Recovery Navigator

At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver – regardless of their title or responsibilities. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading‑edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health system of Central Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve.

The RSN provides care management and system navigation supports to patients with a diagnosis of substance use disorder and/or co‑occurring mental health disorders. The RSN engages patients as they present in the treatment system and supports them in accessing treatment services and community resources. The RSN explores treatment recovery options with the patient, helps clarify goals and strategies, provides education, resources, and assists patients in accessing treatment and community supports.

The RSN is not responsible for a patient’s comprehensive care plan, or medical or clinical service delivery, but supports the patient in accessing those services and participates as part of the overall care team when appropriate.

• Develop a set of goals and objectives in conjunction with the patient, based on needs identified by the patient and/or any care plans that exist for the patient.
• Identify whether the patient has a comprehensive care plan in place and a current provider responsible for implementing the care plan. If the patient consents, ensure coordination and communication with that provider and tailor activities to the needs in the care plan.
• Connect the patient with providers able to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan if the patient does not have any such relationship. Such entities could include a primary care provider, prescribing psychiatrist, therapist, residential program, addiction pharmacotherapy providers, or a CP.
• Support the patient in understanding the treatment options available to them, including 24‑hour programs, outpatient options, and all FDA approved options for addiction pharmacotherapy.
• Provide information about, and facilitate access to, community and recovery supports, including supports for families.
• Assist the patient in accessing treatment services including, but not limited to:
  • Facilitate warm hand‑offs to programs by maintaining relationships with addiction providers within the patient’s geographic area.
  • Navigating insurance issues with patients, including identify and explaining in‑network and out‑of‑network providers and advocating with providers and plans on the patient’s behalf.

All responsibilities are essential job functions.

License/Certification/

Education:

• Required:
  
  1. High school diploma or equivalent.
  2. Maintain a valid driver’s license that allows for the transport of passengers in a motor vehicle.
• Preferred:
  1. Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field.

Experience/

Skills:

• Required:
  
  1. Three or more years of active engagement in recovery practices, with the last 12 months substance‑free.
  2. One year of experience working with people in recovery from addiction.
  3. Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with patients, team members, and healthcare professionals.
  4. Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
  5. Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
  6. Proficient in both written and spoken English.
  7. Adept in using Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation, record keeping, and efficient management of client information.
  8. RSNs must possess sufficient knowledge and understanding about treatment and recovery from substance use disorders to fulfill the required activities in the Components of Service section.
• Preferred:
  1. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
  2. Experience working with people in recovery from addiction.
  3. Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with patients, team members, and healthcare professionals.
  4. Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
  5. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, and SharePoint for documentation, record…