We are looking for people who want to help patients that are not getting the medical help and social support they need. The Community Support Navigator (CSN) position works with PCN patients to improve access to health care and other resources available in their communities. CSNs must be aware of the scope and boundaries of their role when collaborating with patients, communities, physicians, and the health care team. Patients have multiple challenges and barriers to care; the CSN connects these patients with the broader healthcare system in Kalyna Country Primary Care network Vegreville site/area. The CSN is integrated within the PCN's geographic community, so they can promote the CSN roles and responsibilities as well as PCN programs and services. The successful candidate must be willing to participate in a formal training program led by a team of subject matter experts.
Responsibilities
System Navigation and Social Support
Support patients through regular, patient-centered follow-up, including visits to engage and empower patients. Identify appropriate and credible resources responsive to patient needs, taking into consideration culture, language, reading level, and health literacy. Coordinate patient care between multiple health and social providers within the PCN catchment area and leverage PCN programs and services. Monitor attendance, conduct reminder and follow-up calls, and facilitate transportation to and from scheduled appointments, as necessary.
Patient Advocate
- Considering each patient’s values, preferences, and circumstances, support the development of patient-centered goals
- Demonstrate responsiveness to patient needs within scope of practice and professional boundaries
- Encourage active communication between patients/families and health care providers to optimize patient outcomes
- Use goal setting and action planning techniques to encourage positive changes for patients
- Demonstrate empathy, integrity, honesty, and compassion in difficult conversations
- Provide and/or coordinate interpretation and translation services with patients, if applicable
Patient Education
- Provide appropriate patient education in the community
- Support patient self-management techniques
- Facilitate patient understanding of health care payment structure, financing, and where to find answers regarding insurance coverage and financial assistance
Inter-professional Collaboration
- Integrate with the clinic team and serve as liaison between clinics and patients
- Understand the goals related to PCN health outcomes and support the implementation of care plans
- Promote Community Support Navigation within clinics by regularly connecting with physicians and health care team members to communicate program and patient updates
- Regularly check in with patients to verify adherence to care plans
- Provide timely follow-up for physicians and multidisciplinary team on patients’ statuses
- Maintain timely and accurate records in secure web application, capturing patient interactions, barriers, supports and information provided, and other pertinent information
Community Liaison
- Liaise closely with community partners and members to understand and address barriers for access to care
- Promote CSN role, responsibilities, and value to patients, providers, and the larger community
- Participate in community activities to build trusting relationships across a broad range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds
- Leverage community resources to assist patients to create ties to the community
Quality Improvement
- Ensures success of the program through the identification of key successes and challenges, and supporting the development of innovative approaches to leverage strengths in addressing challenges
Qualifications:
Education and Licenses
Experience working with mental health or social determinants of health population is a plus
Preference given to a bachelor's degree or diploma in Social Work (registration required and active)
Experience
- Able to demonstrate community involvement (formal or informal) that reflects strong ties to local community
- Experience working with different groups and backgrounds
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must have strong desire to help and connect patients with the community
- Strong community links within PCN catchment area
- Willingness to learn health care terminology
- Understanding of the health care and social resources available in area
- Multicultural competence
- Organizational and prioritization skills
- Ability to teach others
- Empathetic, and strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external parties
- Ability to discuss sensitive topics with patients and maintain confidentiality
- Willingness to participate in a comprehensive formal training program
Assets
- Training in Mental Health First Aid, ASIST or NVCI
- Shared experience with targeted patient population
- Familiarity with medical terminology
To Apply
[email protected]
Please submit a resume and cover letter with a section clearly indicating the reason(s) you are interested in becoming a Community Support Navigator (CSN) and why you would be a successful candidate.
Conditions of Employment
Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications and a current police information check (PIC) including a vulnerable search at the applicant’s expense. The results of the PIC may alter or revoke any offer made by the PCN. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest and resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to proceed through the selection process will be contacted.
Job Type: Permanent
Pay: $25.79-$40.46 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Extended health care
- RRSP match
- Wellness program
Location:
- Vegreville, AB T9C 1L2 (required)
Work Location: In person
