Intensive Outpatient Program Navigator

The Outpatient Navigator, under the supervision of the Director Outpatient Services and in coordination with the Clinical Director, facilitates in-patient transitions into Oceans Outpatient program upon patient discharge and thereafter in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State Regulations, the Oceans' Mission and Performance Improvement standards.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts and assists in educating inpatient groups about IOP services and benefits of the program.
• Facilitate the admit process for patients stepping down into the IOP program including all required documentation such as screenings, signed consents, etc.
• Responsible for getting all new admit documentation to Outpatient Coordinator or other designated role in time required, prior to admit.
• Meets and escorts patients at time of discharge from hospital to their IOP group.
• Contacts family members of patients to coordinate family participation in therapy sessions.
• Coordinates with case management in discharge planning in accordance with age/disability/cultural needs and involves members of the patient's support system in decision making as appropriate.
• Responds to patient and family inquiries regarding outpatient program.
• Conducts follow ups with patients and families after the completion of patient's first 2 weeks in outpatient program.
• Communicates all patient and family concerns to IOP director in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements
Educational / Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• At least 1 years' experience working with psychiatric patients preferred.

Qualifications / Skills:

• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to any age-related disability and the needs of the patients served on assignment.
• Must be able to assess and interpret data about the patient's status in order to identify each patient's needs and provide the appropriate care, including age related care/disability/cultural sensitivity related care to adolescent, chronically mentally ill, adult, geriatric, chemically dependent, and dually diagnosed patient populations.
• Must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of mental illness and chemical dependency and the family dynamics, which accompany them.
• Must have basic knowledge of chronic mental illness.
• Must have excellent communication and group/process skills related to age specific patient needs.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development appropriate to the patient population served.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Communicates in an age/disability/culturally sensitive related manner to patients and their families.
• Must successfully complete BLS certification and an Oceans approved behavioral de-escalation program.

Work Environment:
Subject to many interruptions. This position can be high paced and stressful including pressure due to multiple calls and inquires; must be able to cope mentally and physically to atmosphere. This person might sometimes experience disagreeable odors, sights and/or unpredictable patient behavior. Work requires spending approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.