Patient Navigator

Overview

If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Position Overview:

Under general supervision, the Patient Navigator provides patient-centered navigation services to improve health outcomes and expand access to care across the continuum of services. Embedded within an HCPH health service location, this position helps underserved individuals overcome barriers and connect to coordinated medical, behavioral, and supportive services. The Patient Navigator acts as a liaison between patients, providers, and community resources, ensuring service continuity, promoting informed decision-making, and supporting engagement in ongoing care.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the Patient Navigator addresses both clinical and social needs, bridging communication between healthcare systems, re-engaging patients in care, and connecting them to specialty services, community resources, and education guided by the social determinants of health framework.

• Provide navigation across the continuum of care including screening, diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up services based on individual patient needs, including re-engagement of patients who have fallen out of care.
• Support patient follow-through with care plans. Facilitate referrals and coordinate access to healthcare, community, and social services, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive and seamless support.
• Address barriers related to insurance, transportation, language, financial, cultural, or health literacy by linking patients to appropriate support services and serving as a patient advocate in navigating complex systems.
• Deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate health education, promote patient-led decision-making, and help patients understand care plans, diagnoses, and follow-up instructions.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of navigation activities in compliance with HCPH policies and reporting requirements.
• Participate in community engagement events and connect patients with external resources to improve health access and awareness.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary case discussions and build partnerships with providers, social workers, and external agencies to enhance patient-centered care coordination.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, Public Health, Health Education, or related field

Experience:

• At least one (1) year of experience in patient navigation, community health, case management, or similar setting.
• At least one (1) year of experience working with diverse populations, including low-income, underserved, and culturally diverse communities.
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems.

Learner/

Certifications:

• Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage community members, collaborate with community partners, and communicate complex information in a manner easily understood by patients.
• Ability to effectively interpret needs and act as an advocate for client population.
• Knowledge of available patient support programs, agencies, and services.
• Ability to work both…