Job Details

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:
The substance use navigator (SUN) is a trained, certified peer recovery specialist who helps patients access evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders with a focus on low-threshold access to MAR (medication assisted recovery), treatment programs and harm-reduction.

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) upon hire or within 1 year.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Training and certification as CPRS required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Nonjudgmental, energetic, positive, harm-reduction approach to assisting patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD).Understanding of SUD as a medical condition and the role of MAR in treatment and harm reduction. Ability to use computer information systems, computer literacy, and knowledge of word processing.Ability to interact with patients in a culturally relatable manner. Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist with identification of patients with a substance use or co-occurring mental health disorders in the Emergency Department and within inpatient units, by monitoring patient tracking systems to screen for eligible patients and checking in with organizational case management team to receive referrals of eligible patients.
• Conduct initial brief assessments; introduce and connect patients to recovery programs and services
• Assist with the facilitation of appointments at outpatient treatment clinics including Carle Addiction Recovery Center (CARC) and external agencies with the community.
• Assist with access to other services such as financial counseling, primary care, mental health services, social services, and residential treatment facilities.
• Assist with navigating barriers to patients obtaining substance use treatment.
• Establish professional relationships with patients and communicate with them to help navigate obstacles to follow up treatment, and provide encouragement.
• Advocate for a harm-reduction approach to patients who use drugs within hospital and community settings to reinforce evidence-based, non-judgmental approaches so that patients who use drugs get the same care as patients who do not use drugs.
• Assist in facilitating initiation of MAR with on-site clinician, when applicable, or with an outpatient provider.

• Make contact and establish a positive relationship with patients in the hospital or emergency department who use drugs. Utilizing standardized tools and assessments to identify patient needs, provide brief intervention as applicable.
• Work with SUN Program Supervisor to set up a robust system for ensuring patient referral and follow-up outside of the SUN’s regular hours.
• Develop expertise in insurance benefits and exclusions related to treatment.
• In conjunction with supervisor, develop relationships with a comprehensive array of community service providers to address the needs of people with SUD or co-occurring mental health disorders.
• Respond to calls or messages directly from patients and providers, as appropriate.
• Advocate for a culture of low threshold access to medication assisted recovery for patients that includes signage or materials inviting patients to seek help for substance use in prominent areas of the ED and hospital.
• Use motivational interviewing techniques to communicate with patients in a respectful, culturally appropriate, non-judgmental manner.
• Maintain up-to-date information about the effects of various substances, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options in order to effectively educate and counsel patients.

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