Heluna Health·Los Angeles, California
The Health Navigator is responsible for outreaching to and linking marginalized clients to supportive health services, including MAT and primary care. They manage client files, develop individual service plans, and coordinate care with partnered providers to ensure treatment retention.
Founded in 1992, Community Health Project Los Angeles (CHPLA)’s mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of people affected by substance use in Los Angeles, to increase access to health care, empower people to protect themselves, and educate each other to reduce harm in our communities. CHPLA combines direct services, advocacy, outreach, education, and research collaborations to fulfill this mission.
The Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) provides harm reduction and syringe access, focusing on disease and overdose prevention.
SEP delivers services through outreach and stationary syringe sites within Los Angeles County including Hollywood, Northeast Los Angeles, Pico Union, Skid Row, and South Los Angeles.
Through SEP, Clients are provided with the materials and knowledge needed to reduce sharing of contaminated injection equipment, including risk reduction supplies and condoms.
The ultimate goal of SEP is to reduce HIV and HCV infections, prevent opioid overdose, decrease risk of skin and soft tissue infections and increase access to primary care.
SEP serves the most marginalized and highest risk populations in Los Angeles and is the heart of what CHPLA represents.
The Health Navigator reports to CHPLA’s Assistant Director of HCS. This position will be responsible for outreaching, identifying, and linking clients to supportive services including but not limited to MAT (Medically Assisted Treatment) providers, primary medical providers, psychiatric services, Hepatitis C and HIV testing and treatment and drug treatment services. The Health Navigator will be accountable for collaborating with fellow providers in order to promote participant engagement and provide continuity of care. Ongoing responsibilities include supportive interventions for care retention, including care coordination, assessing client needs and goals, identifying barriers in accessing services, data collection, and documentation transcribing the overall care of the client.
This is a full time benefitted position (40 hours per week).
Employment is provided by Heluna Health.
The pay rate for this position is $29.25 per hour.
Sit Frequently: Handling / Fingering Occasionally
Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally: Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally
Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs.
Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 25 lbs.
Taste/ Smell Not Applicable: Not Applicable Not required for essential functions
Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs./day)
Frequently (2 - 5 hrs./day)
Constantly (5+ hrs./day)
General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled. Some field work may be required.
Staff may encounter environmental hazards such as stray animals, moving vehicles, high-crime areas, and individuals who may be aggressive or in crisis. The position requires collaboration with team members and community partners, frequent local travel, and the ability to work in unpredictable or high-pressure situations. Work may occur outdoors and may involve exposure to weather conditions, noise, odors, fumes, pollen, and other environmental factors common to field-based outreach work.
Interested candidates should submit a resume for consideration.
It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.
A high school diploma is required, though an undergraduate degree is preferred, along with experience serving people who use drugs or vulnerable populations. Candidates must possess a valid California driver's license and a commitment to harm reduction philosophies.
Market context
In California, behavioral-health roles tied to substance use disorder counseling and case management are typically supported by ongoing community and treatment-program demand. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, at least 2 years of SUD counseling or case management experience, and current Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and note that professional development and paid continuing education are listed as benefits.
