Florida Blue Healthcare Navigator
MISSION STATEMENT: To transform lives through love and service.
SUMMARY: The Healthcare Navigator is the frontline Care Navigator for the Vincentian CARES Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Rural Expansion Program, funded by the Florida Blue Foundation Mental Well-Being Grant Program. Based in our Sebring office, the Healthcare Navigator serves Veterans at risk of suicide across Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto, Hendry, Okeechobee, and Glades counties, rural communities where access to mental health care is limited and many Veterans have no recent connection to the VA. The Healthcare Navigator is the Veteran’s single point of contact: identifying and engaging at-risk Veterans through community referral partners, conducting immediate risk screening and safety planning, enrolling Veterans within five days, and building an individualized service plan that connects them to VA health care, community mental health providers, telehealth, and the supports that drive well-being, including housing, transportation, financial stability, and social connection. The position measures participant progress with the Harvard Flourishing Index and other validated tools, documents all services in CaseWorthy, and contributes to the program’s grant reporting and evaluation. The Healthcare Navigator works closely with SSG Fox program staff, VA partners, and community providers, and reports to the Operations Supervisor and the Director of Health Services. This is a full-time, grant-funded position.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at this time)
• Conduct outreach across the six-county service area and receive referrals from the VA, the American Legion, 211, crisis centers, law enforcement, fire departments, and veteran service organizations to identify Veterans at risk of suicide, including those not engaged with VA care.
• Conduct immediate suicide risk screening using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), complete collaborative safety plans with Veterans, and escalate elevated risk according to agency protocols.
• Complete a comprehensive intake and psychosocial assessment with the Veteran, family members, and significant others, identifying strengths, risk factors, supports, and needs across mental health, social support, financial stability, and overall well-being.
• Enroll eligible Veterans within five days of referral and develop an individualized service plan with each Veteran that reflects their preferences and personal health goals and supports shared decision-making.
• Maintain contact matched to each Veteran’s level of need, from daily to monthly, and address immediate barriers such as housing, transportation, food, and other basic needs to stabilize Veterans and keep them engaged.
• Connect Veterans to VA health care and benefits, including services available through the Hannon Act, and to community health care where Veterans are not eligible for VA care; coordinate with telehealth, equine therapy, recreational, and other community partners so services are complementary and comprehensive.
• Support Veterans’ use of the HereNow Help telehealth platform and follow up promptly when its AI-enabled journaling tool flags distress or elevated risk between scheduled check-ins.
• Administer pre- and post-assessments (Harvard Flourishing Index, PHQ-9, ISEL-12, and General Self-Efficacy Scale) at enrollment, at exit, and as acuity requires, and use results to refine service plans.
• Enter all contacts, assessments, and services in CaseWorthy (and HMIS as required) within 24 hours of each interaction; support monthly data quality reviews and the monthly and semi-annual reports required by the funder.
• Apply trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and resilience-based (PERMA) approaches in all Veteran interactions.
• Act as an advocate for the Veteran, integrating the Veteran’s cultural values into their care plan, and serve as a resource for education and support for Veterans and families.
• Participate effectively in team meetings, case conferences, and related activities; identify systemic barriers and work with leadership and the multidisciplinary team to find viable solutions.
• Build and maintain relationships with rural community partners to grow the referral network and the range of services available to Veterans in the service area.
• Attend the Florida Blue Foundation’s annual Community Health Symposium and Sapphire Awards in Orlando and represent the program at community events and presentations.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Complies with all applicable training requirements.
• Complies with all company safety, personnel and operational policies and procedures.
• Complies with work schedule to ensure effective operations of Agency programs.
• Contributes positively as a member of a productive and cooperative team.
• Proficient computer skills, including electronic case management systems (e.g., CaseWorthy, HMIS).
• Must be sensitive to and respect cultural diversity amongst clients, staff and volunteers and able to work with diverse racial, ethnic and economic groups.
• Flexible work schedule including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to set appropriate limits, work under deadlines and multi-task.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, self-motivate, and deliver results.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Possess strong work ethics.
