Open Position: Wellness Navigator / Case Manager

Summary

This is responsible professional work providing access to resources, health-related education, training, and other services. The Wellness Navigator may function (1) at the initial entry point of the care continuum, providing outreach, case finding, peer support, and information about the health care system; (2) at care transition points between health care agencies such as from emergency department/inpatient unit to community health center, providing linkage and tracking; (3) in ongoing care, providing health education/health promotion, in partnership with other members of the wellness team; or (4) in other community venues. Listed below are responsibilities of the Wellness Navigator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Successfully complete an orientation and training program in wellness case management that includes support for assisting The Wellness Coalition’s clients with making life changes to help them self-manage and/or improve their chronic condition(s); and participate in continuing education programs, in-service education programs, wellness center activities, and other educational events
• Conduct outreach and assessments of client and family needs for information about health, mental health and social services; provide to clients and their families information and education about services, information on the importance, availability and use of a medical/primary care home, and information on referral to other services
• Provide information or education about services, explain the benefits of Wellness Case Management to eligible clients and families, and obtain a signed release of information form/application to receive Wellness Case Management; provide Rights and Responsibilities and other information to each eligible client
• Assist in making health care appointments, issue reminder calls for appointments, follow-up on missed appointments; track services from the initial visit through case closure; and discuss with clients the need to access appropriate levels of care with appointments
• Link clients with needed health and other community services; connect clients to support groups; provide emotional and educational support for clients and their families
• Seek resources to assist patients with obtaining free medications, including completing pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs, and with other needed community services
• Develop a wellness plan for self-management of chronic conditions and for coordinating services; provide assistance to Wellness Case Management clients to help them achieve their wellness goals through a variety of activities such as instruction on exercise, cooking or related health, wellness, and fitness activities or supporting them in these activities as needed
• Conduct group trainings/education on chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, obesity/overweight, heart disease, hypertension, and mental illness to assist clients with self-management of their chronic diseases
• Assist in determining whether patients have or are eligible for health insurance—especially Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplace; assist them in applying for health insurance through application assistance and follow-up to ensure they obtain any insurance for which they qualify
• Make appropriate referrals to/for other services and resources available (e.g., pharmacy assistance, medical transportation, etc.), including providing eligible clients with 211 Connects information and explanation; document referrals
• Act as a liaison between clients and their families, wellness case managers, health, mental health and other human service providers, and report to wellness case managers and Wellness Coalition providers the specific characteristics or conditions which impede clients from obtaining available services
• Participate in outreach activities such as health fairs and other events, including those events held after hours or on weekends to introduce community members to health and chronic disease information
• Present information about the Wellness Case Management program to other agencies and work with them on referrals
• Collect data to assist in tracking of services and in quality improvement activities
• Participate in training/learning and remain aware of regulations and practices governing privacy and security of protected health information, and maintain confidentiality of client information at all times.
• Document services by initiating appropriate Wellness Case Management form, entering client data into the client electronic information database (MAIN), maintaining precise records in accordance with protocols defined in the Wellness Case Management manual and related policies and, and ensuring that all documentation is appropriately signed and dated
• Carry out various quality assurance activities, such as explaining the purpose of client satisfaction and other surveys for use in improving Coalition member and WCM services; documenting reasons for dropouts or any client feedback regarding problems with access or quality of services, and communicating findings to relevant entity

Work Schedule
This position is a full time 40 hours per week. Your supervisor will provide a regular work schedule. Usual work days are Monday through Friday; however, employees may be required to work alterative hours (arriving earlier, remaining later, or working on other days).

Qualifications

• Licensed social worker, or a
• Person possessing a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science or a related field
• Valid Driver’s License
• Able to provide own transportation
• Able to pass background screening and pre-employment drug screening

Knowledge and Skills Required
This position requires, in addition to qualifications listed above, knowledge of the local health care system and community; ability to work independently, follow through and carry out plans of action; good writing and verbal skills and ability to disseminate information. Position also requires the ability to use a personal computer and enter data into multiple databases.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Remotely:

• No