Care Coordinator: Behavioral Health Populations Program

About

A care coordinator, also known as a patient care coordinator, patient navigator, or resident care coordinator, helps patients through the complex elements of the behavioral healthcare system. If you are an excellent communicator, a good listener, and willing to empathize with your patient, this growing allied healthcare field is for you. 

The care coordinator is responsible for managing and coordinating the details of a patient’s care and serves as the connection between the patient and the medical and administrative staff. Patient care coordinators provide education about medications, care instructions, and diagnoses so patients and their families can make informed health care decisions. Care coordinators understand patient needs and continue to work with patients after they are discharged from the hospital. Care coordinators may assist with follow-up appointments, prescriptions, and obtaining special equipment or therapy needed in the home. 
 
Earning a certificate as a care coordinator is a great way to advance your career. The certificate also provides flexible upskilling opportunities for existing credentialed healthcare workers (see minimum qualifications).

Length of Study

6 months

Prerequisites

Valid healthcare credential (see minimum qualifications for acceptable credentials).

3+ years of healthcare experience related to that credential. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to: 

1. Identify appropriate resources and case-management models to support patient’s behavioral health needs and provide optimal support. 
2. Apply treatment plans, associated resources, and client engagement principles, based on the client’s condition and circumstances, to provide optimal support. 
3. Apply appropriate foundational assessment practices and intervention techniques for unique populations to enable optimal outcomes. 
4. Identify reliable sources of empirical data and research to inform ethical and legal constraints regarding scope of practice to ensure patient safety and prevent errors. 
5. Apply technology and patient information security practices for behavioral health care coordination and case management to ensure privacy and security of patient information. 
6. Identify the components of effective team formation and performance given a patient’s specific needs. 
7. Identify basic healthcare financial policies and insurance regulations to ensure the protection of the healthcare organization, the protection of the behavioral health patient, and provide optimal patient care. 
8. Identify concepts and services associated with behavioral health. 
9. Differentiate the characteristics and processes of acquiring certificates and credentials for healthcare coordination.  

Online Type

Asynchronous, self-directed learning

Credential Awarded

Candidates will receive a certificate upon program completion. The coursework is also transferable for academic credit with Western Governors University if you are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Coordination.

Occupation

Care coordinator: Behavioral health populations
Patient advocate
Health services coordinator
Community health educator

Career Level

Experience and credential required

*See minimum qualifications

Student Support

Coaching will be available to students through their Futuro Health Coach.

Student Cost

• In recognition of the impact of the pandemic on our communities, Futuro Health is waiving tuition fees for all programs through May 2021.
• Non-refundable registration fee: $100 per certificate program
• You have the option to join SEIU-UHW's Healthcare Justice Division to receive added benefits. There is a $20 per month fee if interested, waived for current SEIU-UHW members.

Fast Facts

Enrollment

Minimum Qualifications

Have 3+ years of experience in your current/recent health role and a valid healthcare license or credential. A sampling of credentialed roles that can benefit from this upskilling include: licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) or medical assistants (MAs), LVN leads or trainers, MA leads or trainers, counselors, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, respiratory therapists, optometry techs, pharmacy techs, dieticians/nutritionists, dental hygienist, community health worker, and other clinical roles with responsibility for coordinating or administering healthcare.

• Have an active healthcare or current credential. 
• The ability to work in the U.S.
• Be a California resident.
• Have no felony conviction on record.
• Be computer and internet proficient.
• Interested in a career that works directly with patients. 
• Have home access to reliable high-speed internet. 
• Have a working computer that is less than 7 years old.
• Be willing to commit 3-4 hours per day (estimated at 20+ hours per week) of study time.
• Be willing to certify high school diploma/GED and healthcare credential.
• Strong attention to detail.
• No outstanding federal loan debt that is in default. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to document using an electronic medical record.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Previous experience as a member of a care team.
• Ability to travel locally post-pandemic.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical thinking and the ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.
• Compassion and empathy.
• Be referred by a member of SEIU-UHW who is in good standing (if you are not already a member of SEIU-UHW)