Patient Navigator

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt 

Hourly Pay Rate: $25 - $31

Location: UC Davis Hospital, Dignity Hospitals, or Office-Based (Sacramento, CA). On-site/telephonic and no remote roles.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, between 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (subject to change based on program needs).

Open Date: April 16, 2025

Close Date: May 7, 2025

 About Us

Since 1998, Community HealthWorks has been training and empowering compassionate, hardworking individuals from the communities we serve. Our team members share a deep commitment to addressing barriers to healthcare access, and many of them bring relatable experiences that fuel their tenacity and empathy. This unique perspective drives our success and ensures our work creates real impact.

At Community HealthWorks, we’re more than a team—we’re community movers and shakers, barrier removers, connectors of resources, navigators of systems, and advocates for our clients. We believe in breaking down barriers and supporting our clients and communities at every step. The unwavering dedication of our staff has been the cornerstone of our growth, and we are excited to welcome new individuals ready to shape our future.

This is an on-site position at either UC Davis or Dignity hospital locations in Sacramento County. Patient Navigators will be assigned to one hospital system, not both. Work hours are Monday–Friday between 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM, with potential schedule adjustments based on program needs. This is not a remote role.

About the Role

We are hiring two Patient Navigators to support patients in accessing healthcare and social services for the following hospitals:

1. UC Davis Medical Center: Patient Navigator – Office-Based, with 3-5 days per month on-site at UC Davis Medical Center, plus additional on-site support as needed. 

2. Dignity Health (all locations): Patient Navigator – Office-Based, with 3-4 days per month on-site at Dignity Health hospitals, plus additional on-site support as needed. 

Patient Navigators provide the same level of support and care coordination, whether working on-site at a hospital or in an office-based role.

• On-Site Patient Navigators support patients before discharge, meeting them in emergency departments to coordinate care in real time.
• Office-Based Patient Navigators focus on patients who have already been discharged, following up via phone to ensure they receive necessary services.

Language & Cultural Competency Requirements

· UC Davis Patient Navigator: Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is required.

· Dignity Health Patient Navigator: Cultural competency is required. Bilingual skills are strongly preferred but not required. Candidates who speak Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Russian, Pashto, Dari, or other languages spoken in the community are encouraged to apply. 

What You’ll Do

This is a hands-on role that requires strong communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills. A typical day may include: 

· Meeting with patients in the emergency department

· Making follow-up calls and conducting outreach

· Coordinating referrals to community services and health care providers

· Providing Medi-Cal education, including guidance on eligibility, including guidance on eligibility, maintaining coverage, and understanding covered services 

· Collaborating with hospital staff and community partners

If you are passionate about health equity and ensuring patients receive the care they need, this is the opportunity for you!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Support and Guide Patients:

• Engage directly with patients in hospital emergency departments to build trust and connect them to appropriate care and services.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, hospital staff, and community providers, ensuring continuity of care.
• Screen patients for eligibility into CalAIM Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports (CS) services.
• Educate patients about the Medi-Cal program and assist with enrollment or referrals to other public health programs.
• Assist with scheduling follow-up medical appointments and social service referrals to ensure patients receive timely care.
• Conduct follow-up calls and outreach to monitor patients’ progress and reduce hospital readmissions.

Coordinate Care and Community Resources:

• Develop and maintain relationships with community health centers, primary care providers, and social service agencies.
• Facilitate secure data-sharing through web-based systems to transfer patient health information and coordinate referrals.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of participating healthcare and social service providers.
• Refer patients to housing support, food assistance, mental health services, and other essential resources.

Ensure Accurate Data Entry and Compliance:

• Accurately document patient interactions, referrals, and follow-up outcomes in designated data systems (e.g., Excel, Access Database, SharePoint).
• Maintain confidentiality of patient records and program information in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.

Contribute to Team and Organizational Goals:

• Work independently and collaborate with project managers, leadership, and community partners to improve service delivery.
• Participate in team meetings and provide feedback on program improvements and challenges.
• Represent Community HealthWorks in hospital and community meetings, advocating for patient needs.

Work Environment & Safety

• This is an office-based role with scheduled and as-needed hospital coverage, both of which are essential to supporting patients effectively. Patient Navigators work primarily in our main office, providing telephonic outreach, referral coordination, and administrative support for hospital-referred patients.
• As part of their role, Patient Navigators are required to provide on-site coverage (approximately 3-5 days per month) at hospital emergency departments when main hospital-based staff is unavailable. Some on-site shifts will be scheduled in advance, while others may be assigned on a fill-in basis as needed.
• While on-site, Patient Navigators work in fast-paced emergency department settings, supporting patients before discharge and ensuring smooth care transitions. Hospital security protocols are in place, and additional precautions (such as temporary lockdowns) may be activated in response to trauma-related injuries or medical emergencies.

Education & Experience:

• Associate’s degree (A.A.) in health, social services, psychology, communications, or a related field; OR
• At least two years of experience working in healthcare, nonprofit, or social services settings; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills & Expertise:

• For UC Davis Patient Navigators: Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is required.
• For Dignity Health Patient Navigators: Cultural competency is required, and bilingual skills are strongly preferred but not required. Candidates who speak Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Russian, Pashto, Dari, or other languages spoken in the community are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and the ability to work effectively with diverse communities are essential for all positions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse patient populations.
• Ability to work independently while effectively coordinating with hospitals and community providers.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills for data entry and referral tracking.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ability to learn new data systems.
• Knowledge of Medi-Cal, Covered California, and other public assistance programs (preferred).

Additional Requirements:

• Must complete and pass the hospital’s onboarding and clearance process, which may include background checks, health screenings, security access approvals, and mandatory training. (Specific requirements vary by hospital and will be provided upon hire.)
• Must meet hospital-required medical clearance standards, including proof of up-to-date immunizations and pass drug test as required by the assigned hospital. The only exception is the flu vaccine—per hospital policy, employees who opt out must wear a mask during flu season.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Full COVID-19 vaccination is required unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. Employees with an exemption must undergo regular COVID-19 testing.
• Valid CA driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel within Sacramento County and surrounding areas.
• Standard work hours are Monday–Friday, between 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Occasional schedule adjustments may be needed based on hospital and program requirements.
• This is a hospital-funded grant position—locations, days, and hours may change based on program needs.

Why Join Us?

At Community HealthWorks, we offer more than a job—we offer a mission. When you join us, you’ll gain:

Personal Fulfillment:

• Make a direct impact by helping patients navigate critical healthcare and  social services.

Collaborative Environment:

• Join a supportive, team-oriented culture where your work makes a difference every day.

Competitive Benefits:

• Competitive hourly wage: $25.00 - $31.00
• 100% Medical Coverage for employees and dependents.
• 4% Retirement Contributions (no match required).
• Paid Training, Time Off, and Professional Development Opportunities.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, and more!

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following:

1. A resume detailing your relevant experience and skills.
2. A cover letter explaining why you’re excited to join Community HealthWorks and how your experience aligns with the role.

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to our team!