DescriptionAre you a resource guru seeking an opportunity to help others navigate the vast complexities within the healthcare system? At Jewish Family Service of Dallas, support at every turn isn’t just a tagline, it’s what we do.
If you’re looking for a mission-driven organization where you can work directly with individuals and care teams to obtain essential resources and play a key role in our mission to provide effective and accessible whole-person care that promotes lifelong self-sufficiency and well-being for the Greater Dallas community, this may be the right opportunity for you!
Position Summary
The Patient Navigator plays a critical role in supporting patients with complex medical and social needs by helping them navigate the healthcare system and connect with appropriate resources. This position focuses on addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) by linking patients to internal services and external community resources, including health insurance coverage, state benefit programs, housing support, food assistance, transportation, and other social services.
The Patient Navigator works closely with clinical care teams to coordinate referrals, support prior authorization processes, and ensure that high-complexity patients receive timely access to necessary services. The role emphasizes patient advocacy, care coordination, and reducing barriers to care.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to helping patients navigate complex healthcare systems.
What You'll Do
Duties may include, but are not limited to:
Patient Support & Navigation
- Serve as a primary point of contact for patients requiring assistance navigating healthcare services and community resources.
- Assess patient needs related to social determinants of health, including housing, food security, transportation, financial barriers, and insurance coverage.
- Provide education and guidance on available health insurance options, including marketplace plans, Medicaid/Medicare, and other coverage programs.
- Stay current with changes in Medicaid, Marketplace, and other insurance program policies and requirements.
- Assist patients in identifying and applying for state and local benefits, including Medicaid, SNAP, disability services, and other public assistance programs.
- Advocate for patients to ensure access to appropriate healthcare and social services.
Resource Coordination
- Connect patients with internal programs and external community-based organizations that address identified social needs, such as lack of transportation, language barriers, or financial constraints.
- Maintain a working knowledge of local and regional community resources and eligibility requirements.
- Facilitate warm handoffs to appropriate support services when needed.
Care Coordination
- Coordinate and track referrals for specialty care, diagnostic services, and community resources.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, and care managers to ensure continuity of care for high-complexity patients.
- Support the referral process by ensuring required documentation is complete and submitted in a timely manner.
Prior Authorization Support
- Assist with obtaining prior authorizations for medical services, procedures, and treatments as required by insurance payers.
- Communicate with insurance providers, clinical teams, and external facilities to ensure timely approval and scheduling of services.
Documentation & Communication
- Document patient interactions, assessments, and resource referrals in the electronic health record (EHR) or third-party care management platforms.
- Maintain regular communication with patients, confirming appointments, conducting follow-ups, and supporting adherence to treatment plans.
- Track patient progress and follow up to ensure successful connection to services.
- Communicate regularly with care teams regarding patient barriers, service coordination, and outcomes.
- Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and quality improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- 1–3 years of experience in healthcare navigation, care coordination, social services, or community outreach preferred.
- Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred.
- Certification as Community Health Worker (CHW) or Patient Navigator training are a plus.
- Experience working in a healthcare setting or social services environment preferred.
- Experience working with Medicaid, Medicare or other insurance programs preferred.
What We OFFER
JFS offers excellent benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, generous paid vacation days, paid parental leave and a 403B match.
JFS provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and veteran status, except in the case of those positions in which religion is, in the opinion of JFS, an essential factor. Employment opportunities include but are not limited to recruitment, employment placement, promotion, demotion, transfer, termination, compensation, use of facilities and participation in JFS sponsored events.
JFS is an E-Verify participant.
- Familiarity with community-based resources and state benefit programs.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple cases and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Experience with electronic health records and referral management systems.
- Problem-solving skills and a patient advocacy mindset.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and maintain patient confidentiality.
