Behavioral Health Navigator - Peer Support

Overview

The Behavioral Health Peer Support Navigator is embedded in the KP LAMC Emergency Department and engages homeless patients and high utilizers of Emergency Department services. The Peer Support Navigator provides education on the benefits of being connected to medical homes, such as Wesley, informs them of the services offered through our network of clinics, and assists these patients in scheduling an appointment and linking to Wesley Health Centers and other services as appropriate.

This position also works in concert with the Patient Navigator to help prevent gaps in coverage during periods of high volume. The Behavioral Health Peer Support Navigators provide recovery‑oriented, culturally appropriate services that promote engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, natural supports, and are trauma‑aware. They conduct initial brief assessments, introduce patients to MOUD programs and services, and expedite appointments at MOUD‑capable clinics.

They also assist patients in accessing additional services such as financial counseling, primary care, mental health services, case management, housing support, social services, and residential treatment programs.

Note
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This position is stationed within Kaiser Sunset Emergency Department and the candidate will be subject to policies of both JWCH Institute and Kaiser Permanente. The position may be required to work Saturdays and potentially some evenings.

• Member of the Emergency Department (ED)-based or Bridge clinic-based MOUD Team.
• Upholds JWCH/Kaiser Permanente’s Policies & Procedures, and applicable state, federal & local laws.
• Understands own and team members’ scope of practice and escalates issues as appropriate.
• Leads and directs others through the change process.
• Uses communication strategies including chain of command and issue escalation to achieve intended outcomes.
• Mentors, orients, and coaches others in unit‑specific operations and patient care activities related to substance use and care.
• Complies with regulatory requirements, policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
• Is well versed in a variety of substance use treatment models, patterns of substance use, effects of intoxicants, and withdrawal of various substances.
• Knowledgeable about local and regional substance use treatment options and local harm reduction services.
• Discusses patient findings and progress toward outcomes and referrals with physicians and other members of the health care team.
• Demonstrates competencies during the grant‑funded 12‑month period and ongoing competency validation; employee must pass a probationary period.
• Participates in departmental performance improvement activities (planning, measuring/monitoring, assessing, and improving).
• Attends all mandatory meetings, in‑services, and staff meetings as required; actively participates in departmental professional development.
• Keeps informed of unit activities and makes recommendations for change.
• Maintains a nonjudgmental, energetic, empathetic, positive approach to assisting patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
• Practices customer service standards as defined by the Service Area, Medical Center, and department.
• Available for a flexible schedule to engage patients once acutely stabilized and develop realistic individualized action plans; hours will evolve based on patient flow.
• Interacts with patients in a culturally relatable manner; multilingual abilities (e.g., Spanish, Tagalog, Hmong) are helpful.
• Supports a collaborative Labor‑Management Partnership environment through unit‑based teams.
• Respects patient confidentiality and privacy; provides information in an accessible way and uses interpreter services as needed.
• Makes appropriate referrals and facilitates patient access to resources.
• Maintains a clean, orderly, and functional work environment.
• Treats all patients and families with courtesy, respect, kindness, and compassion.
• Delivers an optimal patient care experience by actively listening to patient and family needs and taking responsibility to meet identified needs.
• Adheres to Attendance Program and reports promptly to the assigned area at the start of the shift.

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