Substance Use Navigator, ED, Full-Time, Days

Central to all that California has to offer, Adventist Health Bakersfield has been providing an extraordinary team of world-class physicians, top-notch medical technology, caring professionals and award-winning quality since 1910. We are comprised of a 254-bed acute care hospital and 20 primary and specialty care medical offices. As one of America's fastest growing cities, Bakersfield offers affordable housing on the West Coast, beautiful weather, high-quality education and it is just a few hours away from Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, the Central California Coast and Southern California's great sports, theaters, concerts and amusement parks.

Job Summary:

The Navigator is an integral team member that helps patients access evidence-based treatment for Substance Use Disorders (SUD), with a focus on low-threshold access to MAT (Medication for Addiction Treatment) and harm reduction. Conducts outreach and identifies patients. Completes brief initial assessments, introduces patients to MAT programs and services and facilitates appointments at outpatient MAT clinics. Serves as a resource and coach for clients, and advocates for culture change in the hospital. Assists with access to other services, such as mental health services, primary care, social services, financial counseling, behavioral health services, and residential treatment facilities.

Job Requirements:

Education and Work Experience:

• High School Education/GED or equivalent: Preferred
• Associate’s/Technical Degree or equivalent combination of education/related experience: Preferred
• Experience in Behavioral Health and Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) and the role of MAT in treatment and harm reduction: Preferred

Essential Functions:

• Communicates with staff daily to recruit patients and provide support to staff around Behavioral Health and MAT. Monitors the Emergency Department(ED) and any applicable systems to screen for eligible patients. Checks-in with ED and inpatient clinicians and nursing staff to screen for eligible patients as necessary. Primary duty is to the Emergency Department patients, and can assist with inpatients as well, if time allows, and as determined to be relevant for the hospital. Communicates and interacts with patients in a culturally competent and relatable way.
• Identifies current primary care provider and behavioral health providers. Works to connect patient with existing MAT treatment available at current primary care provider and/or behavioral health location when available and appropriate, unless patient prefers an alternate MAT treatment location. Identifies or provide options for a primary medical home if not secured. Develops positive working relationships with staff and community SUD agencies.
• Maintains updated, in-depth knowledge of local and regional SUD treatment programs including capacity, insurance requirements, and additional services provided at local and regional programs (benefits assistance, housing assistance, mental health, primary care, etc.).
• Assesses and addresses any barriers to attending follow up appointments (transportation, contact phone number, availability for appointment reminders, shelter needs, etc.), establishes patients that may need a primary care doctor. Engages social services to assist with any of these issues as needed.
• Assists with navigating barriers to patients obtaining buprenorphine prescription from pharmacy (insurance status, copay expense, cost differences between formulations, etc.). Routinely assists patients by having the patient and/or pharmacist call from the pharmacy to sort out encountered insurance barriers in real time. Ability to use computer information systems, computer literacy, and knowledge of word processing. Collects data related to number of buprenorphine administrations, prescriptions, referrals to care and outpatient follow up if possible. Engages in trainings to enhance knowledge of MAT.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Organizational Requirements:

Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations, including, but not limited to, measles, mumps, flu (based on the seasonal availability of the flu vaccine typically during October-March each year), COVID-19 vaccine (required in CA, HI and OR) etc., as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.

Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit, integrated health system serving more than 90 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii with over 400 sites of care, including 26 acute care facilities, clinics, home care, and hospice agencies in both rural and urban communities. Our compassionate and talented team of 37,000 includes employees, physicians and volunteers driv