Patient Navigator/Behavioral Health Referral Coordinator

Kaniksu Community Health is a non-profit, award winning Community Health Center that provides integrated, team-based healthcare in north Idaho.

Patients consider us their partner in healthcare, over the course of their life and the spectrum of their health needs. From prevention and wellness to medical, dental, and behavioral health. From pediatric to geriatrics, we believe that quality healthcare should be accessible, approachable and affordable for everyone. Regardless of how a patient can pay, or the severity of their concerns, we help find solutions. We provide access to comprehensive and integrated multi-disciplinary services through the Patient Centered Medical Home model of care.

But we’re not just invested in our patients – we’re invested in our people. We know that our overall success is a combined effort and we therefore strive to provide opportunities for our employees to learn, grow and thrive. We are proud to have built a positive and engaged team with a "family" spirit. Our team members are dedicated and provide a patient centric approach to care and know exactly what we are working on and why, and how their everyday work contributes to successfully achieving this goal.

The benefits of working for KCH include

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• Education Assistance and Guided Career Pathways
• 4% 401K employer match
• In-house medical, dental, or behavioral health services
• Year round, affordable on-site childcare at KCH Kid’s Club

The Kaniksu Community Health Patient Navigator/Behavioral Health Referral Coordinator is not just responsible for providing excellent customer service. They are committed to providing an excellent patient experience while performing essential clinical or administrative work in a fast-paced, productive environment. YOU ARE an essential team member charged with assisting patients in managing their care at Kaniksu Community Health.

A typical day of the Patient Navigator/Behavioral Health Referral Coordinator might include;

Patient Navigation: All KCH Patients (approx. 50%)

• Serve as a welcoming, consistent point of contact for new patients to the KCH medical department explaining service areas and departments (medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy), explaining and aiding in the completion of new patient registration, and sharing the PCMH model of care and what to expect.
• Help patients navigate and connect across KCH departments.
• Recognize signs of medical or behavioral health crisis and escalate immediately to clinical staff following KCH protocols.

Referral Coordination: Behavioral Health (approx. 50%)

• Receive, review, and process incoming behavioral health referrals from internal providers, hospitals, schools, courts, community agencies; verify completeness and route to the appropriate clinician or program.
• Track all referrals in the EHR/referral log from receipt to completion; follow up to confirm appointments were scheduled, attended, and referral closure process
• Communicate referral status to patients, referring providers, and care team members in a timely manner.
• Maintain working relationships and communication expectations with external behavioral health partners, consistent with PCMH care coordination standards.
• Schedule intake and follow-up appointments in coordination with front office and clinical staff.
• Accurately document all patient contacts, navigation activities, and referral actions in the EHR.
• Obtain and manage releases of information; protect patient privacy in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 (substance use disorder records).
• Work with Manager to aid in running and maintaining referral tracking reports; helping to identify delays or gaps and support quality improvement and grant/UDS reporting.
• Participate in care team huddles, staff meetings, and required training.
• Support Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) principles through coordinated, patient-focused care.

Experience Needed to Land this Gig

• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to track multiple referrals and deadlines with accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to engage patients with empathy, patience, and a trauma-informed, nonjudgmental approach.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and composure with patients in distress.
• Proficiency with EHR systems, Microsoft Office, phones, fax, and electronic referral platforms.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Experience in a healthcare, behavioral health, social services, or customer-facing patient support setting.
• Experience with referral management, prior authorizations, care coordination, or case management; experience in an FQHC or community health setting; experience working with people affected by mental illness, substance use, or homelessness preferred
• Basic understanding of medical and behavioral health terminology.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Work Schedule

Full Time

40 hours/week

Tuesday to Friday