At DAP Health, we are committed to transforming lives and advancing health equity for all. As a leading nonprofit health care provider, we deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the diverse communities of the Coachella Valley and San Diego County. Our comprehensive services range from primary care to mental health, wellness programs, and beyond, with a focus on those who are most vulnerable. Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate, innovative organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. If you’re looking for a dynamic and purpose-driven environment, we invite you to explore the opportunity to contribute to our mission.

Job Summary
The Gender Health and Wellness Navigator supports Transgender, Gender Diverse and Intersex (TGI) clients through agency programs and external referrals, conducts community outreach, provides patient education, and assists medical providers with direct patient care and care coordination. Acting as a resource and advocate, the Navigator addresses disparities and ensures equitable healthcare access. This role is central to the Gender Health & Wellness Program, fostering collaboration within the care team.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Essential Duties/Responsibilities 

• Assist medical providers with direct patient care and care coordination
• Conduct patient intakes and collaborate with patients and providers to develop Gender Affirming Care plans
• Provide education and linkage to care for anyone seeking gender affirming care, regardless of where they are in the process
• Identify and connect individuals seeking gender affirming care who are not currently receiving the necessary medical and social support services
• Following completion of the Promotores model training, engage and build relationships with a select impacted community and community partners in the context of gender affirming care
• Provide client referrals to outside entities or support service programs as appropriate
• Establish positive community relations in the context of gender affirming care
• Deliver information about health and wellness in ways that the community can easily understand and provide information on services provided by the healthcare provider
• Promote a collaborative and effective working environment in the field of gender affirming care
• Engage with individuals seeking gender affirming care in medical and psychological capacities
• Assist individuals seeking gender affirming care in adhering to their care plan
• Explain health benefits and other types of available assistance to individuals seeking gender affirming care
• Model commitment to continuous quality improvement by engaging in quality improvement initiatives and projects, such as identifying and addressing gaps, and by identifying, developing, and testing new practices for improving the outcomes of patients in gender affirming care
• Participate in all appropriate staff meetings or other activities as needed
• Ensure the privacy and security of PHI (Protected Health Information) as outlined in DAP Health’s policies and procedures relating to HIPAA compliance, including attending annual compliance training
• Coach clients in ways that are culturally appropriate to facilitate positive behavior change in the context of gender affirming care
• Develop trusting and caring relationships with clients
• Communicate with clients to provide or collect information related to their gender affirming care needs
• Motivate clients by using motivational interviewing and other behavior change techniques
• Address client needs, especially around social determinants of health (SDoH) as they relate to their care
• Complete other related assignments to help meet the goals and objectives of the department in the realm of gender affirming care
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned in the field of gender affirming care

Required Skills/Abilities

• Highly skilled interpersonally, with excellent teamwork and relationship skills
• Highly skilled in interpersonal communication, including resolving conflict
• Able to sufficiently engage clients in a variety of settings, including on the phone, at their homes, in hospitals, and other settings
• Knowledge of the community the navigator will be working in, especially non-professional resources, and their reputation in the community
• Ability to develop relationships with community members and leaders, including in the faith-based community
• Understanding of and sensitivity to mental health conditions and co-occurring disorders
• Awareness of the impact of unmitigated bias and judgement on health; commitment to addressing both
• Understanding of, and a commitment to, high preforming team practices
• Ideal candidate will have interest in and competence in cultural differences, the transgender, gender diverse and intersex community, the minority health model, sexual practices, and a demonstrated competence in working with the above-mentioned communities
• Knowledge of the medical aspects of gender affirming care, including gender affirming hormone therapy, and gender affirming medical and surgical interventions
• Able to develop effective relationships with team members, working in a community-based setting when needed
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS disease, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) (Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis) and HCV, to include diagnosis, prevention, risk-reduction strategies, as well as familiarity with Pre-Exposure and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP)

Education and Experience

• A high degree of skillful decision making and judgement, in an autonomous position, including knowing when to consult with the team, supervisors, and experts
• Previous professional, lived, or volunteer experience working in gender affirming care
• Experience in public health, community building or other health education
• Current BLS certification obtained through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• This position is on-site at a DAP Health clinic location with the possibility of occasional hybrid
• This job operates in an office setting and requires frequent times of sitting, standing, repetitive motion and talking 
• Does not involve contact with patient specimens. No exposure to blood, body fluids, non-intact skin or tissue specimens.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and move from place to place 
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures related to safe work practices
• Requires current and valid driver’s license and current personal auto insurance 
• Able to travel to DAP Health locations throughout San Diego and the Coachella Valley