Patient Navigator; San Diego, CA

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM

As a member of the Social Services Team reporting to the Social Services Manager, the Patient Navigator is responsible for assisting high-risk and vulnerable patient populations navigate medical and non‑medical services. The Patient Navigator increases access to care by identifying psychosocial barriers with the goal of aligning resources to improve access to healthcare and health outcomes. Under the supervision of the Patient Navigation Supervisor, the Patient Navigator will assist with patient retention and engagement by promoting and offering SYHealth programs and services, providing assistance with health issues impacting the community, and health advocacy, etc.

• Perform in-depth screening for internal and external community programs for the purpose of educating, navigating and connecting patients with needed services.
• As a Patient Navigator, services will be provided via telecommunications and in person at specific clinic sites.
• Obtain verbal consent and/or written authorization from patients and create patient profile on the Community Information Exchange (CIE) system.
• Use active listening and conversational intent in all interactions to provide high –quality confidential connections to resources and services to all SYHealth patients.
• Using needs assessment, identify programs and resources to assist patients based on the social determinants of health utilizing the PRAPARE Tool.
• Actively listen to clients to develop a strategy that identifies solutions to barriers to access.
• Accurately document all patient interactions and unmet needs into Next Gen to assist in the identification of gaps in services that can be addressed organizationally.
• Offer patients internal appointments, for example, social work, behavioral health and/or other needed services. Also utilize direct referral function on CIE.
• Comply with Community Information Exchange regulations and complete all CIE trainings.
• Collaborate with Social Services Department and participate in year-round community/charitable events.
• Keep all activities in line with the core values and contribute to the positive culture of SYHealth.
• Maintains accurate records of all activities performed and submits pertinent reports by due dates.
• Represent SYHealth in an effective and professional manner and maintain positive working relationships with the general public, clients, patients, co‑workers and other agencies.
• Adheres to SYHealth and all department’s policies and procedure protocols.

• Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives quality assurance programs, safely, environmental and infection control standards.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.
• Attends all organizational and departmental meetings as required.
• Performs other related duties/projects as assigned or requested.

Associates Degree in social work or other related fields. Experience can be considered in lieu of education requirements.

CA Driver’s license and access to privately owned insured vehicle.

• Minimum of 1-2 years of professional experience in patient navigation, care coordination, case management, or a related field within a healthcare environment.
• Demonstrated experience providing empathetic, culturally sensitive, and patient‑focused services, ensuring equitable access to care.
• Proficiency with advanced electronic health record (EHR) systems like Epic, including appointment scheduling, medical record review, and standardized data entry.
• In-depth understanding of health insurance processes, including eligibility verification, compliance with regulatory standards, and knowledge of healthcare reimbursement systems.
• Practical experience conducting screenings for social determinants of health (SDOH), documenting results, and connecting patients to resources for housing, food, transportation and other essential services.
• Familiarity with…