Substance Use Navigator – Emergency Department

About the role

The Substance Use Navigator (SUN) works on the front line of the Emergency Department, providing compassionate, non‑judgmental support to patients with substance use disorders. The role links patients quickly to treatment, harm‑reduction services, and community resources, aiming to improve outcomes and reduce repeat ED visits.

Key responsibilities

• Engage bedside with ED patients identified with substance‑use concerns using trauma‑informed, person‑centered approaches.
• Perform SBIRT screening, brief interventions, and referrals to treatment.
• Educate patients and families about substance‑use disorder, harm‑reduction strategies, and available treatment options.
• Facilitate real‑time referrals and warm handoffs to inpatient/outpatient programs, MAT providers, peer‑support services, and community resources.
• Document all interactions and referrals accurately in the electronic health record and support follow‑up outreach after discharge.

Required profile

• High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in social services, behavioral health, public health, or related field preferred.
• At least one year of experience in healthcare, behavioral health, social services, community outreach, or related area.
• Lived experience with substance use and sustained recovery (or supporting a loved one) strongly encouraged.
• Experience working in an Emergency Department, crisis, addiction treatment, or peer‑support setting.
• Familiarity with medication‑assisted treatment referral pathways and work with populations experiencing homelessness, justice involvement, or other social needs.

Required skills

• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and basic computer applications.
• Knowledge of medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) referral pathways.
• Training in SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment).
• Crisis prevention‑de‑escalation techniques.