Clinical Patient Navigator at UNLV Health

The Clinical Patient Navigator plays a crucial role in facilitating patient care within the outpatient ambulatory clinic setting. The patient navigator serves as a single point of contact for referring physicians, patients, and caregivers to provide resources and assistance with accessing clinical and supportive care services offered within UNLV Health. This position is responsible for guiding patients through their healthcare journey, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate services. The Patient Navigator will work closely with healthcare practitioners, patients, and their families to enhance patient satisfaction, improve health outcomes, and streamline the patient experience.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Please Note:  UNLV Health does not provide employment sponsorships or sponsorship transfers for any positions.

ADVANTAGES OF WORKING FOR UNLV HEALTH 

• Clinic Hours are Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM (Actual hours may vary depending on business need)
• 12 Paid Holidays per year, starting with your first day of employment
• 20+ PTO days per year (Depending on Position)
• 3% 401K Safe Harbor contribution, even if you do not contribute
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits that start the first of the month following your start date
• CPR Certifications reimbursed by UNVL Health
• And More!

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES       

• Serve as the primary point of contact for patients with higher acuity level complaints, addressing their questions and concerns regarding their healthcare journey.
• Ensure that critical calls are handled efficiently and effectively.
• Gather essential information, such as the patients’ symptoms, in order to follow written standing orders developed by the practitioners. 
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including practitioners, residents, medical students, nurses, medical assistants, and other members of the healthcare team, to assist patients with needs.
• Coordinate appointments, referrals, and follow-up care to ensure continuity of care at all levels of care throughout UNLV Health.
• Monitor patient progress and outcomes, proactively identifying and addressing barriers to care.
• Support patients in navigating insurance and financial assistance options, including eligibility for programs and benefits.
• Assist patients to overcome barriers to care, e.g., transportation, childcare, financial counseling, and supportive care services, including dietitians, therapists, and social workers.
• Connect patients with resources, whether it is scheduling appointments, arranging for tests, or referring to specialists, streamlining the care process while staying within written parameters.
• Identify language barriers, schedule a medical interpreter to attend the next appointment, provide educational materials in the patient's preferred language.
• Provide educational resources related to health conditions and follow up with available support services.
• After the initial patient contact, follow up with patients to check on their progress, reinforce plans, and ensure that patients are adhering to their treatment protocols. 
• Facilitate communication between patients and healthcare practitioners to ensure clear understanding and adherence to treatment.
• Assist patients in developing a list of questions, provide resources/resource recommendations and sit in on appointments as needed within UNLV Health.
• Support patient understanding of condition and treatment. Support decision making and access to a second opinion if requested.
• Mindful rounding within the clinic throughout the day.
• Collect and maintain accurate patient data and documentation in compliance with clinic policies and regulations.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient experience and clinic operations.
• Work with community-based agencies to identify service gaps. promote community education, and increase prevention awareness and early-detection screening programs.
• Monitor and report on outcomes measures (key performance indicators).
• As a patient navigator, understanding the responsibility of “Duty to Warn”.
• QI Process Mapping and Benchmarking for a successful navigation program.
• Completes any duties and special assignments as requested.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONS          

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in healthcare field
• High School Diploma and/or GED equivalency required
• Medical Assistant Certification required; i.e., CMA, CCMA, NCMA, RMA
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required 
• George Washington University: CMS-compliant patient navigator training focused on national consensus-based competencies for patient navigators must be obtained within 3 months of hire
• Bilingual Spanish Speaking preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES          

• Basic understanding of medical terminology with a drive and ambition for continuous learning
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and Google Suite (Gmail, Docs, etc.)
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detail Oriented
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure
• Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships
• Ability to function effectively in a Matrix Management environment
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS      

• May include standing, sitting, and/or walking for extended periods
• May include performing repetitive tasks
• May include working on a special schedule (i.e., evenings and weekends)
• May include working with challenging patients and clients
• May include lifting up to 25 pounds

UNLV Health will provide equal opportunity employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person shall be discriminated against in employment because of race, color, gender, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or intellectual disability, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law.

If you have any questions about our interview and hiring procedures, please contact Recruitment at [email protected] .