Behavioral Health Navigator II
Sentara Health
Summary
The behavioral health navigator level 2 provides independent, patient-centered care coordination to individuals with mental health and/or substance use needs. This role builds on foundational experience and supports moderate to complex patient populations, especially those transitioning from emergency or medical floor settings throughout the health system.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate behavioral health referrals and community linkage services
- Independently manage a caseload of patients requiring follow-up, education, and engagement
- Collaborate with ED, inpatient, and outpatient teams to support care transitions
- Identify social determinants of health and connect patients to appropriate resources
- Mentor and support BHN I team members
- Conducts initial assessments to determine patients' behavioral health needs and identifying appropriate treatment options
- Connects patients with mental health providers, community resources, and support services
- Coordinates and schedules follow-up appointments to ensure continuity of care
- Addresses potential barriers to treatment, such as financial constraints, lack of transportation, or insurance challenges, and working to resolve these obstacles
- Provides ongoing education and emotional support to patients and their families, helping them understand their treatment plans and available resources
- Collaborates closely with medical staff, social workers, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to facilitate comprehensive care
- Advocates for patients' mental health needs within the healthcare system and the community
Requirements
- Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, Addiction Studies, Nursing or a closely related field (Required) OR Bachelors of Science in Nursing for RN Candidates (Required)
- For RN Candidates: valid nursing license (required)
- BLS within 90 days of hire (required)
- 5 years of healthcare experience delivered in one of the following settings: Acute care, long-term care, home health, hospice, skilled nursing facility, or community-based program services (required)
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Adoption, Fertility & Surrogacy Reimbursement
- Paid Time Off & Sick Leave
- Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
- Emergency Backup Care
- Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
- Critical Illness Plans
- Life Insurance
- 401(k)/403(b) Employer Match
- Tuition Assistance
- Student Debt Pay Down
- Pet Insurance
- Legal Resources Plan
- Annual Discretionary Bonus
Company overview
Sentara Health is a leading not-for-profit integrated healthcare delivery system serving Virginia, northeastern North Carolina, and Florida. Founded in 1888 and headquartered in Hampton Roads, Virginia, Sentara operates 12 acute care hospitals across its service area, with 10 hospitals holding prestigious Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence. The organization employs approximately 34,000 healthcare professionals and serves over 1 million health plan members through its Sentara Health Plans division. As one of the top 20 largest not-for-profit integrated health systems in the United States, Sentara is nationally recognized for clinical quality, safety, and innovation. The system has received numerous accolades including Health Quality Innovator of the Year (2024), Forbes' "America's Best-In-State Employer" (2024), and inclusion in IBM Watson Health's "Top 15 Health Systems." Sentara's comprehensive services span hospital care, outpatient facilities, home health, hospice services, and specialized programs like the Nightingale air ambulance service, which has completed over 20,000 missions since 1982.