Substance Use Navigator - Richmond-Oakland

At Rely Health, each patient receives a steadfast companion on their healthcare journey. Empowered with technology, our patient care navigators not only ensure high-quality engagements, but also make comprehensive care more cost-effective and accessible for all patients. The Patient Care Navigator guides individuals and their families throughout the healthcare journey by combining human interaction and technological tools to facilitate a seamless experience and transition of care with appropriate follow-through and monitoring of the care plan while the individuals learns to self-navigate the healthcare system. The navigator helps reduce worry and frustration for individuals, their families and caregivers, by means of effective communication, coordination, and efficiency across the healthcare system. As a Patient Care Navigator/Substance Use Navigator (SUN), you play an integral role in supporting medication for addiction treatment (MAT) while serving as an advocate to your patients throughout their transition from the acute care setting to outpatient treatment. This position is Temporary Full Time for 16 months This position will require Monday-Friday, 8-hour shifts between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. This position is an onsite position at a hospital emergency department in Richmond, CA and Oakland, CA (2 days at one and 3 days at the other per week) Act as a Substance Use Navigator (SUN) to interact with patients, assess their readiness for treatment and links the patients to care. Utilizes motivational interviewing techniques to communicate with patients in a respectful, culturally appropriate, non-judgmental manner. Maintains up-to-date information about the effects of various substances, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options to effectively educate and counsel patients. Provides liaison services to Addiction Medicine and outpatient clinics that manage addiction and wellness efforts towards sobriety. Required to attend and represent the organization at training and meetings at the request of CA Bridge program of the Public Health Institute. Clearly communicates the purposes and services available to patients, family members and caregivers. Promotes expansion of MAT program and philosophy within the hospital. Works with the patient to coordinate transition into or out of a care setting by following instructions they received from a medical professional. This may include faxing information, obtaining referrals or authorizations, arranging transportation, coordinating durable medical equipment (DME), making and confirming appointments, obtaining test results, and other patient related duties as designated. Practices regular communication with care team members to provide feedback around process improvement of services offered within the community, and to expand knowledge of those services that can better serve the patient and increase effectiveness of the role. Maintains frequent contact with SUN Program Supervisor and MAT Physician Champion to assist with other duties as assigned in support of other hospital initiatives. Interacts with the care team to collaboratively build a care pathway for patients to achieve sobriety and directs the execution of such a plan. Remains aware of and develops relationships with community resources and services offered, such as (and not limited to) mental health, housing, food, and employment assistance, and provides information on such services to patients as needed. Maintains privacy and confidentiality of any drug treatment efforts throughout the patient’s lifespan of treatment. Facilitates patients’ utilization of community resources to support patient wellness. Initiates steps to promote patients’ access to health insurance. Establishes relationships with, and serves as primary point of contact for, patients diagnosed with substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health disorders. If required by the hospital, this may include initial patient assessments and brief interventions using standardized tools. Maintains documentation of all client encounters in excel or software-based program and completes reporting requirements according to program standards. Fully discloses relevant training, experience, and credentials, in order to help patients, understand the scope of services the Substance Care Navigator is qualified to provide and refrains from any activity that could be construed as clinical in nature. Pay Range for this position is $25-$28/hour depending on experience Requirements Requirements High school diploma or GED preferred. Understanding of substance use disorders (SUD) and medication assisted treatment (MAT). Nonjudgmental, energetic, positive, harm-reduction approach to assisting patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Cultural competence in working with and serving populations whose social and cultural backgrounds are different from one’s own. Respect for patient confidentiality and privacy. Healthcare experience. Proficient in medical terminology. Knowledge of computer skills using Google Suite, Excel and e-mail. Rely Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. Rely Health is committed to complying with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Benefits Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance Technology reimbursement Paid time off (Vacation, Sick, Holiday) Paid Parental leave Professional development Technology Reimbursement Target Start Date: July 2025 Location: Oakland/Richmond, California FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Job Status: Full Time - Temporary - 16 Months Work Schedule: Monday - Friday with occasional evenings and/or weekends Vehicle Required: No Amount of Travel Required: 5% - Local Area Travel Reports To: Supervisor, Program Operations