Job description

About us

Hospital name and location will be given during the initial outreach by the employer to potential candidates. It is located within the city and county of San Francisco.

SUMMARY

The Substance Use Navigator (SUN) is a hospital based position aimed at helping patients access evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) with a focus on low-threshold access to MAT (medication for addiction treatment) and harm reduction. SUNs are an integral part of the Care Coordination department and work closely alongside Social Workers and Nurse Case Managers, as well as other direct practice clinicians. The SUN sees patients across the hospital within the Emergency Department, Acute Care, and Skilled Nursing. SUNs are consulted to assess, educate, and provide linkage to patients on a variety of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatments. Some examples of tasks are: patient outreach and advocacy, brief assessments and counseling, introduce patients to SUD programs and services, and facilitate follow up appointments. Suns also assist with access to other services, such as mental health services, primary care, and other social services. This position is a temporary position, currently funded to 6/2024 with hopes of extension based on grants awarded.

JOB DUTIES

• Identify and assess patients with SUD and patients who use substances.
• Establish a positive relationship with patients struggling with substance use.
• Facilitate initiation of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) with hospital clinicians and promote the expansion of low-barrier MOUD in the hospital setting.
• Enter encounter data into the electronic medical record.
• Maintain up-to-date information about the effects of various substances, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options to effectively educate and counsel patients.
• Promote harm-reduction strategies based on patients’ goals, preferences, and life circumstances; reinforce evidence-based, non-judgmental approaches.
• Facilitate referrals to residential SUD program, outpatient programs, withdrawal management, outpatient MOUD clinics, sobering centers, support groups, and other community supports for patients with SUD.
• Develop expertise in insurance benefits and exclusions related to treatment.
• Distribute Narcan in the hospital setting and provide opioid overdose reversal training and education.
• Develop an array of connections with local substance use services in the field and stay updated about local program changes and initiatives.
• Participate in local coalitions addressing the overdose crisis.

QUALIFICATIONS

• There is no specific degree, certification, or training requirement.
• Nonjudgmental, energetic, positive, harm-reduction approach to assisting patients with SUD.
• Ability to communicate with patients clearly, respectfully, and in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Ability to operate in a fast paced environment with an interdisciplinary team.
• Respect for patient confidentiality and privacy.
• Ability to use a computer and to learn to use electronic health records.
• Knowledge of harm reduction practices, medications for opioid use disorder, and the system of care for SUD and behavioral health are huge pluses!
• Interest/proficiency in working with individuals recently released from incarceration, homeless individuals, and other marginalized populations.
• Understanding of SUD as a medical condition and MAT as an effective, evidence-based treatment.
• Understanding and use of non-stigmatizing, person-first language when discussing people who use drugs and SUD.
• Preference for applicants with connections to and reflecting the diversity of the local community.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.00 - $37.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• San Francisco, CA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

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