We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate.  We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways. 

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters.  Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today! 

This lead position facilitates improving access to prevention and treatment services for at-risk patients, including those living with or at higher risk for HIV, Hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections, severe injection-related infections (SIRI), non-adherence to treatment, high social vulnerability, and drug overdose risk. The role functionally oversees, trains, and guides other research and patient coordinators, assists leaders in overseeing operational components of research and patient coordination, navigation, linkage to care, and quality improvement in these areas of service, ultimately reducing disease burden and improving patient outcomes. It also contributes to health equity by enhancing care delivery for high-risk populations.

The Lead Research and Patient Coordinator will contribute knowledge and experience with priority populations to optimize interventions and studies, helping to identify and recruit at-risk patients, providing culturally appropriate services, and offering tailored, strengths-based support. The role ensures that at-risk patients have access to prevention programs, treatments, and research studies at Ochsner and through community partners. Additionally, the role will oversee and assist patient coordinators and navigators in connecting patients to clinic and community services to address psychosocial and structural needs.

Education

Required - Highschool Diploma or GED

Preferred - Bachelor’s Degree

Work Experience

Required - Bachelor’s Degree and 1 year of experience in clinical, research-related, or social services patient navigation or linkage to treatment for at-risk patients (HIV, Hepatitis C, STIs, Severe Injection-related Infections (SIRI), non-adherence to healthcare, high social vulnerability, and/or drug overdoses). 

In lieu of Bachelor’s Degree: 3 years of experience in clinical or social services patient navigation or linkage to treatment for at-risk patients in the same categories.

1 year of experience in case management or with community-based organizations, FQHCs, or healthcare/social service organizations working with at-risk patients. (note: callout experience is in addition to degree or in lieu of degree – need to phrase so it is clear)

1 year of experience using electronic medical records (e.g., EPIC, eCW).

1 year of experience in harm reduction counseling and education along with Mental Health First Aid or equivalent training in crisis intervention, de-escalation, or behavioral health crisis management.

Certifications

Required – HIV counseling and testing certification.

                   Evidence of Mental Health First Aid or equivalent training.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Strong leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and multitasking skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.Highly organized and detail-oriented.Proficient in providing tailored, client-centered navigation and support for high-risk patients, addressing individual needs and overcoming barriers to care.Experienced in delivering culturally and linguistically appropriate care and education for diverse populations, with a strong understanding of social, economic, and environmental factors affecting health and access to care.Skilled in effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure clear understanding of care options and available resources.Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams, coordinating services across healthcare settings and community resources.Comfortable discussing sensitive topics, including sexual behavior, STIs, drug use, and gender care, in a non-judgmental manner.Proficient with Windows-based applications, various software packages, and data entry, including Epic.Strong critical thinking, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to multi-task and learn new techniques quickly.Knowledgeable about medical and clinical research terminology, ICH ethical guidelines, and the regulatory requirements for clinical trials.Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and professionally.Flexible and able to travel between facilities, working a varied schedule including on-call, weekend, and night shift.

Job Duties

Functionally oversees, trains, and guides other research and patient coordinators, assists leaders in overseeing operational components of research and patient coordination, navigation, linkage to care, and quality improvement in these areas of service,Assist in designing and supporting academic detailing for providers and nurses on at-risk patient interventions and cultural sensitivity.Assist in data analysis and production of reports on patient navigation and linkage outcomes.Educate patients and providers on prevention, harm reduction strategies, and PrEP.Develop and distribute educational materials for patients and staff on programs, interventions, and research related to at-risk patients.Identify and recruit at-risk patients for intervention programs and research studies.Conduct screenings, intakes, evaluations, and provide counseling and lab results for HIV, HCV, and syphilis testing.Provide education on prevention, harm reduction, and PrEP, with culturally appropriate services and referrals.Offer one-on-one guidance, strengths-based support, and tailored patient navigation services.Use behavior change strategies to educate patients and families.Help patients access prevention, treatment, studies, and services at Ochsner and other community agencies as needed.Assist with PrEP access and necessary lab appointments.Facilitate access to clinic and community services addressing psychosocial and structural needs.Adapt communication and service delivery to the specific needs of patient populations, including privacy, consent, and communication style.Liaise with insurance companies, pharmacies, and providers as needed.Work with treatment, PrEP, pharmacy, and injection staff to ensure access to care for patients facing Social Determinants of Health barriers and stigma.Maintain patient contact via phone, text, MyChart, or in-person; assist with appointments and travel when needed.Ensure clear patient understanding of medication adherence and instructions.Monitor retention and adherence, providing education or counseling as necessary.Conduct community outreach and assist with the mobile health unit as needed.Organize strategies for recruiting and screening study participants.Coordinate patient activities for research and clinical trials, liaising with the Principal Investigator (PI).Arrange tests and procedures per protocol and report results.Maintain documentation and clinical trial records.Enter data into sponsor-specific systems and support data coordination.Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines.Adapt behavior to respect patient privacy and communication preferences.Performs other duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns. The employer 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, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to drive and conduct work in off-site community locations and to follow up with patients outside of the healthcare setting. Sometimes this will require meeting patients at their homes and in public areas. Sometimes this will require meeting patients in and around the mobile health unit.

Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.   (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.

Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.
The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to all communicable diseases.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply Today!

Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.

Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Maryland, New York, Washington, and Washington D.C.

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We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, pregnancy status, pregnancy-related conditions, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, age, veteran status, military status, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, unemployment status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. These protections extend to applicants and all employment related decisions. View the EEO is the Law poster and its supplement, as well as the pay transparency policy for more information. 

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