Patient Navigator

Job Details: Job Location: Central Clinic - Laredo, TX 78041, Position Type: Full Time, DESCRIPTION: The Patient Navigator provides individualized assistance to women and families to help overcome barriers and facilitate timely access to preventive and primary health services across multiple System Agency-administered programs. These include but are not limited to: Healthy Texas Women (HTW) Medicaid Family Planning Program (FPP) Primary Health Care (PHC) Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS Patient Navigators conduct assessments, assist with eligibility and enrollment, support application processes, provide resource referrals, and follow-up on service delivery and outcomes. They help individuals navigate non-medical and systemic barriers and are responsible for accurate documentation, follow-through, and coordination of care across programs. TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires prolonged sitting, stooping, and bending. Occasional standing. Must be able to lift/carry up to 25 pounds. Requires the use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, copiers and scanners. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Navigation & Client Support: Perform comprehensive needs assessments including screening for non-medical service barriers using an approved assessment tool. Identify and help resolve barriers to preventive and primary health services (e.g., transportation, translation, financial, social support). Provide culturally competent assistance, ensuring communication is in the client’s preferred language and accessible to individuals with limited English proficiency or disabilities. Offer application and enrollment support for multiple health programs including HTW, Medicaid, FPP, PHC, and BCCS. Follow up with individuals provided application assistance regardless of eligibility outcome; document refusal, loss to follow-up, or good faith efforts (minimum three contact attempts). Assist in creating individualized service plans and coordinate related support services. Track and document contact efforts, client progress, and referral outcomes using internal systems (e.g., Med-IT®, patient logs). Ensure timely follow-up for abnormal screening results (within 30 days) and cancer diagnoses (within 14 days). Monitor client care status and follow-up at intervals defined by program requirements. Document verbal or written informed refusals where applicable. Coordination & Compliance: Coordinate referrals and services such as transportation, translation, appointment scheduling, and treatment access. Maintain a program-specific resource directory detailing support services available to clients across all eligible programs. Ensure all navigation activities meet compliance with System Agency program policies. Support and track MBCC referrals and follow-up with clients not meeting eligibility criteria. Monitor and update patient status, including resolution of identified barriers and service outcomes. Ensure documentation is complete, timely, and audit-ready. Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and professional standards. Complete Case Assistance Navigator trainings as required by HHSC. Performs other duties as assigned SECONDARY FUNCTIONS: Prepare and compile program data, logs, and reports as required. Enter and manage patient information in electronic and physical record systems. Participate in community education and outreach efforts as requested. Support administrative functions including correspondence, scheduling, and promotional activities. Attend trainings, staff meetings, and supervisory sessions; contribute to team goals and collaboration. Qualifications: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Must be a graduate from an accredited high school or GED program. Two years’ experience preferably in a community health care setting. Must be certified by HHSC/CPP within 30 days from hire date prior to providing application assistance and case management services to individuals. Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred. Possess means of transportation. Valid Texas Driver’s License and minimum liability insurance SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong knowledge of eligibility processes for public health programs (HTW, Medicaid, BCCS, FPP, PHC). Effective communication and documentation skills, both oral and written. Ability to establish rapport with diverse populations and maintain cultural sensitivity. Understanding of HIPAA and client confidentiality standards. Proficient in problem-solving, client engagement, and community resource development. Ability to work independently and within interdisciplinary teams. Capacity for clear judgment, time management, and meeting deadlines. #J-18808-Ljbffr GATEWAY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER INC