Peer Navigator

Overview

Provides a broad array of counseling / support services to individuals living with HIV / AIDS, and / or HIV negative, homeless and transgender persons, including persons with serious mental illness (SMI). Shares personal, practical experience, knowledge, and first hand insight to benefit program enrollees. Works under general supervision.

What You Will Do

• Acts as ‘Health Navigator’ and works with Members to develop and implement an individualized action plan. Consults with Member / patient and provides advocacy and guidance as they navigate the healthcare system.
• Educates clients about self-help techniques. Serves as a role model and mentor to clients.
• Provides peer health navigation services to help clients connect with community-based services and supports.
• Conducts outreach, follow-up and linkage navigation activities to connect Members / patients with primary health care, substance abuse treatment, preventative services and other social support services as necessary based on guidance from the clinical team.
• Accompanies clients that require ancillary or specialty medical care to their scheduled appointments, as needed.
• Advocates effective recovery based services on behalf of clients. Researches and provides linkages to resources within the community.
• Teaches coping skills. Supports and encourages clients to take a proactive role in their recovery process.
• Assists clients in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals.
• Assists in the development of community support systems and networks.
• Accompanies Member Services Representatives to Primary Care Sites and participates in member growth and retention initiatives.
• Documents significant efforts with clients in chart, and records detailed progress notes.
• Participates in case conferences, staff meetings and training programs.
• Assists clients with transition to alternate housing, when appropriate.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications :

Valid drivers license may be required, as determined by operational / regional needs required

Education :

High School Diploma or the equivalent required

NYC or NYS Peer Professional certificate or Provisional certificate preferred

Behavioral Health Only : ◦ Completes Need Adapted Treatment Model training within nine months of employment as directed by DOH required

Work Experience :

Minimum of one year experience in a health care or human services setting required

Experience working with persons diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, homeless persons, or Transgender individuals Experience with the mental health system and willingness to share personal and practical experience and knowledge appropriately and respectfully

Effective communication skills and ability to work independently required

Pay Range

USD $17.49 - USD $21.80 / Hr.

About Us

VNS Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit home and community-based health care organizations. Innovating in health care for more than 130 years, our commitment to health and well-being is what drives us — we help people live, age and heal where they feel most comfortable, in their own homes, connected to their family and community. On any given day, more than 10,000 VNS Health team members deliver compassionate care, unparalleled expertise and 24 / 7 solutions and resources to the more than 43,000 “neighbors” who look to us for care. Powered and informed by data analytics that are unmatched in the home and community-health industry, VNS Health offers a full range of health care services, solutions and health plans designed to simplify the health care experience and meet the diverse and complex needs of the communities and people we serve in New York and beyond.