Patient Navigator, John Sealy Diagnostic Center in Galveston, Texas at University of Texas Medical Branch

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• One year relevant experience
• An equivalent combination of education and experience relevant to the role may be considered for this position.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

Required:

• May require licensure or certification specific to the service line the position is assigned to.

JOB SUMMARY

The Patient Navigator plays a vital role in supporting patients throughout their healthcare journey by providing individualized assistance to help them access, understand, and utilize healthcare services effectively. This position focuses on reducing barriers to care by coordinating appointments, facilitating communication between patients and providers, and connecting patients to community resources and support services. The Patient Navigator works closely with clinical teams to ensure timely follow-up, promote patient engagement, and improve health outcomes, particularly for those managing complex or chronic conditions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conducts comprehensive assessments of patients in person, by phone, or through review of medical records to identify barriers to care and support care coordination.
• Coordinates care and services by scheduling appointments, procedures, and follow-ups across multiple departments and providers to ensure timely access to care.
• Communicates with patients and families to explain procedures, answer questions, and provide guidance through the care process, ensuring understanding and comfort.
• Serves as a liaison between patients, providers, and support staff to promote effective communication and facilitate resolution of issues affecting care delivery.
• Reviews clinical referrals and documentation to verify appropriateness, completeness, and readiness for service-line evaluation, collaborating with care teams as needed.
• Assists patients with navigating healthcare systems by connecting them to community resources, financial counseling, transportation, and other support services.
• Maintains accurate documentation in electronic health records and other systems to ensure continuity of care and compliance with institutional policies.
• Advocates for patients' rights and needs, ensuring that care is delivered in a culturally sensitive, respectful, and patient-centered manner.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop, implement, and monitor individualized care plans that support optimal health outcomes.
• Participates in performance improvement efforts, attends staff meetings, and stays current with relevant policies, procedures, and best practices in patient navigation.

Marginal or Periodic Functions:

• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Demonstrates core competencies required to perform patient navigation duties safely and effectively, as assessed through regular training and performance evaluations.
• Proficient in using multiple computer systems including electronic health records (e.g., EPIC), scheduling platforms, and office productivity software to document, track, and communicate patient information accurately.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team, while providing excellent customer service to patients, families, and colleagues.
• Demonstrates flexibility and organizational ability to manage shifting priorities, multitask, and resolve issues with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English, essential for clear documentation and communication with patients and staff, particularly in matters impacting safety or care coordination.
• Ability to communicate with empathy and clarity when interacting with patients, providers, and families, using customer service principles and trauma-informed care approaches.
• Basic understanding of care coordination principles and the healthcare delivery system, including referral processes, appointment scheduling, and patient advocacy.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse populations, including awareness of potential barriers to care and strategies to address them.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

• Standard hospital, clinical, laboratory and/or office environment.
• Includes office, patient care units, and invasive procedure areas.
• Extended periods of sitting, standing and/or walking.
• Able to flex hours, work other shifts, and/or rotate facilities to meet needs related to unanticipated acuity; meet operational needs.

SALARY RANGE:

Commensurate with experience.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.