Patient Navigator
Job Summary Involves providing non-clinical support, guidance and assistance for patients and families as they navigate through complex healthcare environments. Primary goals are to increase patient satisfaction, and to optimize care and outcomes. Acts as a communication liaison to understand the patient's non-clinical individual needs, desires, and concerns. Guides the patient and family to a broad range of services, amenities, and information to promote healing and ensure satisfaction with the patient care experience.
Experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field; independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems / issues of diverse scope and determines solutions.
The UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and School Based Behavioral Health Programs are prioritizing the expansion of comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) services for adolescent and young adult patients. The Substance Use Navigator (SUN) plays a key role in advancing this mission by supporting low-threshold, youth-centered access to evidence-based treatment-including medications for addiction treatment (MAT), harm reduction services, behavioral health therapy, and connections to broader social supports.
The SUN proactively identifies adolescents and young adults with within the FQHC and through partner referral sources, such as schools, the juvenile justice center, emergency departments, and community partners. They conduct outreach, complete brief initial assessments, introduce patients and families to MAT and behavioral health services, and help patients understand available treatment options in a culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate manner.
Working as a non-clinical resource and liaison, the SUN facilitates appointment scheduling; supports access to mental health care, primary care, social services, and external substance use treatment programs when appropriate; and helps young people navigate treatment and work toward their health goals. The SUN uses multiple communication methods to support treatment engagement, appointment attendance, and medication access, while helping patients overcome barriers such as insurance, transportation, stigma, or unfamiliarity with the healthcare system.
The SUN collaborates closely with the FQHC medical, behavioral health, and care coordination teams and maintains strong communication with external partners to ensure continuity of care. They also contribute to culture change within the FQHC by advocating for trauma-informed care and harm-reduction approaches to adolescent and young adult substance use. Additional responsibilities include maintaining resource guides, identifying workflow challenges and patient needs, resolving navigation issues, and partnering with clinical supervisors and department managers to improve patient experience, satisfaction, and quality outcomes.
A high degree of independence, professionalism, motivation, and compassion is essential, as the role supports high-risk youth navigating complex medical, behavioral health, and social challenges. The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. The salary range for this position is $66,900 - $100,400 (Annual Rate). To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
- Minimum of 2+ year's previous experience in healthcare related field (e.g. EMT, health educator, community health worker, social worker, counsel or clinical office staff)
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to communicate and resolve issues effectively with a diverse population of patients, staff, and physicians
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to develop solutions and recommend changes and follow through with implementation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with Windows-based software including Microsoft word, Excel, Outlook. Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, demanding environment with minimal supervision.
- Ability to maintain helpful, caring and courteous relationships with our patients, co-workers, and physicians.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working across departments in large organizations
- Community Health Worker certification, CASAC or similar program
About UCSF At UCSF Health, our mission of innovative patient care, advanced technology and pioneering research is redefining what's possible for the patients we serve - a promise we share with the professionals who make up our team.
Consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals nationwide by U.S. News & World Report - UCSF Health is committed to providing the most rewarding work experience while delivering the best care available anywhere. In an environment that allows for continuous learning and opportunities for professional growth, UCSF Health offers the ideal atmosphere in which to best use your skills and talents. Pride Values UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Job Code and Payroll Title 004198 PAT NAVGTR NON-CLIN 3 Job Category Allied Health Bargaining Unit 99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit) Employee Class Limited Appt Appointment End Date 01-Jan-2029 Campus Benioff Children's Hospital |
University of California - San Francisco Campus and Health
Jan 08, 2026