"Dental Patient Navigation Community Health Worker"

Job Summary

The Dental Patient Navigation Community Health Worker (CHW) plays a vital role in improving access to oral health care for refugee and other vulnerable populations. This position supports the daily operations of the patient navigation program, ensuring effective coordination between community outreach, clinical services, and patient support. The CHW helps develop and implement program goals, monitors service quality, and contributes to efforts that enhance patient outcomes. Acting as a liaison between patients, providers, and community partners, the CHW facilitates appointment scheduling, transportation, and financial assistance, while also advocating for systemic changes to reduce barriers to care. The role includes supporting staff, preparing reports, and producing educational materials to promote oral health awareness. With a strong understanding of Medicaid and government assistance programs, the CHW ensures patients receive comprehensive, wraparound support throughout their treatment journey.

Responsibilities

Disclaimer: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

Program Oversight and Development

• Oversee daily operations of the Dental Patient Navigation Program, ensuring seamless coordination between community outreach, clinical services, and patient support.
• Develop and implement program goals and objectives focused on improving oral health access for refugee and vulnerable populations.
• Monitor program quality and effectiveness; research and recommend improvements to enhance patient outcomes and service delivery.

Patient Navigation and Support

• Serve as a bridge between the community and the dental clinic, helping patients access dental services and understand care pathways.
• Coordinate appointment scheduling, transportation, and financial assistance for patients.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of patient interactions, interventions, and referrals in the program database.
• Provide wraparound services to help patients navigate between integrated medical and dental clinics and external providers.

Health Promotion and Advocacy

• Advocate for the oral health needs of refugee and underserved communities, identifying and addressing systemic barriers to care.
• Develop and distribute educational materials on oral hygiene, nutrition, and preventive care in both clinical and community settings.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to promote oral health awareness and policy change.

Referral Management and Follow-Up

• Ensure patients complete recommended treatment plans through proactive follow-up and coordination.
• Build and maintain relationships with community resource agencies and service providers.
• Develop knowledge of Medicaid and government assistance programs relevant to refugee and vulnerable populations.

Problem Solving

This position requires independent decision-making and coordination across multiple stakeholders. The Program Coordinator acts as a liaison between internal departments, external agencies, and the community, resolving issues within program guidelines and escalating only those outside established policies.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required: Nearly Continuously: Office environment. Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required: Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking. Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead. The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field plus one year directly related experience or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. Demonstrated ability to work independently, analyze and make decisions related to program content. Strong coordination and organizational skills required to prioritize conflicting deadlines. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are also required.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Special Instructions

Requisition Number

PRN43395B

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time

Work Schedule Summary

Monday - Friday. Hours may vary due to clinic needs.

Department

01478 - SOD - EDUCATION

Location

Campus

Pay Rate Range

$45,000 - 55,621

Close Date

1/23/2026

Open Until Filled

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/190839