The Health System Navigator will provide practical, educational, and emotional assistance to Philadelphia Health center clients affected by HIV/AIDS. The Health System Navigator will support the client’s ability to manage activities of daily living to increase and/or maintain quality of life, and obtain and maintain medical stability and medication adherence.

The Health System Navigator will have internal contacts with the entire administrative staff and external contact with clients, community resources, and the community. This position has access to sensitive information and is expected to handle such information with integrity and professionalism. This position has regular contact with members of the community and is expected to represent the City of Philadelphia in a professional manner.  The Health System Navigator will be based in the Philadelphia Health Centers.  One Health Navigator will be assigned to 2 or more health centers.

The Health System Navigator will report directly to the coordinator and participate in department activities as necessary, as well as any trainings or direction set forth by the health center.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

               Responsibilities/Duties

• Provide Health Navigator services to HIV infected Health Center clients who are newly diagnosed, loosely engaged in care, or have been lost to care. 
• Work with clients and team to identify barriers to care and implement interventions with Medical Case Manager to remove barriers to care.  
• Timely linkage of clients to care.
• Primary work location will be in the community throughout Philadelphia, locating clients and engaging them in medical care at one of the City Health Centers.
• Escort to medical appointments or other meetings, including, but not limited to, mental health visits and drug and alcohol visits, Social Security, Department of Public Welfare, and Department of Human Services
• Assist with medication adherence and monitoring
• Instruct on Universal blood and body fluid precautions
• Offer emotional support and a consistent connection to services.
• Provide child care when appropriate
• Consult with Case Manager and others involved in clients' support network, reporting changes in status in a timely fashion.
• Maintain accurate, timely records as required.

Education High School Diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree encouraged.

Skills/Experience

• Basic understanding of the City of Philadelphia’s mission, vision, values, programs and services and business plan.
• Knowledge of basic client management procedures for determining eligibility, assessing needs, identifying resources, making referrals, following up, and documenting client interactions and proactively supporting client’s pursuit of goals.
• Ability to maintain appropriate and professional judgment in regard to interactions with clients and staff.
• Ability to maintain a respectful, nonjudgmental, and compassionate manner with clients.
• Knowledge of community resources and benefits that impact and/or benefit the targeted client needs.
• Ability to perform and assist with activities of daily living for assigned clients.
• Ability to travel with assigned client in and around assigned geographic area using public transportation.
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment.
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interaction with diverse groups of co-workers, external business partners, and the community.
• Ability to operate a computer and use a variety of common software programs including Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and customized databases.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and effectively communicate with individuals and groups.

• Ability to effectively interview and engage a client in appropriate programming.
• Ability to work in a team structure – demonstrating ability to collaborate and contribute to the team’s work.
• Adherence to all City of Philadelphia and departmental policies and procedures.
• Attendance at all City of Philadelphia in-services as required.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
2. Work will be significantly in the community, primarily in the field- you will be required to travel throughout Philadelphia County.
3. Approximately 10 hours per week will be spent in the office.
4. Position may require occasional trips to attend conferences seminars, and meetings.
5. Certain visits or work related appointments might be scheduled outside of traditional work hours as necessary.  

Position Type and Work Schedule: Full time position, typical hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  Flex office schedule options available with supervisor approval.

Travel: The Health System Navigator will be based in the Philadelphia Health Centers.  One Health Navigator will be assigned to 2 or more health centers.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or equipment; reach with hands and arms; balance; talk or hear. The employee will occasionally climb stairs; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; taste or smell.
2. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
3. Operate related office equipment and use necessary tools.
4. Use established universal precaution methods and equipment while completing duties.
5. Specific vision abilities required by the job include frequent reading and close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.       

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination must be produced upon hire. 

Salary and Benefits: Our employees are our most valuable resource, so we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, which can include:

• Medical with vision benefits
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life, AD&D and long-term care insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan, with a company contribution
• Paid time off including vacation, sick, personal and holiday
• Employee Assistance Program