Behavioral Health Pediatric Navigator

Fair Haven Community Health Care 

FHCHC is a forward-thinking, dynamic, and exciting community health center that provides care for multiple generations at nearly 130,000 office visits in 17 locations. Overseen by a Board of Directors, the majority of whom are patients themselves, we are proud to offer a wide range of primary and specialty care services, as well as evidence-based patient programs to educate patients in healthy lifestyle choices. As we grow and are able to bring high-quality health care to more areas that need access, we continue to put our patients first in everything we do. The mission of FHCHC is “To improve the health and social well-being of the communities we serve through equitable, high quality, patient-centered care that is culturally responsive.”

For over 50 years, we have been a health care leader in our community focused on providing excellent, affordable primary care to all patients, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Fair Haven is proud to have a diverse and motivated team of professionals who are constantly seeking ways to enhance and improve the health and well-being of all patients. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality medical and dental care, regardless of ability to pay.

Job purpose

To assist child and adolescent primary care and behavioral health (BH) clinicians and patients in navigating the BH care system and managing the child and adolescent referrals to BH at FHCHC, scheduling them at FHCHC or referring them to resources in the community.

Duties and responsibilities

The Behavioral Health Pediatric Patient Navigator provides administrative support to the child and adolescent BH clinicians at FHCHC. Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Work in with the child and adolescent primary care and BH clinicians to manage internal/external referrals.
• Document all aspects of the intake and referrals process in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Assist with initial triages for urgent BH crises arising on the primary care pediatric teams to determine what intervention is needed for the situation and arrange for the intervention.
• Conduct patient screenings using standardized tools if/when asked.
• Follow up on BH screenings done in primary care to check if referrals placed and appointments made/kept.
• Educate patients/families on requirements of referrals and appointment specifics.
• Work with child and adolescent primary care and BH clinicians to clarify access issues and barriers to care.
• Schedule, cancel, and reschedule appointments for patients/families as needed.
• Make reminder phone calls to patients/families and help reduce barriers that keep patients from attending appointments; refer to care coordination if necessary for patients/families with significant barriers to care.
• Provide clerical and administrative support to child and adolescent BH clinicians.
• Complete all required documentation to fulfill these job functions in a timely manner.
• Perform other necessary administrative duties that may arise as required by the Director of Behavioral Health Operations.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree is required; Bachelor’s degree is preferred. 
• Oral and written proficiency in English and Spanish is required.
• Experience in Word and Excel is required.
• Knowledge of BH and medical terminology, including mental health/DSM diagnoses, is desirable.
• Prior experience in the role of care coordinator, case manager, or patient navigator is highly desirable.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Knowledge and ability to independently carry out the responsibilities above
• Interest in working in a medical/BH setting and with medical and BH illnesses Previous experience in health care setting, ideally in an outpatient setting and prior experience working with children and their families in a social services setting
• Knowledge of the New Haven area BH resources for children and adolescents is highly desirable
• Ability to work in a high energy, quickly paced environment and maintain a professional attitude
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to work well in a team and regularly communicate/coordinate with clinicians and staff at FHCHC

Direct Reports

None

OSHA Status

Category III—Low Risk Position

Generally works in an office environment with no exposure to bloodborne pathogens 

Physical requirements

Physical Demands: Requires walking, bending, sitting, standing, writing, reading, telephone use, data input into computer, pulling medical records,

Mental Demands: Ability to cope with continual changing priorities under potentially stressful conditions

Manual Dexterity Required:  Ability to use a keyboard, telephone.

American with Disabilities Requirements:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job specific responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case by case basis.

Fair Haven Community Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FHCHC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.