Lupus Patient Program Coordinator
Lupus Patient Program Coordinator / Navigator_Northern California
The California Lupus Foundation is looking to hire a Lupus Patient Navigator who is committed to reducing the patients’ barriers to care by identifying critical resources for patients, helping them navigate through healthcare services and systems, and promoting patient health. We are looking for enthusiastic and creative individuals who will take initiative to find ways to connect patients with resources and solutions to their care needs. This person will work closely with the Care Team, which may include doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff, to achieve positive client health outcomes. In summary, this position will provide patients with guidance on navigating the healthcare system to receive specialized care.
This position can be part of a practicum for a public health program. This program could be used as a platform for researching the ways care can be delivered to people suffering from lupus.
The field of medicine relating to the treatment of lupus is evolving and many new treatments, as well as opportunities to be in clinical trials are available. Given these new opportunities, patients require more assistance to make informed health choices.
Field-based direct care to patients with lupus responsibilities:
- Establish relationships with patients
- This person must be able to communicate with Spanish speakers.
- Communicate with Lupus Clinic team members to facilitate client care
- Observe, report, and assess client needs and barriers to care
- Identify resources for clients to overcome these barriers such as Transportation, temporary housing, and childcare arrangements
- Remain aware of current services offered by service providers, such as mental health, housing, and employment assistance
- Refer patients to other support services as needed
- Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with agency policies (HIPPA)
- Maintain knowledge of current lupus care, treatments and services
- Educate and empower patients to learn as much as possible about lupus
- Provide support by educating the patient and their family on understanding the importance of compliance with treatment
- Meet with clients after clinic appointments to review and update care plan.
Job Qualifications
Personal Skills:
- Deep commitment to the mission of care and coordination for lupus patients.
- Highly passionate, trustworthy, and empathetic, with a genuine desire to improve patients' lives.
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with diverse individuals, including patients, organizational stakeholders, and healthcare providers.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Must be proficient in Spanish.
- Highly flexible and adaptable, able to navigate and respond effectively to changing patient needs and healthcare environments.
- Strong interest and dedication to working with individuals living with lupus.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, capable of instilling confidence and trust in patients and advocating effectively on their behalf.
- Demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to maintain detailed and accurate documentation and track patient progress systematically.
Education and Experience:
- A Bachelor’s degree in psychology, public health, or a related field is strongly desired.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing effective strategies to overcome barriers that hinder patients from accessing services and adhering to self-management plans.
- Experience, understanding and empathy with underserved populations.
- Extensive knowledge of both community resources and the intricacies of the healthcare system.
- Proficient in computer literacy and various relevant software applications.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required.
Work Location: Hybrid / Field
Job Type: part-time (One-year pilot program/ start date ideally TBD to accommodate a graduate student or upon hire for the ideal candidate.)
Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour