Patient navigator

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, expectations, 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.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:

The Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) is UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals' pediatric behavioral health crisis service, providing rapid assessment, crisis intervention, risk evaluation, and disposition planning for children and adolescents experiencing behavioral health emergencies in the Emergency Department and on inpatient units. BERT partners closely with Emergency Medicine, inpatient medical teams, nursing, security, and Psychiatry to determine the appropriate level of care, including inpatient psychiatric hospitalization when clinically indicated. BERT operates as part of the broader Behavioral Health Crisis Services program, alongside the Crisis Response Bridge Clinic, Psychiatry Consultation-Liaison, and Code CARE, together providing a continuum of crisis assessment, stabilization, and follow-up care. Services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in principles of equity and recovery.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities:

• Inpatient Psychiatric Placement & Bed-Finding
• Transfer Packet Preparation & Documentation
• Transfer Logistics & Care Team Coordination
• Handoff & Collaboration with BERT Clinicians
• Hospital-Wide Behavioral Health Resource Navigation & Provider Support
• Documentation, Data & Program Support

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 2+ years of relevant experience
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Windows-based software including Microsoft word, Excel, Outlook.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under time pressure.
• Comfort and persistence with high-volume telephone and fax-based coordination.
• Ability to accurately review clinical documentation.
• Understanding of HIPAA and patient privacy requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary crisis team.

PREFERRED:

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Bi-lingual
• Knowledge of the pediatric behavioral health continuum of care.
• Prior experience with inpatient psychiatric placement.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

Bi-lingual

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.