Care Navigator

Job Description

Job Description

Your neighbors need you. Your guidance can change lives.

Join Blue Ridge Care and become a Future Maker —helping patients, families, and caregivers navigate complex healthcare decisions with confidence, compassion, and support.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: "Delivering extraordinary care to improve life's journey." As a mission-driven, not-for-profit healthcare system, we provide integrated services in hospice, serious illness care, PACE, community thrift shops, and grief support—serving our community with heart, hope, and respect.

About the Role

We're seeking a compassionate and service-oriented Health Care Navigator to serve as a central point of contact for patients, families, providers, referral sources, and community partners seeking access to Blue Ridge Care services.

In this role, you will guide individuals through the healthcare continuum by assessing needs, providing information about available services, coordinating referrals, facilitating access to appropriate levels of care, and removing barriers to service. You'll help create a seamless and compassionate experience from initial inquiry through service connection while working closely with clinical, operational, and community teams to ensure patients and families receive timely, coordinated, person-centered care.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Serve as a primary contact for individuals seeking information about Blue Ridge Care services.

• Conduct initial needs assessments to identify appropriate services and resources.

• Provide education regarding hospice, serious illness care, PACE, chronic illness care, grief support, and other community-based services.

• Assist patients and families in understanding available options and navigating complex healthcare systems.

• Facilitate smooth transitions between healthcare settings and service lines.

• Coordinate referrals, appointments, assessments, and service connections.

• Collaborate with physicians, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, community agencies, referral partners, and internal clinical teams.

• Identify and address barriers impacting timely access to care, including social, financial, and logistical challenges.

• Track referrals and navigation activities to ensure timely follow-up and resolution.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and referral sources.

• Represent Blue Ridge Care at community meetings, educational events, and outreach activities as assigned.

• Promote awareness of organizational services and eligibility requirements.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic systems.

• Monitor and report trends, barriers, and opportunities to improve patient access and service utilization.

• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and collaborate with access, admissions, care management, and clinical teams to improve the patient experience.

What You'll BringRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Social Work, Health Care Administration, Public Health, Human Services, or a related field.

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in healthcare, care coordination, case management, patient navigation, social services, admissions, or a related healthcare setting.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, healthcare professionals, and community partners.

• Experience working with diverse populations and individuals with complex healthcare needs.

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and customer service skills.

• Proficiency with electronic medical records and Microsoft Office applications.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred

• Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

• Experience in hospice, palliative care, PACE, chronic care management, population health, or community-based healthcare.

• Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, healthcare reimbursement, and community resources.

• Experience building relationships with referral sources and community partners.

Your Benefits

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Volunteer Time

• Thrift Shop Discount

• Voluntary Benefits (including Critical Illness)

Blue Ridge Care is a non-profit, equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and patients served.