Schedule: Monday
– Friday, approximately, 11:00am-7:30pm with flexibility to accommodate hospital needs
Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement plan.
SUMMARY
In collaboration with The People Concern and Kaiser Permanente (KP) West Los Angeles Hospital staff, the Community Navigator researches, sources and provides resources for people experiencing homelessness who come into the hospital for services.
This position reports to the Program Manager, Health and Wellness.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Services:
Improve the follow-up care and services provided to homeless patients at discharge by assessing patients needs and connecting them with the appropriate resources.
Design and implement strategies for engaging individuals who resist services, in collaboration with KP staff at KP West LA and other facilities.
Create and maintain a list of high needs patients with Kaiser Homeless Task Force
Work closely with hospital staff (inpatient and emergency department) to contribute to discharge plans to ensure continuity of services by connecting to case management and other recommended services after release from the hospital.
Schedule follow-up medical appointments by making and documenting Primary Care Physician (PCP) appointments.
Follow hospital accreditation standards of care by maintaining database and detail-oriented documentation of the services provided for each patient, including maintaining strict confidentiality and privacy practices and sharing information, as appropriate and legally allowed, to coordinate patient care.
Maintain strict confidentiality and privacy practices and share information, as appropriate and legally allowed, to coordinate patient care
Resources:
In conjunction with Social Work staff, create a Community Resources list/binder on services available for the homeless population.
Ensure resources are up to date and effectively utilized.
Be thoroughly familiar with and perform job responsibilities in alignment with the policies and procedures guiding the work of this program and the Hospital.
Relationships and Teamwork:
Work as part of a team to coordinate directly with social service agencies throughout Los Angeles County to connect homeless patients to appropriate housing and services, including referrals to various housing programs.
Build effective working relationships with hospital staff to educate staff on the services available to this population and resources available within the Community to assist individuals experiencing homelessness.
Participate in specified meetings to help disseminate this information among all staff involved in caring for individuals experiencing homelessness as determined by management.
Responsible for making sure that KP West LA patients benefit from all available community programs by keeping staff informed and taking initiative to refer, track, which community resources are provided.
Maintain a cooperative relationship among care teams with both inpatient and Emergency Department staff by communicating information, responding to requests, building rapport, participating in team problem-solving efforts.
Participate in regular team meetings, and training sessions required by KP WEST LA and TPC.
Participate in all safety programs and trainings required by KP WEST LA and TPC.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies, as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelors degree strongly preferred, or high school diploma and two years experience in medical case management or homeless services required.
Minimum of one (1) year of working as part of a health care team.
Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with homeless and/or underserved populations, with significant experience working with persons experiencing homelessness and having complex needs, conducting assessments of general patient information, developing short-term care plans and providing necessary interventions identified during assessment.
Demonstrated knowledge of healthcare systems and ability to interface with community agencies and health care providers.
Ability to work well with culturally diverse clientele, including LGBTQ individuals and those living with disabilities, serious mental illness and substance use disorders.
Familiarity with harm reduction and trauma informed care philosophies preferred.
Excellent charting/documentation skills and data collection needed.
Strong computer skills including Word, Excel and Outlook required.
Familiarity with Health Connect a plus.
Ability to work well as part of an interdisciplinary team, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to self-motivate, multi-task and be flexible in a fast-paced environment
Valid CA Drivers License, stated mandated insurance, and safe driving record and own car required; transportation of clients in own car as needed required.
Preferred
Previous experience working with persons experiencing severe and persistent mental illness (SMPI) and polysubstance abuse.
PREFERRED
Skilled in non-violent crisis intervention, CPI Training
Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred
Work Environment
Combination of field and office environment
Regularly required to sit, stand, bend; occasionally lift or carry up to 35 lbs.
On occasion walk or drive to different local sites
Will necessitate working in busy and loud environments
Will be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise and odor
May need to bend, stoop, twist and sit throughout the day
Responsibilities Common To All Agency Employees
Maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times
Be proactive, creative, and flexible in determining, evaluating, researching, and resolving issues
Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines
Maintain professional demeanor that reflects positively on the agency
Demonstrate respect and courtesy toward others
Able to thrive in a work environment emphasizing teamwork and collaboration
Respond promptly in all aspects of communication
Work with minimum supervision
Perform other duties as assigned
The People Concern is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to non-discrimination in employment.
We select the most qualified individual for the job based on job-related qualifications regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, credit history, sexual orientation, arrest and court record, genetic information, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or other applicable laws.