Overview:
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The Outpatient Navigator supports continuity of care by guiding eligible patients transitioning from inpatient or residential behavioral health treatment into Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP), or other community-based services. This role ensures timely, informed referrals; facilitates coordination among inpatient and outpatient departments; and provides education and support to patients and families regarding post-discharge services. With a deep understanding of levels of care, discharge workflows, and what differentiates Acadia’s outpatient programs, the Outpatient Navigator plays a vital role in increasing step-down engagement, reducing readmissions, and strengthening care transitions. The Outpatient Navigator may also help facilitate direct admissions to PHP/IOP programs.
Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Patient Engagement and Referral Coordination
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Own the full stepdown process—from patient identification to program admission
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Meet every eligible inpatient and review open direct admission inquiries to facilitate referrals to outpatient
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Educate patients and families on the value of continued care post-discharge and highlights of the hospital’s program (specialized tracks, support to address barriers to access such as transportation, etc.)
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Maintain multiple in-person check-ins during patient’s inpatient stay, including 1:1 discussions, facilitation of inpatient transitions/discharge groups, and participation in treatment team
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Support patients with outpatient orientation/program introduction, including completion of required admissions documentation and consent forms, and introductions to PHP/IOP leaders and therapists
Internal Team Collaboration and Communication
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Partner with other hospital departments to facilitate step-downs, including:
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Clinical services to confirm clinical appropriateness for outpatient and include outpatient in treatment plans
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Business office (BO) for benefits verification and copay clarifications
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Utilization Review/Management (UM) to secure necessary authorizations. Support with ongoing UM, as needed, including, but not limited to pre-certifications, renewal authorizations, denial appeals, and tracking days remaining.
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Business development and marketing for support to convey outpatient value proposition and key messages for patient engagement
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Outpatient Services to ensure capacity, program compatibility, and mutual awareness of discharge dates
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Participate in daily flash meetings to review emerging stepdown candidates, rationale for discharges not stepped down, and report out on day one PHP/IOP attendance for prior day’s step-downs
Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
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Track step-down admissions and conversion rate and trends over time
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Identify barriers/opportunities to further enhance patient engagement and reduce readmissions
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Report weekly progress to facility CEO, COO, and Director of Outpatient Services
Qualifications:
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
Required
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High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in social services-related field strongly preferred.
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Minimum of 2 years in behavioral healthcare setting (e.g., acute psychiatric hospital)
Preferred
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Licensed or license-eligible clinician (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMHC, LMFT)
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Peer support specialist certification
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Experience with PHP and IOP levels of care, discharge planning, and/or utilization review
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.
MTCAR
