Patient Navigator at Ritter Center

Description

Title: Patient Navigator  

Classification: FTE 40 Hours (M-F)

Reports to: Case Management Program Manager  

Supervises: None 

Hourly Rate: $29.00 + the potential for 6% Bilingual Differential once you pass the Ritter Centers Bilingual Testing.   

Position Description: 

The Patient Navigator plays a vital role at Ritter Center’s health campus, assisting Marin County’s most vulnerable populations in accessing medical care, behavioral health care, and case management services, including financial assistance, housing, shelter, and representative payee services. This position is ideal for someone passionate about patient care, equitable health care access, and skilled in assisting underserved individuals. The qualified applicant for this role excels in a dynamic position, demonstrating high levels of patience and compassion. 

The Patient Navigator provides personalized assistance to patients to facilitate access to quality medical care and other essential social services. This position will work in close proximity with other frontline staff to conduct needs-based assessments and direct them to the appropriate department. A primary responsibility will be ensuring that patients are informed of potential care options based on all services offered by Ritter Center. This position requires a strong interest in improving health outcomes, effective communication with diverse patients and staff, and ideally, a background in public health, case management, or social work. The successful candidate exhibits a strong customer service orientation, a proactive approach in finding solutions and resources to improve access, and thrives in working autonomously with minimal support as needed. They are motivated by a dedication to enhancing health outcomes and promoting equity.   

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

• Screen new and existing patients to determine current health and social service needs. 
• Respond to patient inquiries, and assist with the completion of paperwork. 
• Provide referrals and ensure linkage with services and resources provided by Ritter Center and other Safety Net providers throughout Marin County. 
• Identify patient barriers to care, such as transportation, insurance, and language, and refer patients to internal resources to support engagement.
• Educate patients on accessing services at Ritter Center, providing counsel to alleviate anxiety and fear. 
• Develop familiarity with department teams and staff changes to effectively direct clients to service providers. 
• Primary responsibility includes assisting clients in completing Ritter’s Client Registration form and maintaining accurate client information continuously. 
• Regularly update client profiles in Ritter’s required multiple data systems. 
• Collaborate with Patient Accounts Billing/Benefits Manager to support enrollment or maintenance of patient Medi-Cal status. 
• Attend trainings and learning opportunities that expand content knowledge and best practices. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

• Per our Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) requirements, employment at Ritter Center requires compliance with being able to produce a negative TB test prior to the start of employment, as well as being vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless applying for an exemption) per the August 5th State Public Order for Healthcare Facilities, providers and employees 
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or relevant work experience equivalent 
• 1-2 years of experience with health care, behavioral health care and/or social services 
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus but not required. 
• Experience working closely with low-income, unhoused, substance abuse and other vulnerable populations. 
• Proficiency with computers, including word processing, and the ability to learn new programs independently 
• High proficiency in data base management 
• Strong communication skills with diverse populations 
• Solid relationship-building and interpersonal skills 
• Excellent coordination skills, including multitasking and setting priorities on work assignments 
• Demonstrated awareness and value of cultural competence. 

Preferred qualifications: 

• Experience in or with a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)