The Grant Per Diem (GPD) Health Care Navigator is a non-clinical position whose primary responsibility is to identify, coordinate and connect clients enrolled in One80 Place’s GPD program to medical care, either through the VA or in the community. The Health Care Navigator will help enrolled Veterans identify, enroll in and apply for healthcare and other entitlements benefits; as well as schedule and arrange transportation to healthcare appointments. In addition, the Health Care Navigator is responsible for following up on medical referrals for mental health, medical and specialist services and medication requests.
Under the direct supervision of the Shelter Program Director, the Health Care Navigator serves as the liaison between the health clinic, shelter and VA GPD staff to increase Veteran resiliency in managing their healthcare in order to support permanent housing retention.
This position is funded in whole by One80 Place’s Grant & Per Diem grant.
One80 Place ends and prevents homelessness throughout South Carolina with offices located in Charleston and Columbia. This position will be based in Charleston and operates within One80 Place's Emergency Shelter.
1. Engage GPD Veterans through proactive outreach and ongoing relationship-building to assess needs and connect them to appropriate services.
2. Conduct health and psychosocial assessments, identifying barriers related to physical health, mental health, substance use, and housing instability.
3. Conduct benefit screenings and assist Veterans with enrolling in any eligible benefits and entitlements through the VA as well as any community or government programs.
4. Educate Veterans about available VA and community healthcare services, including primary care, behavioral health, substance use treatment, and crisis resources.
5. Coordinate medical and behavioral health appointments, ensuring Veterans can access care by assisting with scheduling, transportation, reminders, and follow-up.
6. Support enrollment in VA health care, Medicaid/Medicare, or other insurance programs, helping Veterans understand their benefits and how to use them.
7. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including VA providers, social workers, case managers, shelter assistants, and community service partners to address complex needs.
8. Assist Veterans in navigating hospital discharges or transitions from detox, inpatient treatment, or emergency departments to reduce risk of relapse or medical crises.
9. Integrate trauma-informed strategies into all interactions to support recovery, engagement, and housing stability.
10. When needed work with Veterans on higher level of care placements such as Residential Care Facilities or Nursing Homes.
11. Provide crisis support and safety planning, ensuring Veterans have access to urgent care pathways, including the Veterans Crisis Line and local emergency services.
12. Track and document services provided in accordance with One80 Place standards, VA requirements, and HIPAA, maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records.
13. Advocate for Veterans within the health and housing systems, ensuring they receive timely, equitable, and appropriate care and support.
14. Promote wellness and self-management, helping Veterans build the skills and confidence needed to navigate healthcare systems independently.
15. Assist and respond to crisis events/emergencies in the facility.
16. Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and staff meetings.
17. Partner with community providers and VA homeless programs.
18. Contribute to program development, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement.
19. Attend relevant training on topics affecting homeless Veterans.
PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS:
- Requires sound mental reasoning, sound judgment, and the ability to respond calmly and effectively in a crisis.
- Requires the ability to relate effectively to individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Requires corrective vision and hearing to normal range.
- Ability to move between service locations; ability to lift 25 lbs.
- Possible exposure to communicable diseases and vicarious trauma.
STATUS: Full-time, Regular / Exempt
1. A bachelor’s degree in social work, behavioral health, or related field preferred.
2. Experience working with Veteran populations or health navigation preferred.
3. Ability to guide clients through healthcare systems, benefits, and resources.
4. Skilled at coordinating appointments, follow-up care, and referrals.
5. Advocacy skills to ensure clients receive appropriate and timely services.
6. Understanding of medical, behavioral health, and social service systems.
7. Familiarity with Medicaid/Medicare, VA services, community clinics, and insurance enrollment processes.
8. Comfortable working with multidisciplinary teams (medical providers, social workers, case managers, etc.).
9. Flexibility in working in dynamic environments or with clients in crisis.
10. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.