Position Summary
The Patient Navigator supports participants in research projects in an assigned Practice Area by providing linkage and connection to wrap-around services in accordance with study protocols and following principles of harm reduction. This position helps support GWMFA research project participants to maximize their ability to adhere to protocols and care plans to prevent and treat mental and physical ailments, such as substance use disorder and infectious diseases. The Patient Navigator participates in assigned department research projects in collaboration with other members of the team within the clinical research program in the department. The Patient Navigator may assist in providing navigation services to primary care patients in the Division of General Internal Medicine outside of the research study.
- This position is contingent on grant funding. The grant is slated to end 06/2027
Essential Duties and Responsibilities to perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.
The Patient Navigator performs the following duties/responsibilities for the assigned Practice Area:
1. Work closely with the Social Worker and the research team on-site as well as centrally off-site to help ensure that patients have comprehensive and coordinated care that aligns with the patient-centered care plan and study protocols
2. Follow study protocol to provide linkage services and wrap around care to participants, including connecting participants to resources in the community and assisting them in navigating such resources as needed.
3. Develop a care plan with study participants based on mutually agreed upon goals to enhance, maintain and promote optimal resource support and psychosocial functioning throughout substance use disorder (SUD) and infectious diseases treatment and its outcome.
4. Assist with scheduling medical and specialty appointments, as well as provide reminder phone calls for various scheduled appointments and/or follow-up calls after scheduled appointments.
5. Help patients connect with transportation resources for appointments.
6. Collaborate with other professional disciplines in the planning and provision of timely and efficient SUD, infectious diseases and other clinical services to study participants.
7. Refer patients and/or family members to community resources to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness and to provide access to services such as financial assistance, legal aid, housing, government-issued identification cards, transportation, job placement or education.
8. Maintain comprehensive, timely and accurate documentation of patient assessments and interventions in the electronic health record.
9. Collaborate with other disciplines and staff in the areas of psychosocial clinical services, patient-and family-centered care, research and education.
10. Participate in regular site-team meetings and multi-site team meetings.
11. Conduct collection and assembly of research study data and information
12. Provide referrals for services to community agencies as appropriate
13. Assist patients with adherence to existing self-management goals or development of new goals in accordance with harm reduction principles and study protocols
14. Assist in identifying new needs of current participants or identifying when the plan of care is not effective. Discuss or schedule with the research team to move toward development of a new plan
15. Perform other duties as requested.
Minimum Qualifications
The requirements 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
duties.
Education
High school diploma or the equivalent combination of training and experience
Experience
- A minimum of 2 years of experience in healthcare, case management, and/or patient oriented position.
- A minimum of 2 years of experience in providing customer service in a patient care environment.
- General working knowledge in the areas of patient care, health, and wellness.
- One to two years of experience supporting clients with substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder, is preferred.
Competencies The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or traits
required for success in this position.
Patient Navigator must demonstrate:
Knowledge and support of GWMFA’s vision, mission statement, values, and guiding
principles.
Knowledge of and ability to follow study protocols, and standard operating procedures.
Knowledge of community resources and ability to proactively stay up-to-date in this knowledge.
Familiarity with harm reduction principles.
Excellent interpersonal skills for communicating professionally, cheerfully, and effectively with study participants, families, clinicians, colleagues, research associates, social workers and other study team members.
History of working independently and as part of a team.
Good written communication skills for electronic health record documentation.
Proficiency reading documents and following instructions written in English.
The ability to work well with others across differences and resolve conflicts when they occur.
Familiarity with the technology/equipment utilized by the research project.
Compassion, patience, and calm.
Integrity, with appropriate concern for confidentiality.
Flexibility, initiative, and self-direction.
Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Concern for quality and accuracy.
Other Requirements
None at this time
Supervision Received
Research Associate, study PIs and Senior Director of Clinical Research Operations. Direct collaboration with
Physician Fellowship / Research Liaisons.
Supervision Exercised
None
Physical Requirements
- Walk, bend, twist, and reach above the shoulder frequently in a clinical setting.
- Must be able to occasionally lift or carry and frequently push or pull up to 20 lbs. as part of the role
- Regularly exposed to healthcare settings that may require personal protective equipment
- Requires manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, copier machine, and other equipment.
About GW MFA
MFA physicians provide comprehensive patient care, offering one practice for the whole person with 52 medical and surgical specialties. As members of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences faculty, MFA providers are teachers and mentors for medical students, residents, fellows, and researchers preserving the rich tradition of academics, research, and healing. In addition to maintaining a closely integrated alliance with The George Washington University and The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) which is separately owned and operated by Universal Health Services (UHS), the GW MFA has active referring relationships with 12 area hospitals.
The GW MFA’s leading healthcare presence in the DC metro region is complemented by a network of community-based practices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Given its geographic location in central NW Washington, DC, and proximity to more than 175 resident embassies, the MFA continues to evolve its international clinical outreach.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The GW Medical Faculty Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
