ED Navigator - FT Days

Description

The navigator helps patients access evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) with a focus on low-threshold access to MAT (medication for addiction treatment) and harm reduction. Navigators conduct outreach and identification of patients, conduct initial brief assessments, introduce patients to MAT programs and services, facilitate appointments at outpatient MAT clinics, serve as a resource and coach for their clients, and advocate for culture change in the hospital. They also assist with access to other services, such as mental health services, primary care, social services, and residential treatment facilities.
Core Competencies

• Assist with identification of patients with SUD or co-occurring mental health disorders in the emergency department (ED) and, where feasible, within inpatient units by monitoring patient tracking systems to screen for eligible patients and checking in with clinicians and nursing staff to receive referrals of eligible patients
• Establish a positive relationship with patients struggling with drug use or co-occurring mental health disorders. If required by the hospital, to allow for billing, this may include initial patient assessments and brief interventions using standardized tools

• Make navigator contact information widely available to people who use drugs, patients with co-occurring mental health disorders, and clinicians; respond to calls to texts directly form patients and providers.
• Advocate for a culture of low threshold access to MAT for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) that include signage or materials inviting patients to seek help for substance use in prominent areas of the ED and hospital..
• Facilitate initiation of MAT with hospital clinicians
• Use motivational interviewing techniques to communicate with patients in a respectful, culturally appropriate, non-judgmental manner
• Maintain up-to-date information about the effects of various substances, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options to effectively educate and counsel patients
• Promote harm-reduction strategies based on patients' goals, preferences, and life circumstances
• Engage patients with co-occurring mental health disorders and help them access treatment
• Helps patients overcome barriers to filling prescriptions for MAT (e.g., insurance status, copay expense, cost differences between formulations, etc.)
• Schedule appointments at MAT-capable clinics for ongoing treatment and address access barriers by assisting with transportation, retrieving medical records, providing cell phones, or other supports as determined by patient needs and community resources

• Establish a relationship with patients and communicate via telephone, text, and/or email to remind patients of appointments, help navigate obstacles to follow-up treatment, and provide encouragement

• Work with hospital staff to set up a robust system for ensuring patient referral and follow-up outside of the navigator's regular hours

• Develop expertise in insurance benefits and exclusions related to treatment
• Provide patients referrals to other services, such as mental health services, shelter, primary care, social services, and residential treatment facilities
• Develop connections with a comprehensive array of community service providers to address the needs of people with SUD or co-occurring mental health disorders

Education
DegreeProgramBachelors N/AExperience
Number of Years ExperienceType of Experience1Case Management
CAC Certified addiction counselor, or

CADC Certified alcohol and drug counselor, or

CATC certified addiction treatment counselor, or

RAC Registered addiction counselor
Compensation Range$38.94 - $61.27/ Hour