SSVF Health Care Navigator Coordinator

SSVF Health Care Navigator Coordinator Region 2

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to "Doing the Most Good". We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for youth after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

JOB SUMMARY

NCI SSVF Health Care Navigator will assist Veterans in gaining access to health care through VA or community providers, support health care plan by identifying barriers to care and provide education on wellness related topics. SSVF Health Care Navigator will not provide direct health care services. Navigators are not health care providers and do not deliver direct patient care. Navigators will not provide mental health counseling or make treatment recommendations. Health Care Navigator will foster a deeper understanding of the life-changing work carried out by The Salvation Army North and Central Division.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specialized Case Management and Care Coordination (60%)

• Performs SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR), a model that helps individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or co-occurring substance use disorder apply for Social Security disability benefits and perform duties of healthcare navigation.
• Assists Veterans in accessing healthcare systems by gaining entry to VA health care (including mental health care) or community care when Veterans are not eligible for VHA, by working with the VAMC to facilitate enrollment, helping gather documentation and complete paperwork for enrollment, following up on enrollment process to ensure that Veteran is enrolled in VA or community health care services.
• Provides assistance to Veterans in getting access to appointments when needed by supporting Veterans in identifying health care needs and working collaboratively with health care teams to facilitate access to care.
• Assists Veterans in utilizing available services including preventative health care by communicating with Veterans and health care teams about appointments.
• Conducts screenings to help Veterans identify barriers to adhering to recommended health care plans.
• Assists Veterans in understanding and communicating with providers to make informed decisions about health care by supporting and encouraging Veteran to discuss questions about medication or treatment goals with providers.
• Problem-solves barriers to care, such a transportation, childcare, etc.
• Provides education or creates linkages for Veterans to learn about wellness related topics by providing pamphlets or other literature on smoking cessation, diabetes management, and exercise, inviting guest speakers to education groups on health-related issues for Veterans and linking Veterans to support groups or other programs at the VA or in the community to support their health goals.
• Assist SSVF Legal team in securing medical documentation for VA and Social Security claims.
• Provide crisis intervention to address the immediate needs of the very low-income, chronic and non-chronic homeless Veteran population.
• Documents cases consistently, completing all relevant forms, including referrals, weekly evaluations, quarterly and monthly statistics, report as required.
• Utilizes SIMS for data collection/case record in a timely and accurate manner.
• Conduct home visits, when appropriate.
• Monitor progress of participants and maintain accurate documentation of progress toward goals and services provided.
• Complies with all applicable training requirements, company safety, personnel and operational policies and procedures.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere through appropriate conflict management, courteous demeanor, and professional and appropriate communication practices.
• Maintain compliance in The Salvation Army's "Safe from Harm" Certification. (required)
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor or DOVS as related to the SSVF program.

Administrative (10%)

• Performs HMIS (SIMS) data entry, reviews data for accuracy, completeness, and comprehensiveness.
• Completes reports for timely submission as required by the VA.
• Comply with all policies and procedures of the program and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Collaboration (30%)

• Participate in weekly HCN Huddles for team coordination and training.
• Attend weekly CARF Task Force Group Meetings as assigned.
• Attends CARF, CAST, CoC, monthly SSVF & GPD Team meetings regularly.
• Develop and maintain relations with local social services, public benefit agencies, faith-based and community-based organizations, VA facilities, Vet Centers and Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) offices, as well as state Department of Labor staff, HVRP, employers and other referral networks.
• Works closely with the Veteran's primary care provider and members of the Veteran's assigned interdisciplinary team.

Administrative Expectations

• Successfully satisfy the training requirements associated to the position and as required by The Salvation Army.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

OCCASIONAL OVERNIGHT AND WEEKEND TRAVEL

Involves occasional driving to offsite meetings/trainings and conducting occasional in-person meetings with program participants.

• Occasionally work weekends to accommodate event schedules, or other organizational needs. Flexibility in scheduling is essential to meet deadlines and ensure successful event execution.
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver's license and auto insurance.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Education :

• Possesses a minimum of a bachelor's degree in related field. Comparable 1-2 years' experience in claims/benefits processing.
• Advanced degree in social work, healthcare or human services is ideal.
• Valid Driver's license/MVR clearance.

Experience :

• Previous experience with social services, healthcare settings and/or homeless programs.
• Experience working with Veterans and families.
• Veteran status preferred.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
• Close attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality.
• Knowledge of services, policies, and procedures related to Salvation Army processes.
• Willing to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Team player, self-starter, and perform well with minimum supervision.
• Ability to multi-task several projects concurrently in a high-pressure and time sensitive environment.
• Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
• Ability to establish and implement policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email, MS Office applications.

JOB LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit resources of The Salvation Army that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position. The individual will keep the designated Supervisor informed of all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will keep the HCN Supervisor and Director of Veteran Services informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual must receive successful completion of background screening as well as employment eligibility verification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position may be required to do light to moderate physical work. Sometimes heavier.
• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment including a PC and potentially make public presentations/interactions.
• The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low to moderate noise level.
• This individual must be able to travel to meet the needs of the position. A valid MVR is required.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP