Cultural Navigator - African American

Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and acute care hospital, as well as a clinic system with primary care clinics located in Minneapolis and across Hennepin County. The comprehensive healthcare system includes a 473-bed academic medical center, a large outpatient Clinic & Specialty Center, and a network of clinics in the North Loop, Whittier, and East Lake Street neighborhoods of Minneapolis, and in the suburban communities of Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Richfield, and St. Anthony Village. Hennepin Healthcare has a large psychiatric program, home care, and operates a research institute, philanthropic foundation, and Hennepin EMS. The system is operated by Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc., a subsidiary corporation of Hennepin County.

Equal Employment Opportunities: We believe equity is essential for optimal health outcomes and are committed to achieve optimal health for all by actively eliminating barriers due to racism, poverty, gender identity, and other determinants of health. We are committed to equitable care and working in an environment that celebrates, promotes, and protects diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to bringing in individuals with new cultural perspectives to assist in creating a more equitable healthcare organization.

SUMMARY:

We are currently seeking a Cultural Navigator - African American to join our Community Engagement team. This full-time role will primarily work on-site (SHIFT: Days).

Purpose of this Position: The HHS African American Cultural Navigator is an integral member of a patient's care team, as the liaison that connects the cultural needs of patients and families' community to the HHS healthcare system. The HHS African American Cultural Navigator understands the diversity and cultural needs of their community, and the role requires skill in connecting care team members to the value of cultural placement, resources and opportunities as part of the patient's needs.

The African American Cultural Navigator serves as an intermediary between the health care system and the community to facilitate access to services in support of families and assist in obtaining care and resources needed to maintain their health. Navigators reduce barriers that keep patients from getting timely treatment by identifying patient needs and directing them to sources of clinical, cultural, financial, or social support.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a liaison / cultural broker between care teams and families during patient care conferences
• Assesses patient cultural and spiritual needs to customize appropriate internal and external resources
• Assists families with resources and guidance to support access to cares in community and home settings to remove barriers related to access
• Refers families to clinical, social, and financial supports when determined necessary
• Works with individuals from diverse backgrounds in reducing cultural and socio-economic barriers between care team and patients
• Provides advocacy and support as needed to remove barriers
• Identifies trends in barriers experienced by families when seeking care and provides data to Health Equity Community Engagement Manager and Health Equity Care Team
• Maintains up to date care notes in EPIC
• Participate in community functions and activities as a representative of the HHS
• Represent Hennepin Healthcare System programs, lines of business and its brand in local community forums. Serve as a connector for local partners and community entities with similar interests, programming and/or needs
• Serve as a subject matter expert inside HHS to develop culturally and linguistically relevant messaging, communications, outreach and programming
• Manage invoices, expense reports and administrative functions related to this position's external outreach
• Contribute cultural content to quarterly health equity communications in the form of newsletter
• Research and classify community resources that will be of value to families and care teams to create and maintain a community resource database
• Work collaboratively with other departments, care team and community agencies/partners to ensure that patients cultural needs are met and respectfully integrated into the patients care plan

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• 3+ years of experience building relationships with members of the African American community, community-based organizations, and community-based programs
• Previous experience in a non-profit, social services, education, criminal justice, or healthcare setting highly desired
• Experience in advocating for and anticipating the needs of the African American community
• Experience working in changing environments, departments, and roles.
• Understand cultural, geographic, and spiritual differences

-OR-

• An approved equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:

• Ability to adapt to changing needs of organization and department
• Demonstrated outstanding, professional-level communication and presentation skills
• Ability to navigate and influence systems
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills
• Detail-oriented, well organized, self-directed and team oriented
• Some project management skills and experience with project management tools
• Rapid learner who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Excellent customer service skills
• Demonstrates support for the company's mission, vision and values
• Position requires strong written and verbal communication skills, proven problem-solving skills, attention to detail, organizational and time management skills and ability to handle multiple priorities
• Must have strong computer skills, ability to work with Microsoft Office products and navigate multiple databases and electronic records
• May be required to manage multiple priorities and projects with tight deadlines (i.e. case planning, rapid discharge, family / community search)
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work hours

You've made the right choice in considering Hennepin Healthcare for your employment. We offer a wealth of opportunities for individuals who want to make an impact in our patients' lives. We are dedicated to providing Equal Employment Opportunities to both current and prospective employees. We are driven to connect talented individuals with life-changing career opportunities, enabling you to provide exceptional care without exception. Thank you for considering Hennepin Healthcare as a future employer.

Please Note: Offers of employment from Hennepin Healthcare are conditional and contingent upon successful clearance of all background checks and pre-employment requirements.