Healthcare Navigator

Northumberland County Council has an exciting 2 year fixed-term job opportunity, funded through the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board Health Inequalities Fund. This pivotal Healthcare Navigator role will encompass all of Northumberland and will be situated within our Housing Services department.
The core objective of this position is to provide support and guidance to residents and tenants facing complex and/or multiple challenges in accessing healthcare throughout Northumberland. As the successful candidate, you'll play a crucial role not only in assisting residents but also in advising professionals across various sectors to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Responsibilities will include offering advice, facilitating access to medical and other health-related appointments for clients encountering difficulties, identifying barriers, collaborating with relevant professionals, analysing data, and proposing effective solutions and enhancements.
In addition, you'll champion inclusion groups such as asylum seekers and refugees, and individuals with complex needs, facilitating their registration with a GP and empowering them to navigate the NHS and other services that can improve their health.
Your role will extend to reducing stigma, fostering confidence in accessing healthcare, improving health and healthcare literacy, and accompanying people to GP and hospital appointments as needed (with their consent). Moreover, you'll support clients in accessing preventive interventions like NHS Health Checks and smoking cessation services as well as supporting their access to other appropriate sources of advice or social support.

We're seeking a candidate with exceptional communication skills across all mediums, including proficiency in engaging with non-English speaking clients through appropriate translation services. Your organisational skills will be key, as you'll be tasked with planning and executing complex activities, community meetings, projects, and multi-agency collaborations.
This role is deeply people-focused, requiring a highly motivated individual with a natural ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Upholding Northumberland County Council's safeguarding protocols and fostering strong working partnerships with relevant agencies and stakeholders will be paramount, along with providing necessary emotional support and guidance to clients and their families, particularly in complex cases.
The role is band 7, Salary £33,024 - £36,648 and is open to candidates seeking full or part-time employment.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

• Candidates should hold a degree or possess equivalent qualifications/experience in a health or community development setting.


• Exceptional IT skills


• Proficiency in report writing and data analysis


• A valid driving license


If you're seeking a rewarding challenge and believe you possess the requisite qualities to excel in this role, coupled with a genuine desire to make a positive impact in people's lives, we encourage you to apply.

Northumberland is world-renowned as a visitor destination and an ideal location to strike a perfect work/life balance. There is no better way of enjoying the picturesque scenery and stunning coastline than on an everyday basis!
Northumberland County Council's (NCC) vision is
To make Northumberland a county which you regard as a great place to live, in which you can access the activities you enjoy, whilst having the opportunity to learn and thrive.

· 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
· Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
· Flexi scheme - up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees)
· Local government discount schemes available to all employees with offers at local businesses along with various national brands
· Commitment to work/life balance offering flexibility through various schemes including job sharing, home working, flexible working, term-time only, and compressed hours