Job Description
Hiring Department: MSHC South Shore
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1024+30
Posting Close Date: September 18, 2026
Position Number: CF1748
About the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health)
The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a 4+5-bed tertiary care hospital, 22 outpatient clinics, and 13 Mile Square Health Center facilities, which are Federally Qualified Health Centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity.
This is a full-time and benefits eligible position. UI Health offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience. In addition all full time benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which include; Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance, a defined benefit pension plan as well as paid leave which includes; Vacation, Holiday and Sick. In addition we offer tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .
Description
The Program Service Specialist (Patient Navigator) functions as a healthcare advocate performing various patient care activities including social service coordination in clinics. He/she/they is responsible for providing outreach, education, and social support in clinical settings as outlined in specific programs.
Duties & Responsibilities
• Responsible for patient outreach for preventive or chronic care services including navigation of health care system.
• Identifies barriers for patients using Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screening and works with care team to provide resources and support.
• Assist patient in overcoming obstacles that would prevent them from receiving quality of care.
• Identify resources for clients to overcome barriers to care, such as transportation, housing, and childcare arrangements.
• Remain aware of current services offered by service providers, such as mental health, housing, and employment assistance
• Provide basic instruction/health education to clarify provider instructions, procedures, and referral needs.
• Patient Needs Focus: Recognizes needs, physical characteristics, and behavior of a variety of age groups and special needs of patients.
• Navigate clients through the healthcare system to determine the insurance status, need of each client, and navigate them through the health system accordingly.
• Schedule patient appointments via the practice management system or other system as indicated.
• Liaison between the institution or agency and the individuals served; refer patients to support services when needed and follow up on referrals; and assist participants in utilizing referral services.
• Create and develop resource materials and the preparation and maintenance of records and data.
• Complete all required reports to document activities and provide data to measure impact.
• Uses motivational interviewing techniques and the stages of change model. Builds a trustful relationship with patients.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects and assignments as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Required
• Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below:
• Coursework in social work or behavioral sciences, or closely related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
• +0 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
• Progressively more responsible work experience in social service/ counseling at a paraprofessional level under qualified supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
• Spanish Speaking
To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.
Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required 180 days of employment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, ****** harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1024+30
Posting Close Date: September 18, 2026
Position Number: CF1748
About the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health)
The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a 4+5-bed tertiary care hospital, 22 outpatient clinics, and 13 Mile Square Health Center facilities, which are Federally Qualified Health Centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity.
This is a full-time and benefits eligible position. UI Health offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience. In addition all full time benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which include; Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance, a defined benefit pension plan as well as paid leave which includes; Vacation, Holiday and Sick. In addition we offer tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .
Description
The Program Service Specialist (Patient Navigator) functions as a healthcare advocate performing various patient care activities including social service coordination in clinics. He/she/they is responsible for providing outreach, education, and social support in clinical settings as outlined in specific programs.
Duties & Responsibilities
• Responsible for patient outreach for preventive or chronic care services including navigation of health care system.
• Identifies barriers for patients using Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screening and works with care team to provide resources and support.
• Assist patient in overcoming obstacles that would prevent them from receiving quality of care.
• Identify resources for clients to overcome barriers to care, such as transportation, housing, and childcare arrangements.
• Remain aware of current services offered by service providers, such as mental health, housing, and employment assistance
• Provide basic instruction/health education to clarify provider instructions, procedures, and referral needs.
• Patient Needs Focus: Recognizes needs, physical characteristics, and behavior of a variety of age groups and special needs of patients.
• Navigate clients through the healthcare system to determine the insurance status, need of each client, and navigate them through the health system accordingly.
• Schedule patient appointments via the practice management system or other system as indicated.
• Liaison between the institution or agency and the individuals served; refer patients to support services when needed and follow up on referrals; and assist participants in utilizing referral services.
• Create and develop resource materials and the preparation and maintenance of records and data.
• Complete all required reports to document activities and provide data to measure impact.
• Uses motivational interviewing techniques and the stages of change model. Builds a trustful relationship with patients.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects and assignments as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Required
• Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below:
• Coursework in social work or behavioral sciences, or closely related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
• +0 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
• Progressively more responsible work experience in social service/ counseling at a paraprofessional level under qualified supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
• Spanish Speaking
To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.
Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required 180 days of employment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, ****** harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Program Services Specialist | MSHC South Shore position is now open for candidates interested in the Health Jobs sector. This role in Chicago offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Health Jobs is a plus.