Patient Navigator - HIV Services (Bilingual) at Mission Neighborhood Health Center – San Francisco, California

The Mission Neighborhood Health Center (MNHC) is a non-profit, multi-site community health organization offering comprehensive health services in the Mission and Excelsior Districts of San Francisco. The center offers primary health care services, adult medicine, pediatrics, family planning, OB/GYN, HIV and homeless services. We advocate for health equity and deliver innovative, high-quality services responsive to the neighborhoods and diverse communities we serve.

We are currently looking for qualified candidates for our Patient Navigator - HIV Services role. Please note: This role requires applicants to be bilingual in English and Spanish. This position reports to the Lead Care Manager and Social Services Supervisor is a Regular, Full Time, Non-Exempt role with an hourly range of of $27.46 to $29.52 with full benefits.

Primary Objective:

The Patient Navigator is a core member of the Clínica Esperanza HIV Services Team and Integrated Case Management Program, supporting patients in navigating healthcare systems to ensure timely access to coverage, medications, specialty care, and coordinated services.

This role is designed for collaboration and cross-training, working closely with providers, nurses, care managers, and administrative teams to provide seamless care coordination, shared coverage, and continuity of patient services. The Patient Navigator may be asked to assist in conducting screenings, develop care plans, coordinates referrals, and documents services in the Epic electronic health record (EHR).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Health Coverage, Navigation & Care Planning (Approximately 70%)

• Enroll and renew patients in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
• Assist patients with Medi-Cal, Covered California, and other insurance programs
• Support participation in the Office of AIDS Health Insurance Premium Payment (OA-HIPP) program
• Educate patients on benefits, eligibility, and healthcare systems
• Conduct Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and social needs screenings
• Collaborate with clinical teams to develop, update, and monitor individualized care plans
• Support MNHC registration renewals and eligibility updates
• Crosstrain to provide coverage for care management and navigation functions

Specialty Care Referral Coordination (Approximately 20%)

• Submit specialty referrals in coordination with providers and nursing team
• Verify insurance coverage and authorization requirements
• Initiate and track prior authorizations
• Schedule, confirm, reschedule, and cancel appointments
• Communicate referral instructions and status to patients

Documentation, Reporting & Team Collaboration (Approximately 10%)

• Document all screenings, care plans, referrals, and services in Epic EHR
• Maintain HIV Care Connect and required program databases
• Track enrollment and referral outcomes
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case reviews
• Provide team coverage during staff absences and peak service periods
• Prepare reports, audits, and performance data as required

**To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to complete each of the essential job requirements satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Team-based clinical environment requiring adaptability, collaboration, and frequent patient interaction.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Patient-centered service and cultural humility
• Confidentiality, safety, and regulatory compliance
• Teamwork, collaboration, and flexibility
• Strong communication and organizational skills

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills or abilities. This document does not create or constitute an employment contract, implied or otherwise.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate Degree in Health Education, Counseling, Social Services, Public Health, or a related field or a combination of education and relevant experience equivalent to an associate degree.
• Two years of experience in care management, patient navigation, health education, insurance registration, or eligibility services.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Proficiency with Epic EHR or similar electronic health or care management systems.
• Strong interpersonal and documentation skills
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural settings.
• Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office and database systems)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in HIV services, Ryan White programs, or community health
• Work with underserved populations (homelessness, substance use, chronic illness)
• Training in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction
• Experience creating care plans and conducting structured screenings
• Epic EHR experience strongly preferred
• Lived experience navigating healthcare systems valued

To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at www.mnhc.org. We offer a full range of benefits which includes the following:

• Annual 4% COLA increase
• 401(k) retirement savings plan includes a company contribution
• Vacation: 2 weeks annually (increases to 3 weeks after 5 years, and 4 weeks after 8 years)
• Paid educational leave: 40 hours annually
• Medical insurance: zero out-of-pocket expense under the base plan
• Dental and vision insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Life insurance includes a free basic policy with an optional voluntary plan
• Paid time off includes 12 paid holidays, a birthday holiday, two floating holidays and 12 sick days per year
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses
• Commuter benefits

As a condition of employment, all candidates are required to meet specific immunization standards. Documentation of current immunizations, including Varicella, TDAP, COVID-19, MMR, and Hepatitis B, as well as TB test results valid within the last two (2) years must be submitted before the start date. Failure to provide this documentation may result in a delayed start or withdrawal of the job offer.

Mission Neighborhood Health Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment for our diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.