Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital (HBHH) is currently recruiting for a full-time Outpatient Navigator position (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).

The Outpatient Navigator is tasked with welcoming and supporting newly admitted patients from community partners, referring hospitals, and surrounding areas to HBHH, while prioritizing patient-centered care within the outpatient department. This role involves partnering with the HBHH outpatient team to coordinate co-response initiatives, deliver crisis intervention services, conduct case follow-ups, facilitate referrals, and connect patients with available resources.

Additionally, the Navigator participates in community outreach, educational training, and relationship development efforts designed to strengthen behavioral health outcomes, build community resilience, increase awareness regarding substance use disorders, and advance suicide prevention initiatives.

Outpatient Navigators are committed to removing obstacles to care by identifying critical resources, guiding patients through behavioral health systems and services, and promoting mental health wellness and treatment compliance. They partner with the HBHH Outpatient Clinical Team, which comprises Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Mental Health Technicians, Therapists, Administrative personnel, and departmental leadership across multiple specialties to achieve positive mental health results. Operating under the direction of the Outpatient Department Director, the Navigator collaborates with clinical staff and extends case management support to patients receiving inpatient-level treatment. This professional serves as the key liaison for patients requiring enhanced support and intervention, managing both direct and indirect patient care responsibilities while evaluating Social Determinants of Health to reduce service disparities and enhance clinical outcomes.

Success in this role demands strong interviewing capabilities and comprehensive understanding of outpatient clinical services, operational procedures, and patient-centered care principles. The position also requires superior organizational abilities and strong interpersonal skills.

Requirements

Education:

Bachelors required with Mental Health Clinical Emphasis or related field preferred.

Certifications:

CPR (Upon completion in Orientation or have a current CPR) and Hospital De-escalation Certification (Upon completion in Orientation)

Bilingual preferred.

Experience:

At least 1-5 years experience or combination education and experience working with Adults, Adolescents, caregivers and families with addiction and mental health needs, preferred.

Job Duties:

• Completing screenings of adults and/or adolescents both internally and externally to assess eligibility for Outpatient program requirements
• Assist and support the transition of patient care from various levels of care across the behavioral healthcare system including continuum of care within the community
• Provide assistance with coordinating transportation to and from programming via Medical Transportation Services and/or Concierge Transportation.
• Actively manage and track outside and internal referrals to the Outpatient Program.
• Build a resource bank of regularly updated online mental health resources, and make them available to HBHH Care Team, HBHH staff, family members, community stakeholders, and community mental health partners
• Actively meet with internal departments (UR, Business Office, Intake, Inpatient, etc.) and coordinate care between departments for Step Down Processes.
• Communicates changes in patients status appropriately with the HBHH Outpatient Clinical Team
• Maintains and communicates on patient outreach and daily activities for cases assigns as directed by Outpatient Director
• Reviews system related tasks and email instructions throughout the day for management of daily responsibilities in order to effectively and thoroughly manage all assigned patient cases to completion
• Adhered to HBHH departmental policies and procedures, which include accreditation standards, Trauma Informed Care, Patient Safety Initiatives, Patient Rights, and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy standards
• Develop partnerships with community mental health entities that establishes processes and protocols for inter-agency communication, referrals, and behavioral health patients

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• PTO
• Tickets at Work
• STD & LTD
• 401-K