Behavioral Health Navigator - Peer Support

Company: Jwch Institute
Location: Los Angeles
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Position Description: The Behavioral Health Peer Support Navigator is embedded in the KP LAMC Emergency department and engages homeless patients and high utilizers of Emergency Department services. The Peer Support Navigator provides education on the benefits of being connected to medical homes, such as Wesley, informs them of the services offered through our network of clinics, and assists these patients in scheduling an appointment and supports linkage to Wesley Health Centers and other services as appropriate. This position also works in concert with the Patient Navigator to help prevent insufficient coverage during periods of high volume. The Behavioral Health Peer Support Navigators provide recovery-oriented, culturally appropriate services that promotes engagement, socialization, self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, natural supports and are trauma aware. The Peer Support Navigator conducts initial brief assessments, introduce patients to MOUD programs & services, and expedite appointments at MOUD-capable clinics. They also assist patients in accessing additional services such as financial counseling, primary care, mental health services, case management, housing support, social services, and residential treatment programs. Note : This position is stationed within Kaiser Sunset Emergency Department and candidate will be subject to policies of both JWCH institute and Kaiser Permanente. This position will may be required to work Saturdays and potentially some evenings . Principal Responsibilities: Member of the Emergency Department (ED)-based or Bridge clinic-based MOUD Team. Upholds JWCH/Kaiser Permanente’s Policies & Procedures, & applicable state, federal & local laws. Understands own & team members scope of practice & escalates issues as appropriate. Leads & directs other through the change process Utilizes communication strategies including chain of command & issue escalation, which result in intended outcomes. Mentors, orients, & coach’s others in unit specific operations & patient care activities as they relate to substance use & care. Complies with regulatory requirements, policies, procedures, & standards of practice. Well versed in a variety of substance use treatment models, patterns of substance use, effects of intoxicants & withdrawal of various substances. Knowledgeable in local & regional substance use treatment options & local harm reduction services. Discusses patient findings & progress toward outcomes & referrals with physicians & other members of the health care team. Demonstrates competencies during the grant funded limited period (12-month) & ongoing completion by departmental competency validation. Employee must pass a probationary period. Participates in departmental performance improvement activities, i.e., planning, measuring/monitoring, assessing, & improving. Attends all mandatory meetings, in-services & staff meeting as required, actively participates in other departmental professional development. Keeps self-informed of actives on the unit & makes recommendations for change. Nonjudgmental, energetic, empathetic positive approach to assisting patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Practices customer service standards as defined by the Service Area, Medical Center, & specified department Available for a flexible schedule, to approach patients once acutely stabilized to discuss the program & develop realistic individualized action plans for the patients – hours will evolve based on patient flow. Able to interact with patients in a culturally relatable manner. Any additional ability to communicate in languages spoken in local community such as Spanish, Tagalog, Hmong, etc. helpful. Supports a collaborative Labor-Management Partnership environment through unit-based teams. Respect for patient confidentiality and privacy. Giving patients information in a way they can understand and ensures comprehension. Uses interpreter services, as needed. Makes appropriate referrals and facilitates the customer’s ability to utilize resources. Ensures clean, orderly, and function work environment. Treats all families of patients with courtesy, respect, kindness, and compassion. Provides an optimal patient care experience by actively listening to the needs of patients and family members and taking responsibility for meeting those identified needs. Adheres to Attendance Program. Reports to assigned area promptly, being present and available for discussion or patient review at beginning of assigned shift. Requirements: AA or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology or related field with demonstrated experience working with substance abuse disorders and behavioral health problems for at least 2 years. Successfully complete the 80-hour training requirements for a Peer Support Specialist through a CalMHSA-approved training entity or able to complete the Certification training and pass the certification examination within 180 days from hire date. Supervised at all times by a qualified mental health professional; LCSW, LMFT, PhD, etc. Be self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver or family member of a consumer. Demonstrate knowledgeable about and basic competence in the following areas: harm reduction, motivational interviewing, strengths-based care, participant centered care, and trauma-informed care and experience with evidence-based short-term behavioral health interventions Able to document using Nextgen for all services in an accurate, thorough, and timely manner. Demonstrates effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills Ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting Evidence of clear criminal record and proof of valid California Driver’s License Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability preferred. *All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Employee Benefits: At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30 hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes: Medical, Dental, Vision Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums. Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses. Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays. 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan. Mileage reimbursement. Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD). Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more! Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time. JWCH Institute, Inc Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer. Schedule Shift - Tuesday- Saturday 8am to 5pm

Keywords: Jwch Institute, Burbank , Behavioral Health Navigator - Peer Support, Healthcare , Los Angeles, California