Care Navigator

Care Navigator Job Title

Care Navigator Responsible to

Reception Manager / Practice Manager ACare Navigatoracts as the first point of contact in a healthcare setting to ensure patients get the right care, at the right time, from the right professional. This role involves much more than traditional reception duties; it requires special training to "signpost" patients to various services, such as social prescribing, pharmacy advice, or physiotherapy, rather than defaulting to a GP appointment. Key Responsibilities The duties of a Care Navigator are broad and blend administrative support with patient-facing guidance:

Patient Signposting

Asking patients for a brief outline of their needs to identify and direct them to the most suitable clinician or service.

Front-of-House Duties

Greeting patients in person and handling incoming telephone or online enquiries.

Appointment Management

Allocating and rearranging appointments according to practice protocols.

Administrative Support

Managing patient records, processing repeat prescriptions, and handling incoming clinical documentation or mail.

Coordination of Care

Liaising with external agencies (like social services or secondary care) to support seamless care, especially for vulnerable or high-risk patients. Core Requirements & Skills Candidates for this role are typically expected to have:

Communication

Exceptional interpersonal and telephone skills, with the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.

IT Literacy

Proficiency in using clinical computer systems EMIS Web and standard Office software.

Confidentiality

A deep understanding of patient privacy and data protection laws like GDPR.

Empathy

The ability to handle sensitive or distressing situations with compassion and discretion.

Qualifications

Usually educated to GCSE level; experience in a healthcare or customer service environment is preferred.