Patient NavigatorBuffalo, NYPlanned Parenthood of Central and Western New York (PPCWNY) protects and provides health care and education that empowers individuals and families. With respect. Without judgment. No matter what.
Diversity and inclusion are core values at Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York (PPCWNY). PPCWNY recruits exceptional and diverse staff. PPCWNY strives to develop staff into leaders for a diverse and global workplace.
In support of Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York (PPCWNY)’s mission, the Patient Navigator builds strong relationships with patients and with community agencies, organizations, groups and members in order to connect patients with services to improve their social determinants of health and reduce longstanding disparities in health and health care.
This position is based in the Buffalo health center and requires some travel in Erie and Niagara County.
Essential Functions- Establishes relationships with and serves as primary point of contact for patients regarding barriers to care and social determinants of health, such as economic stability/employment opportunities/education, food stability, housing stability, transportation, accessing healthcare, neighborhood, and physical environment/social support networks
- Assists patients with linking to a primary care provider and to health insurance when needed
- Refers patients to community resources to assist patients with the Social Determinants of Health
- Provides immediate intervention for crisis situations, referrals and linking patients to community resources
- Makes appointments and connections (warm referrals) as needed.
- Documents, tracks and follows-up on patient encounters, referral appointments and outcomes
- Works closely with Buffalo region Outreach and Education staff and Case Manager to update and maintain referral lists/databases of community resources including service providers, community programs, and community organizations
- Researches and identifies resources as patient needs arise if not currently known
- Maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with agency policies and HIPAA
- Helps promote a climate of positive sexual health
Other Accountability Activities
- Attends appropriate community meetings and events to network with community agencies, organizations, and professionals to establish mutual referral relationships to improve health and well-being of community members
- Attends bi-weekly supervision meetings with supervisors
- Participates on committees and coalitions as assigned
- Participates in agency meetings and initiatives as assigned
- Other duties/tasks as assigned by supervisor
- Shows respect to all internal and external customers for differences in backgrounds, lifestyles, viewpoints and needs in areas such as race, gender, ethnicity, creed, sexual orientation and others
QualificationsApplicants must possess the following qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience):
Education—
- High School Diploma or GED equivalency
Experience—
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant community outreach/engagement experience
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Relationships with and knowledge of community-based programs and resources in Greater Buffalo/Niagara area
- Awareness of SDOH such as housing insecurity, food insecurity, mental illness, childcare needs, transportation barriers, interpersonal violence.
- Competency in navigating and advocating for patient access
- Knowledge of or willingness to be trained in Trauma Informed Care tenets/practices and ability to use these practices with patients
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office skills
- Demonstrated problem solving skills
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, set priorities, manage multiple tasks with accuracy, attention to detail, flexibility and humor
- Ability to work as part of multi-disciplinary team
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and needs of patients and promote patient autonomy
- Strong interpersonal and cooperative skills with both internal and external customers
- Planned Parenthood seeks candidates who have experience delivering care in ways that honor and respect LGBTQ communities and the racial and ethnic populations that we serve
- Must show a commitment to respecting and learning about the cultural differences, backgrounds, historical traumas, and intersectionality of all colleagues, patients, clients, customers, and vendors
- Planned Parenthood seeks candidates who are proficient in two or more languages
- A commitment to Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York’s mission, vision and values along with a commitment to providing services to a diverse range of clients and to the goals of PPCWNY is essential
Physical Requirements
- Possess sufficient mobility to perform the Essential Functions listed in this Job Description with or without an accommodation
- Ability to travel to all agency locations as assigned
Work ScheduleThis is a full-time, 40 hour a week, position; regular schedule will be Monday – Friday with occasional evenings and Saturdays.
Benefits & CompensationAt PPCWNY, we are committed to equitable compensation practices and transparency. In alignment with these efforts, the pay for this position ranges from $18.05 to $20.89/hour. Actual compensation will be determined by experience and other factors permitted by law.
In addition to competitive compensation, PPCWNY offers an extensive benefits package with generous Paid Time Off, 10 paid holidays, affordable medical, dental, and vision options, Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, 401(k) with match, and much more!
Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, protected veteran status, or status as a qualified individual with disability.We are committed to workforce diversity and aspire to reflect the communities we serve. To that end, we strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ identifying individuals, people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups to apply.
