Healthcare Navigator

For over 50 years, Good Shepherd Housing has been a cornerstone in Fairfax County, VA, turning the key to brighter futures for those at risk of being unhoused or priced out of their own communities. At the heart of our mission is a unique approach: purchasing properties and transforming them into affordable housing solutions. This strategy enables us to unlock the doors to safe, stable homes, laying the groundwork for our residents' personal growth and community resilience.

With a $3.5 million annual budget and over 100 housing units throughout our community, we aid over 1,000 families and individuals in need. Our commitment extends beyond the walls of housing; we provide a comprehensive suite of support and financial services designed to catalyze the journey toward self-sufficiency. By intertwining affordable living with tailored assistance, we forge stronger communities, one home, and one future at a time.

Position Summary

The Healthcare Navigator will serve as a vital connector between GSH residents and the healthcare system, ensuring that low-income families have access to affordable, preventive, and ongoing medical care. This new position will build partnerships with local health providers, clinics, and pharmacies to strengthen health access and outcomes across GSH’s resident community.

The Healthcare Navigator will help residents understand, enroll in, and utilize healthcare programs, assist with medication affordability, and support preventive health education. By embedding healthcare navigation within a trusted housing organization, this initiative will directly improve health equity and reduce barriers to care.

Key Responsibilities

1. Expand Healthcare Access
   • Determine which healthcare plans are most appropriate and assist residents with enrollment in healthcare programs, including Medicaid, Virginia Insurance Marketplace plans, and local county health programs. Strong understanding and knowledge of these programs, especially Medicaid, is essential.
   • Help residents establish a primary care relationship and connect with appropriate specialists.
   • Assist residents with administrative tasks such as completing new patient paperwork and enrolling in patient portals allowing residents to access healthcare information electronically.
   • Provide one-on-one navigation and advocacy for residents facing barriers to accessing care, by fostering relationships with GSH residents and identify/problem solve barriers to care (examples: job schedules, childcare, transportation, etc.)
2. Strengthen Local Health Systems
   • Develop and maintain partnerships with community clinics, mobile health providers, hospitals, and pharmacies serving Fairfax County.
   • Coordinate on-site or community-based healthcare opportunities, such as flu shot clinics, wellness screenings, and dental or vision checkups.
   • Serve as a liaison between GSH residents and healthcare partners to ensure continuity and quality of care.
3. Improve Medication Access and Adherence
   • Assist residents in identifying and applying for pharmaceutical assistance programs, generic substitution options, and low-cost pharmacy programs.
   • Encourage residents to participate and help enroll in mail order pharmacy options which provide for time and costs savings.
   • Provide education on proper medication usage, adherence strategies, and chronic disease management.
   • Track outcomes related to medication access and health stabilization.
4. Advance Preventive Care and Health Knowledge
   • Design and implement health education workshops on nutrition, preventive care, exercise, chronic disease management, and vaccine awareness.Collaborate with local food access partners to connect residents with affordable, healthy food resources.
   • Distribute culturally appropriate educational materials in English and Spanish (and other languages as needed).
5. Data, Reporting, and Evaluation
   • Maintain accurate, confidential records of resident interactions and referrals in compliance with HIPAA and GSH policies.
   • Track metrics such as number of residents served, program enrollments, and partnerships established.
   • Contribute data and success stories for quarterly and annual grant reporting.

Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Nursing, Human Services, or related field is preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in community health, case management, healthcare navigation, or a related field.
  • Strong understanding of Medicaid, ACA marketplace enrollment, Veterans' healthcare/Tricare, and Fairfax County health resources.
  • Knowledge of local healthcare systems, including community clinics, safety net providers, and public health programs.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse populations and build strong relationships with GSH residents.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
  • Demonstrated commitment to health equity, social justice, and resident-centered service delivery.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data tracking software; ability to maintain organized and accurate documentation.
  • Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation for site visits within Fairfax County.

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Hybrid work schedule

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required