Substance Use Navigator, Full Time, Day Shift

Job Description

Adventist Health Ukiah Valley has been deeply connected to the community we serve since 1956. We are comprised of a 50-bed acute care medical center, level IV trauma center, level II intensive care nursery services, extensive physical rehabilitation program, outpatient surgery and diagnostic center and advanced wound care center. Ukiah is a unique small town that charms you with its rich character, arts, vineyards and natural surroundings. Ukiah beckons you to explore all that the valley has to offer amidst our 300 days of sunshine each year. We are also conveniently located just two hours north of San Francisco and 45 minutes from the Pacific Coast.

Job Summary:

The Navigator is an integral team member that helps patients access evidence-based treatment for Substance Use Disorders (SUD), with a focus on low-threshold access to MAT (Medication for Addiction Treatment) and harm reduction. Conducts outreach and identifies patients. Completes brief initial assessments, introduces patients to MAT programs and services and facilitates appointments at outpatient MAT clinics. Serves as a resource and coach for clients, and advocates for culture change in the hospital. Assists with access to other services, such as mental health services, primary care, social services, financial counseling, behavioral health services, and residential treatment facilities.

Job Requirements:

Education and Work Experience:

• High School Education/GED or equivalent: Preferred
• Associate's/Technical Degree or equivalent combination of education/related experience: Preferred
• Experience in Behavioral Health and Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) and the role of MAT in treatment and harm reduction: Preferred

Essential Functions:

• Communicates with staff daily to recruit patients and provide support to staff around Behavioral Health and MAT. Monitors the Emergency Department(ED) and any applicable systems to screen for eligible patients. Checks-in with ED and inpatient clinicians and nursing staff to screen for eligible patients as necessary. Primary duty is to the Emergency Department patients, and can assist with inpatients as well, if time allows, and as determined to be relevant for the hospital. Communicates and interacts with patients in a culturally competent and relatable way.
• Identifies current primary care provider and behavioral health providers. Works to connect patient with existing MAT treatment available at current primary care provider and/or behavioral health location when available and appropriate, unless patient prefers an alternate MAT treatment location. Identifies or provide options for a primary medical home if not secured. Develops positive working relationships with staff and community SUD agencies.
• Maintains updated, in-depth knowledge of local and regional SUD treatment programs including capacity, insurance requirements, and additional services provided at local and regional programs (benefits assistance, housing assistance, mental health, primary care, etc.).
• Assesses and addresses any barriers to attending follow up appointments (transportation, contact phone number, availability for appointment reminders, shelter needs, etc.), establishes patients that may need a primary care doctor. Engages social services to assist with any of these issues as needed.
• Assists with navigating barriers to patients obtaining buprenorphine prescription from pharmacy (insurance status, copay expense, cost differences between formulations, etc.). Routinely assists patients by having the patient and/or pharmacist call from the pharmacy to sort out encountered insurance barriers in real time. Ability to use computer information systems, computer literacy, and knowledge of word processing. Collects data related to number of buprenorphine administrations, prescriptions, referrals to care and outpatient follow up if possible. Engages in trainings to enhance knowledge of MAT.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Organizational Requirements:


Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.

Adventist Health participates in E-Verify. Visit for more information about E-Verify. By choosing to apply, you acknowledge that you have accessed and read the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices and understand the contents therein.

About Us

Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit, integrated health system serving more than 100 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii with over 440 sites of care, including 27 acute care facilities. Founded on Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics, home care, and hospice agencies in both rural and urban communities. Our compassionate and talented team of more than 38,000 includes employees, physicians, Medical Staff, and volunteers driven in pursuit of one mission: living God's love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope.