Dameron Hospital is a fully accredited, non-profit, 200+ bed community hospital providing acute and tertiary level care to San Joaquin County residents. Now managed by Adventist Health, our hospital remains committed to providing the high quality care that has earned various state and national recognitions, as well as numerous awards and accolades. The hospital has also been designated by Blue Shield of California as a Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery and for Knee and Hip Replacements as part of the Blue Distinction® Centers for Specialty Care program. In addition to being a top-rated joint replacement center in the Stockton area, and the county's leading orthopedic hospital, Dameron has also been recognized as a Top Performer for its Quality Metrics by The Joint Commission.

Job Summary:

The navigator helps patients access evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) with a focus on low-threshold access to MAT (medication for addiction treatment) and harm reduction. Navigators conduct outreach and identification of patients, conduct initial brief assessments, introduce patients to MAT programs and services, facilitate appointments at outpatient MAT clinics, serve as a resource and coach for their clients, and advocate for culture change in the hospital. They also assist with access to other services, such as mental health services, primary care, social services, and residential treatment facilities. JOB DUTIES Patient Identification

• Assist with identification of patients with SUD or co-occurring mental health disorders in the emergency department (ED) and, where feasible, within inpatient units by monitoring patient tracking systems to screen for eligible patients and checking in with clinicians and nursing staff to receive referrals of eligible patients.

• Establish a positive relationship with patients struggling with drug use or co-occurring mental health disorders. If required by the hospital, to allow for billing, this may include initial patient assessments and brief interventions using standardized tools.

• Make navigator contact information widely available to people who use drugs, patients with co-occurring mental health disorders, and clinicians; respond to calls or texts directly from patients and providers.

• Advocate for a culture of low threshold access to MAT for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) that includes signage or materials inviting patients to seek help for substance use in prominent areas of the ED and hospital.

The estimated base pay for this position is $24.76 - $37.11 hourly. Additional individual compensation may be available for this role through years of experience, differentials, extra shift incentives, bonuses, etc. Please contact our Talent Acquisition team for more information

QUALIFICATIONS

• Nonjudgmental, energetic, positive, harm-reduction approach to assisting patients with SUD.

• Interest/proficiency in working with individuals recently released from incarceration, homeless individuals, and other marginalized populations.

• Understanding of SUD as a medical condition and MAT as an effective, evidence-based treatment.

• Understanding that abstinence-based behavioral programs that discourage MAT are not evidence-based.

• Ability to communicate with patients clearly, respectfully, and in a culturally appropriate manner.

• Ability to communicate in languages spoken in the local community is a plus.

• Preference for applicants with connections to and reflecting the diversity of the local community.

• Respect for patient confidentiality and privacy.

• Ability to use a computer and to learn to use electronic health records.

• There is no specific degree, certification, or training requirement, but candidates should plan to obtain certification as a community health worker.

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 and HI) or the option of COVID-19 vaccine or weekly testing (required in OR), etc., as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.