Position: Healthcare Navigator
Reports To: Program Manager
Position Information: Full-Time Salary
Organizational Summary
The Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center (CIVOC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, life-sustaining services and programs to veterans and their families on Cape Cod and the Islands. Our mission focuses on delivering service-enriched housing, supportive programs, healthy food, counseling, and referrals to promote stability and independence. CIVOC operates transitional housing programs in Dennis and Hyannis, offering veterans a pathway to sustainable living. As a recipient of Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) funding from the VA, CIVOC provides healthcare navigation, outreach, housing assistance, and temporary financial support to veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Position Summary
The Healthcare Navigator supports veterans and their families enrolled in the SSVF program by facilitating access to VA healthcare benefits and community health services, focusing exclusively on addressing veterans' healthcare needs to enhance housing stability. This role involves conducting health assessments, coordinating care with VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and community providers, providing health education, and offering trauma-informed support. Duties are performed primarily in the community through a mobile model, requiring travel to various locations across Cape Cod and the Islands, with an emphasis on connecting veterans to specialized services such as mental health, substance use treatment, and daily living support, rather than general case management for transitional housing.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Execution of Mission and Strategy:
- Recommend timelines and resources to integrate healthcare navigation with SSVF housing stability goals.
- Collaborate with the Program Manager to engage VAMCs and community health providers for enhanced veteran healthcare services.
- Identify and address health-related barriers to long-term housing stability.
- Support the expansion of health-related services across the Cape and Islands.
- Oversee Healthcare Navigation Operations:
- Conduct assessments of veterans’ healthcare needs and develop tailored access plans.
- Connect clients to VA benefits, including primary care, mental health, substance use treatment, and daily living services.
- Coordinate referrals to non-VA health resources (e.g., Medicaid, community clinics) for ineligible household members.
- Provide health education on topics such as chronic disease management and caregiver support.
- Monitor and Report Client Progress:
- Track healthcare referrals and outcomes using HMIS and the VA Referral Tracking Sheet.
- Maintain accurate electronic health records, including progress notes and compliance documentation per VA Data Guide.
- Ensure adherence to HIPAA, VA confidentiality standards, and ethical guidelines.
- Evaluate healthcare service impact and share insights with the Program Manager.
- Coordinate Crisis and Health Support:
- Deliver rapid health crisis support, linking veterans to emergency VA or community services.
- Assist with applications for subsidized health insurance or caregiver programs.
- Offer counseling on navigating healthcare systems to promote veteran independence.
- Enhanced Client Support Services:
- Mentor veterans on accessing VA women’s health, suicide prevention, or intimate partner violence services.
- Collaborate with intake teams to integrate healthcare needs into SSVF plans.
- Evaluate veteran progress in health domains and recommend adjustments.
- Uphold client confidentiality while facilitating healthcare coordination with interdisciplinary teams.
Non-Essential Functions
- Collaborate with the Program Manager for occasional training on VA healthcare resources.
- Support community health events and provide feedback to improve services.
- Assist with reviewing health progress reports and team meetings for strategy enhancement.
- Stay updated on healthcare policies and offer input on special projects as assigned by the Executive Director.
Qualifications
- Relevant education and/or experience in human services, healthcare navigation, or related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred, not required.
- Minimum of two years of professional experience working with veterans or at-risk populations, with a strong preference for healthcare navigation or VA healthcare system experience.
- Valid driver’s license required.
- Ability to travel and drive as needed, including to locations across Cape Cod and the Islands.
- Ability to be supportive and respectful to all veterans and household members served.
- Ability to work in a variety of settings with culturally diverse families.
- Ability to be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
- Capability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to collaborate with in-house and external healthcare referral sources.
- Possess strong written and oral communication skills, with excellent documentation abilities per VA standards.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and strong organizational skills.
- Demonstrate a strong level of understanding and comfort with various forms of technology, including HMIS and data entry systems.
- Ability to take direction and participate in regular supervision.
- Preference given to candidates who are veterans and/or have lived experience with homelessness or health challenges.
Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, nursing, social work, or related field preferred, but not required.
- Two or more years of experience in healthcare navigation, care coordination, or supportive services, preferably with veterans or homeless populations.
- Understanding of VA healthcare systems, including VHA eligibility, mental health, substance use, and specialized services (e.g., suicide prevention, women’s health).
- Hands-on experience with health assessments, care coordination, and referrals to VA and community health resources.
- Knowledge of federal/state health programs (e.g., Medicaid, TRICARE) and HIPAA compliance.
- Strong organizational skills for managing health records, tracking referrals, and time management.
- Commitment to veteran-centered, trauma-informed care and data-driven health evaluations.
- Ability to work in a mobile model with community travel.
- Skills in crisis intervention and facilitating access to specialized VA healthcare services.
- Compassionate communication with excellent interpersonal abilities.
- Collaboration skills with diverse healthcare teams, agencies, and clients.
- Passion, empathy, integrity, positive attitude, and self-directed nature.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.
- Problem-solving skills and adaptability in dynamic healthcare settings.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
- Certifications: CPR/First Aid preferred; annual S.A.V.E. suicide prevention training required upon hire.
- Working Environment: May require occasional weekend or evening hours for health-related meetings and events.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $58,000.00 - $62,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
