COMMUNITY RESOURCE NAVIGATOR

Job Title: Community Resource Navigator 

Department: Outreach and Navigation 

Reports To: Outreach and Navigation Manager 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Summary: 

The Community Resource Navigator is a vital member of NOHN's patient-centered medical home and integrated care team. This position supports patients in overcoming social, economic, cultural, and non-clinical barriers that impact health outcomes and access to care. The Community Resource Navigator connects patients with community resources and support services that address social drivers of health, including food security, housing stability, transportation, health insurance coverage, financial assistance, employment support, and other essential needs. 

Working collaboratively with providers, behavioral health professionals, care coordinators, and community partners, the Community Resource Navigator helps patients navigate complex systems, access available resources, and develop self-sufficiency whenever possible. This role supports NOHN's mission of providing equitable, accessible, and comprehensive healthcare to all members of the community. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

Patient Navigation and Resource Coordination 

• Conduct screenings and assessments to identify social, economic, and environmental barriers affecting patient health and well-being. 

• Assist patients in accessing resources related to: 

• Food assistance and nutrition programs 

• Housing and homelessness services 

• Utility and energy assistance programs 

• Transportation services 

• Employment and vocational support programs 

• Childcare and family support services 

• Community education programs 

• Legal and social service resources 

• Financial assistance and prescription support programs 

• Assist patients with completing applications, forms, and required documentation for community resources and benefit programs. 

• Support patients in obtaining and maintaining health insurance coverage, including Washington Healthplanfinder and other public assistance programs. 

• Facilitate referrals and warm handoffs to internal and external resources to ensure continuity of support. 

• Provide follow-up and ongoing engagement to assist patients in successfully connecting with recommended services. 

Care Team Collaboration 

• Partner with providers, nursing staff, behavioral health clinicians, care coordinators, and other members of the healthcare team to identify and address patient resource needs. 

• Participate in interdisciplinary care team meetings as appropriate. 

• Document patient interactions, interventions, referrals, and outcomes accurately and timely within the electronic health record (EHR). 

• Communicate barriers, resource gaps, and patient concerns to appropriate care team members. 

Community Engagement and Resource Development 

• Maintain current knowledge of community resources, eligibility requirements, and referral processes throughout Clallam and Jefferson Counties and surrounding service areas. 

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community agencies, social service organizations, schools, government programs, and local nonprofits. 

• Collaborate with Community Outreach staff to identify resource gaps and opportunities for partnership development. 

• Represent NOHN professionally within the community and at community events, resource fairs, and outreach activities as assigned. 

Health Fairness and Patient Advocacy 

• Advocate for patients experiencing barriers to healthcare access. 

• Promote culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and patient-centered approaches in all interactions. 

• Support NOHN's efforts to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes among underserved populations. 

• Respect and protect patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies. 

Other Duties 

• Participate in required trainings, quality improvement initiatives, and organizational meetings. 

• Perform other duties as assigned to support department and organizational goals. 

Core Competencies 

• Patient Advocacy 

• Cultural Humility and Inclusivity 

• Community Resource Knowledge 

• Relationship Building 

• Effective Communication 

• Problem Solving 

• Organization and Time Management 

• Adaptability 

• Collaboration and Teamwork 

• Professionalism and Integrity 

Required 

• High school diploma or GED. 

• One (1) year of experience working with patients, clients, or community members in healthcare, social services, human services, community outreach, public health, or a related field. 

• Working knowledge of community resources and social service systems. 

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills. 

• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn electronic health record and referral systems. 

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, or ability to travel between NOHN sites and community locations. 

Preferred 

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Health, Community Health, Behavioral Health, or related field. 

• Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), community health center, behavioral health setting, or social service organization. 

• Certification as a Community Health Worker (CHW) or willingness to obtain certification. 

• Experience assisting with Washington Healthplanfinder enrollment or public benefits navigation. 

• Bilingual skills preferred, particularly Spanish. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Understanding of social drivers of health and their impact on healthcare outcomes. 

• Ability to establish trust and rapport with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. 

• Demonstrated compassion, empathy, and customer service orientation. 

• Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work independently. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic documentation systems. 

Physical and Environmental Requirements 

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking, and hearing. 

• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. 

• Ability to travel between clinic locations and community partner sites. 

• Exposure to a healthcare environment requiring compliance with infection prevention and safety protocols. 

• Occasional evening or community event participation may be required. 

NOHN Expectations 

All employees are expected to: 

• Support NOHN's mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities. 

• Demonstrate commitment to patient-centered care and health fairness. 

• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. 

• Maintain compliance with all organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and confidentiality standards. 

• Contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient care and organizational performance. 

Benefits: 

• Medical, Vision, and Dental coverage, 4% 401k Contribution, $50 a month HRA contribution to be used towards qualifying medical expenses, Paid Time Off (PTO) plus paid holidays. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: 

• North Olympic Healthcare Network is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, family or marital status, sex, genetic information, disability, creed, religion, citizenship, socio-economic status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.