Peer Navigator

Our Mission

To promote the well-being of the underserved by providing access to high-quality healthcare for all, regardless of ability to pay. Our services, activities and governance reflect the Islamic values and moral principles which inspired our founders. These include the core values which are universally shared and revered by society at large: Service, Compassion, Human Dignity, Social Justice, and Ethical Conduct.

Working at UMMA

UMMA is looking for passionate and mission-driven Staff who look to make an impact on the lives of our patients and the members of our community. These roles include Physicians and Medical Staff, Behavioral Health Staff, Administration, and more! For more information on the services we provide, Click Here

SUMMARY

The Peer Navigator utilizes a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and culturally responsive approach in all client interactions, fostering trust, dignity, and client self-determination. This Peer Navigator under the Justice-Involved Program provides critical support and guidance to individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. As part of the RENEW (Reentry and Rehabilitation Services; Education and Wellness; Nutrition Programs; Emotional Support; and Wellness Activities) project at UMMA Health, the Peer Navigator will use their lived experience to build trust, offer mentorship, and help justice-involved individuals access healthcare, social services, housing, employment, and other essential resources. Candidates with lived experience of incarceration and successful reentry are strongly encouraged to apply. This role is instrumental in reducing recidivism and promoting holistic well-being among participants.

RESPONSIBILITES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

To perform effectively in this position, the incumbent must have:

Client Support and Advocacy:

• Establish trusting relationships with justice-involved individuals to provide peer support and mentorship.
• Assist clients in navigating healthcare services, including primary care, behavioral health, and substance use treatment.
• Support clients in accessing housing, employment, education, and other reentry resources.
• Accompany clients to medical and social service appointments as needed, promoting client independence over time..
• Provide emotional support and encouragement throughout the reentry process.

Case Coordination and Navigation:

• Collaborate with case managers, housing navigators, and other service providers to develop individualized reentry plans.
• Assist clients with completing applications for benefits, housing, and employment programs.
• Conduct outreach and engagement efforts to connect with justice-involved individuals in need of support.
• Conduct assessments of clients’ needs, including substance use history, mental health status, social determinants of health, and reentry challenges.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and progress.

Community Engagement and Education:

• Facilitate peer-led workshops and support groups on topics such as wellness, financial literacy, and relapse prevention, and empowerment.
• Provide education on harm reduction strategies, including prevention and treatment of infectious diseases like Hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV.
• Advocate for the needs of justice-involved individuals within the community and healthcare system.

Program Development and Evaluation:

• Provide feedback to the Justice-Involved Program Manager on program effectiveness and areas for improvement.
• Assist in the collection of program data for reporting and evaluation purposes.
• Participate in team meetings and training sessions to enhance service delivery.

Program Coordination and Compliance:

• Attend HRSA calls and work with program consultants at the direction of the Justice-Involved Program Manager.
• Ensure program activities align with HRSA guidelines and grant requirements.
• Support documentation and reporting processes required for compliance with federal and state funding sources.

ENVIRONMENT

The environment for this position is a medical clinic that is clean and comfortable. It may include some minor annoyances such as noise, odors, drafts, etc. The incumbent is in a non-confined office-type setting in which he or she is free to move about at will.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

While performing this work, the incumbent:

• Will spend substantial time standing, sitting, speaking and listening
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Is expected to travel via personal vehicle throughout the community on a frequent basis

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

MININUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field is a plus.
Experience working in peer support, case management, or community outreach is preferred.

Familiarity with reentry services, behavioral health, harm reduction, and social determinants of health.

Candidates with previous justice-involvement or lived experience in reentry are strongly encouraged to apply.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

These specifications are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this job. Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines.

Regulatory Requirements:

•Successful completion and acceptable results of post offer physical examination, drug screening, and criminal background check.

•Recommended Healthcare Personnel Requirements for vaccinations and preventative testing: Hep B, Influenza, MMR, TDAP, TB, Covid-19 and Booster.

Skills and Abilities:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport with diverse populations.

Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Knowledge of community resources, healthcare navigation, and social service systems.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic health record (EHR) systems is a plus.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries

SERVICE VALUES

All employees are expected to provide the very highest level of service to Clinic patients and their families. In addition, their work ethic is expected to reflect the Islamic values and moral principles that inspired its founders. These include the core values that are universally shared and revered by society at large:

Service

Compassion

Human Dignity

Social Justice

Ethical Conduct

EQUIPMENT & SOFTWARE OPERATION

The incumbent in this position may operate any/all of the following equipment:

• Telephone, cell phone, fax
• Computer, printer, and related equipment
• Copy machine
• Calculator
• Microsoft Office and Excel
• Electronic health record
• Dental imaging software