Care Navigator; Chicago, IL

Job Summary

The role of Care Navigator-Community is essential in supporting our goal to reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions by visiting admitted members in person, addressing social determinants of health (SDoH), and ensuring seamless transitions of care. The Care Navigator is assigned to acute and post-acute facilities in the community and works with the team to build trust with patients and connect them to Absolute Care’s comprehensive services and interventions.

• Engage in person with admitted members in hospitals and healthcare facilities to build lasting rapport and trust.
• Conduct comprehensive screenings for social determinants of health and identify gaps in care.
• Complete delegated tasks and coordinate resources to address identified needs.
• Schedule and coordinate follow-up appointments with primary care physicians, community-based nurse practitioners, or members’ own primary care providers post‑discharge.
• Serve as a liaison between members, healthcare providers/facilities, and Absolute Care services.
• Document all interactions and tasks accurately and timely in the care management system.
• Collaborate with Absolute Care’s interdisciplinary teams to support holistic, integrated, patient‑centered care.
• Maintain mobility and flexibility to work independently across multiple healthcare sites.
• Meet established key performance indicators.
• The Care Navigator’s facility assignment may change and/or duties may be modified based on business needs.

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• CNA, Certified MA, LPN or CHW required.
• CPR/BLS certification required.
• 3+ years of experience serving the needs of complex populations in a patient‑facing healthcare environment. Preference given to candidates with hospital experience and/or care coordination roles.
• Experience in patient‑facing roles in a SNF, hospital or physician office required.
• Ability to complete screenings and delegated tasks and to elevate findings to the clinical team when appropriate.
• Experience with complex government‑sponsored populations preferred, e.g., Medicaid, Medicare beneficiaries.
• Creative and innovative problem‑solving skills to help patients overcome barriers to care transitions.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and electronic medical record documentation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to interact with members, families, community stakeholders, and the interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to work independently.
• Active, unencumbered driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to work in office and in the community.
• Second language ability relevant to the local population, geography, or resources is desirable.

This job operates in the community, hospitals, healthcare facilities, and a professional office environment. The role requires reliable transportation to commute between inpatient facilities and the office; routine use of general office equipment is also required.

• Communicate clearly and exchange accurate information consistently.
• Remain stationary for long periods of time.
• Perform repetitive movements.
• Operate computer, keyboard, copy and fax machine, phone, and other general office equipment.
• Occasionally move objects up to 20 lbs.

None.

Annual salary with benefits: $54,000 – $58,000. Coverage area includes Cook County Chicagoland hospital facilities.