Patient Navigator

Position Summary:

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Patient Navigator in the Department of Emergency Medicine within the New Jersey Medical School (NJMS).

The Patient Navigator will support various aspects of the Navigator Essex County and the ED Alt projects. This role will be evenly split, with 50% dedicated to community outreach, activities, and events for those in need of opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, and 50% focused on providing services for patients with OUD in the Emergency Department (ED).

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Conducts community outreach activities to connect individuals with care and services, including opioid treatment programs and medication-assisted treatment providers.
• Engage with community members during outreach events and respond to individuals encountered on 911 calls, working alongside the Community Paramedic. Opioid Treatment Support:
• Provides guidance and support to individuals seeking assistance with opioid use disorder in the ED and the community.
• Facilitate access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) providers and other relevant resources for individuals in need of opioid treatment in the ED and the community. Care Coordination:
• Collaborates with hospital and community partners to coordinate medical care and social services for individuals in the ED and the community.
• Assist patients in navigating the healthcare system and accessing necessary services to address their holistic needs during ED visits and community engagement.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in social work or Human Services plus a minimum of two (2) years of fulltime professional experience working with patients diagnosed with OUD or SUD. Equivalent education, experience, and/or training may be substituted for the degree requirement.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Standing, sitting, walking, talking and hearing. No special vision requirements. Lifting up to 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Clinical environment. Moderate noise.