Health Care Navigator

Description:

The Health Care Navigator is a non-clinical position whose primary responsibility is to identify, coordinate and connect clients enrolled in One80 Place’s HUD housing programs to medical care. The Health Care Navigator will help enrolled participants identify, enroll in, and apply for healthcare and other entitlement benefits; as well as schedule and arrange transportation to healthcare appointments. In addition, the Health Care Navigator is responsible for following up on medical referrals for mental health, medical and specialist services, and medication requests.

Under the direct supervision of the Housing Program Manager, the Health Care Navigator serves as the liaison between connections to healthcare and the participant to increase client resiliency in managing their healthcare to support permanent housing retention. This position is funded in whole by One80 Place’s HUD Rapid Re-housing grant.

One80 Place ends and prevents homelessness throughout South Carolina with offices located in Charleston and Columbia. This position will be based in Charleston.

STATUS: Full-time, Regular / Exempt

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• 2+ years' experience working with underserved populations, particularly those impacted by homelessness.
• Strong communication, de-escalation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time well, and adapt to crisis situations.
• Excellent computer skills including basic office programs and the ability to learn and utilize the HMIS database.
• Ability to assist participants in navigating large healthcare systems, community clinics, Medicare/Medicaid, benefits, and resources.
• Understanding of medical, behavioral health, and social service systems.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel throughout the 7-county service area of the Low Country Continuum of Care in a personal vehicle or company-provided vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Engage participants enrolled in One80 Place housing programs through internal referrals and ongoing relationship-building to assess needs and connect them to appropriate services.
• Conduct health and psychosocial assessments, identifying barriers related to physical health, mental health, substance use, and housing instability.
• Conduct benefit screenings and assist with enrolling in any eligible benefits or services.
• Educate participants about community healthcare services, including primary care, behavioral health, substance use treatment, and crisis resources.
• Coordinate medical and behavioral health appointments, ensuring access to care by assisting with scheduling, transportation, reminders, and follow-up.
• Support enrollment in Medicaid/Medicare, or other insurance programs and services, helping understand their benefits and how to use them.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, case managers, shelter assistants, and community service partners to address complex needs.
• Integrate trauma-informed strategies into all interactions to support recovery, engagement, and housing stability.
• Work with participants in need of a higher level of care on appropriate placements such as Residential Care Facilities or Nursing Homes.
• In partnership with the case manager, provide crisis support and safety planning, ensuring access to urgent care pathways, including 988 and local emergency services.
• Track and document services provided in accordance with One80 Place standards and HIPAA, maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records.
• Facilitate home-based care when additional support is needed to live independently.
• Advocate within the healthcare and housing systems, ensuring they receive timely, accessible, and appropriate care and support.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and staff meetings.
• Contribute to program development, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement.
• Attend relevant training on topics that impact unhoused populations.
• Effective use of Outlook calendar for productivity and safety.

PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS:

• Corrective vision and hearing to normal range.
• Ability to move between service locations.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Requires the ability to relate effectively to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and vicarious trauma.
• Requires sound mental reasoning, sound judgment, and the ability to respond calmly and effectively in a crisis.