AmeriCorps Patient Care Navigator

What is the purpose of this program?

This program is essential in addressing critical gaps in patient care and resource access. By having Xavier University students serve as patient care navigators in clinical settings, this program ensures that patients receive not only the medical attention they need but also vital support for housing, food, aftercare, and transportation. The follow-up calls conducted by the students will ensure that these resources are effectively utilized and that patients are not left without necessary support. This program is vital for patients, as it helps remove barriers to care, improves health outcomes, and strengthens community well-being. For the students, this hands-on experience provides invaluable skills in healthcare navigation, community engagement, and service leadership, enhancing their academic and professional growth. The implementation of this program is contingent upon grant funding approval, highlighting the need for community and financial support to make this impactful initiative a reality.

2025-2026 AmeriCorps Member Position Description

Patient/Care Navigator
General Statement of Duties: In support of the mission of Xavier University, the AmeriCorps Patient/Care Navigator will…. assist the healthcare team in screening patients for social determinants of health (SDOH) factors such as housing instability, food insecurity, lack of transportation, and inadequate access to healthcare in several clinical settings including the emergency room and healthcare clinics. The member will provide resources and referrals to address these needs and ensure patients have access to appropriate follow-up care. Additionally, the member will conduct follow-up calls to patients after discharge to ensure they are receiving necessary wraparound services and to reinforce their care plan.

Service Term Start and End Dates: September 5th, 2025-July 31st, 2026

Service Position Slot Type and Required Minimum Service Hours: Members can serve in a half-time (900 hours) position or a quarter-time (450 hours) position. The expected weekly commitment for the half-time position is approximately 20 hours and the expected weekly commitment for the quarter-time position is approximately 10 hours.

General Service Schedule: Quarter time members- one 6-hour shift at the hospital per week, 2 hours of training or professional development per week, 2 hours of follow up calls per week and 1 hour of supervision a week. Hours may vary week to week depending on training's and service.

Duties Include:

Conduct patient screenings to assess social needs, including but not limited to housing, food, transportation and healthcare access
Provide patients with relevant community resources and support services, such as food assistance, housing support, transportation options, mental health services, and access to medical care
Make follow-up calls to patients’ post-discharge to check on their wellbeing and ensure they are receiving the resources and care they need
Comply with all AmeriCorps program guidelines by maintaining service hours, training hours, and service projects as outlined in the AmeriCorps Service Agreement
Interact in a positive, professional and cooperative manner with patients, and other center staff; refer appropriate questions or concerns to AmeriCorps Program Coordinator
Attend all required training courses and staff meetings and participate in AmeriCorps service projects.
Make follow-up calls to patients’ post-discharge to check on their wellbeing and ensure they are receiving the resources and care they need
Maintain accurate records of patient screenings, resource referrals, and follow-up interactions

Minimum Qualifications:

At least 18 years of age
Ability to pass criminal background check and drug screen
Currently enrolled as a student at Xavier University
Positive and professional written and oral communication skills
Strong interest in healthcare and community-based services preferred
Reliable transportation
Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident

Benefits:

Living Stipend paid as bi-weekly pay checks throughout service term which amounts to $20 an hour
Education Award up to $3,697.50 (after successfully completing your AmeriCorps term of service, you are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs)
Students will benefit from gaining a deeper knowledge of the healthcare system and its components throughout the program
Potential to obtain a Community Health Worker Certification
Mileage reimbursement (if applicable)
Experience working in a dynamic healthcare setting and directly impacting patient care
Opportunities for networking, mentorship, and future career development in healthcare and social services

Screening Process:

Application review: Evaluate the application for completeness and alignment with program goals and assess the candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and qualifications
Interview: Conduct an in-person or virtual interview to assess the candidate’s motivation, commitment to service, and ability to work as part of a team
Reference Checks: Contact at least two professional or academic references to verify the applicant’s work ethic, character, and suitability for service
Eligibility Verification: Confirm U.S. citizenship or legal residency status, verify age requirements and ensure the applicant meets educational requirements
Background Check: Conduct criminal background check to ensure the applicant is eligible to work with vulnerable populations
Confirmation of Acceptance: Notify applicants of acceptance or non-acceptance into the program and provide instructions for onboarding and next steps if accepted (onboarding will begin between mid August and early September)

If interested in this position, please email Adrian Burns (Burnsa23@xavier.edu). Be sure to include a cover letter, a resume, 3 references (2 of which need to be Xavier University staff or faculty) and complete the survey https://xavier.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e5QrAoFxhAO4B2C.