Peer Navigator, Street Medicine

At Healthcare in Action, we serve patients experiencing homelessness through an innovative "street medicine" approach by contracting with Medicare and Medicaid health plans as well as hospitals and health systems.

Street medicine entails using a medically equipped van to deliver medical care directly to people experiencing homelessness in locations such as parking lots, encampments, and parks.

At Healthcare in Action, we serve patients experiencing homelessness through an innovative "street medicine" approach by contracting with Medicare and Medicaid health plans as well as hospitals and health systems.

Street medicine entails using a medically equipped van to deliver medical care directly to people experiencing homelessness in locations such as parking lots, encampments, and parks.

The Peer Navigator supports members who are experiencing/ are at risk of experiencing homeless with managing their own health in Redwood City, CA, primarily onsite 4 days per week at the San Mateo Navigation Center, and 1 day remote . The Peer Navigator will assist in motivating behavioral changes in patients to improve health outcomes through education, peer support, housing & resource navigation, and the relaying of shared experiences.

In addition to onsite work, Peer Navigators will encounter following clients outside the shelter who transition out of the Navigation Center but are still experiencing homelessness. This may require travel within the county, depending where is the client located anywhere from 5-30mi. In addition, they may support clients from the Street Medicine team. Lastly, we've recently expanded to serve Justice-Involved (JI) clients. This involves close collaboration with Correctional Health staff and supporting individuals that are custody in county jail and support their transition back into the community.

Responsibilities include:

• Build rapport with members by communicating personal experiences with a goal of increasing the likelihood of positive behavior changes.
• Coach members to create and implement strategies that minimize risks associated with the identified common health conditions and behaviors. Connect members to appropriate programs to address barriers to care and to enhance compliance.
• Link members to local, county and state services/resources. Follow up with members and serve as a member advocate, delivering their medications and other supplies as needed.
• Conduct regular outreach to onsite patients at Nav Center as well as to offsite (as needed) patients to provide support for medical needs.
• Provide accompaniment and support to patients for their medical/dental/other appointments.
• Collaborate actively with staff of the Navigation Center as well as with HIA team members for care management of patients.
• Introduce tools to promote self-management & self-efficacy. Complete all required organization and health plan specific documentation in a timely fashion. Some examples include and are not limited to the following: enter all patient touch points and encounter notes in HIA's electronic health records system, member health risk, and update members' Plan of Care after every street medicine encounter. Document all required information in the care management system during phone calls with members. Complete and submit a Monthly Audit Checklist assessment, individual care plans, and update member profiles in the Coordinated Entry System/HMIS.
• Schedule encounters based on member's acuity level using the Healthcare in Action electronic health record system.
• Work under the supervision of a Social Worker to ensure proper escalation of cases and coordination of care.
• We seek Rebels who are curious about AI and its power to transform how we operate and serve our members.
• Actively support the achievement of HIA's Vision and Goals and particularly housing placement for unsheltered members.
• This position is a patient-facing role.
• Employees may be eligible for differential pay.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and experience:

• G.E.D./High School, required plus 3+ years of work experience as defined below.
• Associate's Degree plus 2 years of work experience as define below.
• Bachelor's degree preferred plus 1+ year of work experience as defined below.
• Work Experience to include direct work experience, lived experience, training or volunteer work with patients experiencing homelessness, as well as those with active mental health and substance use conditions.
• Other demonstrated relevant experience in similar community settings, for example, working with other disadvantaged groups, and/or outreach will be considered.
• A comparable combination of education/experience and/or training will be considered equivalent to the education listed above.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, outdoors environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to organize effectively.
• Ability to prioritize multiple and competing tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including articulating one's own relevant personal experiences.
• Excellent oral communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in operating a computer, including logging into and maneuvering around multiple systems such as online timesheets (time and attendance) and call center software.
• HMIS/ Coordinated Entry System, preferred.
• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, automobile insurance, reliable transportation, and clean driving record.

Tuberculosis Screening Policy

To ensure the health and safety of our members, if you are selected for this position, your job offer with HIA will be contingent on providing proof of Tuberculosis screening upon hire or providing proof of a negative screening within the last year. If you have a disability/medical reason or sincerely held religious belief that prevents you to provide information required in this policy, HIA will initiate and engage in the interactive process to evaluate what, if any, reasonable accommodations may be available.

What's in it for you?

• Base salary range: $ $35.65 per hour
• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
• An annual employee bonus program
• Robust Wellness Program
• Generous paid-time-off (PTO)
• 11 paid holidays per year, plus 1 additional floating holiday
• Excellent 401(k) Retirement Saving Plan with employer match.
• Robust employee recognition program
• Tuition reimbursement
• An opportunity to become part of a team that makes a difference to our members and our community every day

At Healthcare in Action, we believe that it is our business to improve the state of our world. Each of us has a responsibility to drive Equality in our communities and workplaces. We are committed to creating a workforce that reflects our community through inclusive programs and initiatives such as equal pay, employee resource groups, inclusive benefits, and more.

Healthcare in Action is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action workplace. Individuals seeking employee will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by law. A background check is required.

Healthcare in Action was established in 2021 as a 501 (c)3 organization and associated medical group. Utilizing mobile clinics staffed by healthcare professionals, community health workers, and social workers, our teams travel directly to unhoused individuals living in communities across the geographies we serve, providing services where they reside – including tents, cars, shelters, and temporary housing. In meeting patients where they are and supporting their goals, HIA team members build trust – a critical component that can lead to meaningful and positive changes in health and housing. Our mission is to improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness through quality holistic care. It is our vision that all people experiencing homelessness have access to quality healthcare that addresses their mental, social and physical health needs.