FHC Patient Navigator

FHC Patient Navigator Job Summary

The Patient Navigator will support the clinical and logistical needs of two specialty clinics within the Family Health Center at ZSFG: the Bridge Clinic (50%) and the Gender Affining Care Clinic (50%). This role is essential to the expansion of clinic services, joining a team of existing Navigators working in both settings. The Navigator will serve as a critical bridge between patients and healthcare services, helping to improve care access, continuity, and outcomes for both populations.

The Bridge Clinic supports patients who use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. People with substance use disorders often need support transitioning from acute care to ongoing community-based services. These patients have traditionally had low rates of follow-up after acute care referrals, and the Navigator plays a critical role in improving linkage rates.

• Identify and screen patients for substance use disorder
• Provide motivational interviewing and harm reduction counseling
• Develop outpatient follow-up plans and provide referrals (medication treatment clinics, residential programs, detox, community resources)
• Support ED initiation of addiction medications
• Distribute harm reduction supplies (syringes, naloxone)
• Round with Social Medicine team

• Partner with physicians, social workers, and pharmacy to support patients
• Discuss and facilitate referrals to behavioral health and residential treatment
• Provide harm reduction services
• Schedule appointments and conduct phone outreach for continuity of care

• Maintain patient support phone line during business hours
• Track data and operational metrics
• Complete EHR documentation and panel management
• Lead quality improvement projects
• Complete administrative duties during designated time

The Gender Affining Care Clinic serves as part of a comprehensive longitudinal curriculum for family medicine residents focused on primary and specialized care for patients across the gender spectrum. Along with patient support, the Navigator will also have responsibilities related specifically to the NIH grant supporting curriculum development.

• Serve as a non-clinical resource and liaison for TGD patients and their families when applicable
• Provide panel management oversight to ensure care gaps are being met for the gender diverse patient population
• Help patients navigate the complex healthcare system and connect with community resources
• Liaison with Gender Health SF to facilitate improved coordination of care
• Use knowledge of the clinic to resolve issues and support patient needs
• Track relevant data and operational metrics for reporting across both clinics
• Complete electronic health record documentation

• Conduct and review surveys and focus groups with transgender/gender diverse (TGD) patients to recommend changes in clinic structure and services
• Identify ways to increase patient satisfaction for TGD patients, both adults and children
• Assist with quality improvement efforts to enhance care for gender diverse individuals
• Assist in communicating with members of the Patient Advisory Committee
• Coordinate Patient Advisory Committee meetings (approximately four evening commitments per year)

• Develop and maintain a library of resources and orientation information for patients
• Support resident education on the healthcare needs of gender diverse individuals
• Help write up best practices for teaching clinics serving gender diverse patients as part of the curriculum package for dissemination
• Assist in disseminating best practices to other teaching clinics

The salary range for this position is $66,900 - $100,400 (Annual Rate). The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• Minimum 3 years of related experience
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to communicate and resolve issues effectively with a diverse population of patients, staff and physicians
• Strong knowledge of transgender health care needs. Background understanding of health disparities, especially as they apply to the LGBTQ population
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to develop solutions and recommend changes and follow-through with implementation
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, demanding environment with minimal supervision
• Ability to manage and oversee multiple tasks simultaneously, including high daily call volume
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team; excellent demonstrated record of attendance and punctuality
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills by email, phone, and text
• Proficiency with Windows-based software including Microsoft word, Excel, Outlook.…