• Participates in Agency Performance Quality Improvement (PQI) program and Accreditation/Reaccreditation process.
• Performs other duties as necessary to fulfill the Vincentian CARES, Inc. Mission.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.)
• Able to speak, write and understand English.
• Possess basic computer skills.
• Must be sensitive to and respect cultural diversity amongst clients, staff and volunteers and able to work with diverse racial, ethnic and economic groups.
• Flexible work schedule including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to set appropriate limits, work under deadlines and multi-task.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, self-motivate, and deliver results.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Possess strong work ethics.
• Successfully pass Levell II background screening.
• Valid Florida driver’s license if driving an agency vehicle or a personal vehicle for company business.
• Must have reliable transportation
• Mission driven attitude supplemented with integrity and passion.
• Adherence to the highest ethical standards, personally and professionally.
• A high level of openness and willingness to receive feedback/suggestions from superiors and others, and to learn new skills to improve job performance.
• Evidence of deep alignment with the Vincentian CARES, Inc. Mission and Values.
ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.)
• In-depth knowledge of health care and mental health resources available to Veterans, especially VA services and programs; familiarity with resources in Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto, Hendry, Okeechobee, and Glades counties strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of suicide risk factors and prevention, severe and persistent mental illness, and substance use disorders.
• Training or certification in ASIST, safeTALK, C-SSRS, motivational interviewing, or trauma-informed care preferred; training will be provided.
• Ability to form partnerships in rural communities and seek out community resources.
• Strong oral and written communication.
• Strong organizational, time management, and data management skills, including accurate and timely documentation.
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently in the field and as part of a team.
• Ability to provide positive, calm customer service to Veterans and families in crisis.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (Pending on position and if prior to hire is approved by Chief Executive Officer, a comparable amount of training, education or experience may be substituted for the minimum education qualifications)
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related human services field, or related experience, is required.
• At least two years of experience in a health care, behavioral health, or social services area of practice working with Veterans is preferred.
• Experience providing case management or care coordination in rural communities is preferred.
GENERAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made, if appropriate, to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of job. Working in an office/site requires prolonged sitting at the computer workstation, standing, bending, reaching, lifting up to 40lbs. and some driving. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, and other office equipment. It is also required to regularly sit, speak, and listen, the employee is also required to walk, use hands and fingers to type, operate equipment, and maintain records and notes. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
MENTAL DEMANDS: Must handle new and diverse work problems on a daily basis. Personal maturity is an important attribute. Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure. Must have the ability to listen objectively to people, perceive the real problem and assist in bringing issues to a successful conclusion. Must relate and interact with, volunteers, clients, contractors, visitors, and employees at all levels within the Agency.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Environment will occasionally become noisy due to equipment operations and interactions among clients and staff. There may be the possibility of being exposed to communicable disease, possible exposure to verbal abuse or similar behavior from residents/clients. On an as needed basis, employees may be called upon to work outside of the established work schedule or work odd hours. All information associated with the Agency is confidential.
Vincentian CARES is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
NOTE: This job description does not constitute an employment contract, written, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” and/or grant funded position. Any oral or written statements or promises to the contrary are hereby expressly disavowed and should not be relied upon by any prospective or existing employees. This job description is subject to change by the employer (Vincentian CARES) at the discretion of the employer, or as the needs of the employer and/or requirement of the job change. Changes can be done formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. Vincentian CARES explicitly reserves the right to modify any of the provision of this job description at any time and without notice. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties or essential function does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND RECEIPT: I have read this job description and acknowledge its receipt with my signature below. I feel that I am qualified and able to perform all duties as outlined. I also understand that any false misrepresentation of facts regarding my qualifications is grounds for immediate termination. I understand that my job duties may not be limited to those listed as the exact nature may vary as program, project elements, and priorities change in the future. I understand that this job description may be updated as needed. I have read my job description and understand the duties and responsibilities of my position and my supervisor has reviewed them with me.