Substance Use Navigator

**ABOUT US** Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year from Chicago’s Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers its community a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The hospital staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe and comfortable resident environment. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, Loretto Hospital strives to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management within the community, with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients and community residents. **SUMMARY** Reporting to the Director, Emergency Department, the Substance Use Disorder Navigator (SUN) serves as a key member of the care team, providing direct support to individuals affected by substance use. The Navigator helps patients access appropriate treatment, recovery, and community resources while reducing barriers to care. This role focuses on engagement, education, coordination, and advocacy to promote sustained recovery and improve health outcomes by focusing on access to MAT (medication for addiction treatment), facilitating appointments and serving as a resource and coach for their clients. **ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** **Patient Services** - Assist in identification of patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) or co-occurring mental health disorders in the emergency department and, where feasible, within inpatient units by monitoring patient tracking systems to screen for eligible patients and checking in with clinician and nursing staff to receive referrals for eligible - Conduct screenings and assessments to identify substance use concerns and determine appropriate levels of care - Engage patients in a nonjudgmental, trauma-informed manner to build trust and support readiness for change **Patient Education** - Provide education on substance use disorders, treatment options, harm reduction strategies, and recovery supports - Assists clients in navigating healthcare systems, behavioral health services, and social service programs (e.g., housing, employment, insurance) **Patient Follow-Up Care** - Coordinate referrals and facilitate warm hand-offs to treatment providers and community resources - Follow up regularly with clients to endure linkage to care and continued engagement in treatment or recovery programs **Community Outreach** - Develop connections with a comprehensive array of community service providers to address the needs of people with SUD or co-occurring mental health disorders **Documentation and Compliance** - Document all encounters and interventions in the electronic health record (EHR) - Track and report outcomes, service utilization, and programs metrics as required - Report as required, aggregate monthly counts of targeted metrics, such as number of patients served, buprenorphine administrations, prescriptions, referrals to care, etc. **Hospital Support** - Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including physicians, social worlds, crisis workers, case management or recovery programs - Participate in team meetings, training, and quality improvement initiatives **Other Duties as assigned** **COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES** - Understands and adheres to Loretto Hospital’s compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy. - Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state, and Hospital regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified. **JOB REQUIREMENTS** **Required:** - High School Diploma or GED - A minimum of 1 year of direct patient care experience in substance use disorder, behavioral health, care coordination, or case management - Knowledge of substance use disorders recovery principles, and harm reduction practices - Familiarity with local treatment s…