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TS
Tri State Community Healthcare Center
Patient Care Navigator
Career Insights for Patient Advocate / Navigator
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Based on California data
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What they do
A Patient Advocate or Navigator provides direct assistance to patients at a health care or long term care facility. Guides patients in understanding their options and making important decisions about their treatment plans and medical costs; provides emotional support; and serves as a liaison with health care providers.
$59,470 / year median in California
+19% projected growth
Job Description
Position Summary The Patient Navigator serves as a compassionate advocate and primary point of contact for patients throughout their healthcare journey. This role helps patients overcome barriers to care by coordinating appointments, facilitating communication between providers, educating patients on available resources, and ensuring timely access to healthcare services. The Patient Navigator works collaboratively with clinical and administrative teams to improve patient outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and support continuity of care. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Serve as the primary point of contact for patients, families, and caregivers. Guide patients through the healthcare system and assist with understanding treatment plans and care options. Coordinate referrals, specialty appointments, diagnostic testing, and follow-up care. Identify and address barriers to care, including transportation, financial concerns, insurance issues, language barriers, and social determinants of health. Educate patients on available community resources, financial assistance programs, and support services. Monitor patient progress and ensure completion of recommended care plans. Communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, case managers, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR). Conduct follow-up calls to confirm appointments, assess patient needs, and reinforce care plans. Assist patients with insurance verification, prior authorizations, and understanding healthcare benefits when appropriate. Support patient enrollment in chronic disease management, preventive care, or wellness programs. Track patient outcomes and maintain data for quality improvement initiatives. Participate in interdisciplinary care team meetings. Ensure compliance with HIPAA and all applicable federal, state, and organizational policies. Perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Social Work, Nursing, or a related field preferred. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in healthcare, care coordination, patient services, case management, or customer service. Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare systems. Experience working with Electronic Health Records (EHR/EMR). Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and standard office software. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required. Preferred Qualifications Certification as a Certified Patient Navigator (CPN) or Community Health Worker (CHW) preferred. Experience working in value-based care, primary care, oncology, behavioral health, or population health settings. Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance processes. Experience working with diverse, underserved, and vulnerable populations. Key Competencies Compassion and empathy Patient advocacy Care coordination Critical thinking and problem-solving Cultural competence Relationship building Attention to detail Organization and multitasking Conflict resolution Customer service excellence Professionalism and integrity Physical Requirements Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work. Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds. Ability to travel between clinic locations if required. Working Conditions Office or clinical healthcare environment. Frequent interaction with patients, providers, community organizations, and external agencies. May require occasional evening or weekend hours based on organizational needs. Compensation & Benefits Eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plan, and professional development opportunities. Performance Expectations Success in this role is measured by: Improved patient access to care and appointment adherence. Timely completion of referrals and care coordination activities. High patient satisfaction scores. Accurate and timely documentation. Effective collaboration with interdisciplinary care teams. Achievement of quality metrics and organizational goals.