resources and ability to work collaboratively with community service providers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team of staff at various skill and professional levels.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• An ability to plan, organize and complete paperwork in a timely manner and maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to the mission of Care Alliance Health Center.

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