Purpose of Job The purpose of this classification is to provide navigation services to clients with identified or perceived barriers to care. The PHN navigator builds strong relationships with clients to ensure they stay engaged in medical care and follow through on recommended referrals. The PHN navigator is committed to identifying and resolving a client’s barriers to care by identifying critical resources, assisting in navigating them through healthcare services and systems, and providing timely follow- up, education, and support. This nurse may also be involved with providing clients care when beneficial to the development of the relationship.
Essential Functions The Public Health Nurse is responsible for the following essential functions:
Assess and identify client’s unique and individual barriers to care and assist client in resolving these barriers
Establish close relationships with clients, providing education and support
Evaluate clients for program eligibility for the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBCSP), Family Planning, Presumptive Eligibility, and other Department of Health offered services (including but not limited to WIC, Quitline, breastfeeding, etc.) and referred or enrolled accordingly
Communicate with care team (i.e., primary care providers, referral providers, etc.) regarding updates or the status of client completion of recommended services
Document barriers, resolution of barriers, and any other assistance provided in the client’s medical records Track and follow up with clients to monitor compliance with referrals, screenings, diagnostics, and/or treatment
Provide Pap follow up, including, notification of lab results per order of provider, referral, tracking and education
Assess whether the client has a medical home for primary care services and document/refer as needed
Collect and submit required data pertaining to specific programs or care pathways
Serve as the subject matter expert and provide education and training to staff on navigation and services available
Perform outreach activities to engage local communities and educate them on navigation services
Participate in all meetings to receive program reminders and updates
May perform PHN functions, including but not limited to providing assessments, collecting lab specimens, providing refill or quick starts visits for birth control, and assisting physicians or Nurse Practitioner as required with patient examinations
Participates in continuing education programs.
Maintains knowledge of legal limitations while performing job functions.
Attends forty-two hours of in-service training annually; attends mandatory CPR class yearly; attends regular staff meetings
Additional Job Functions
Respond to and report immediately if called upon by local, regional or central office supervisors, as part of a coordinated emergency response by the Knox County Mayor’s Office
Ensure regular, punctual attendance during scheduled work hours
