Substance Use Navigator

Akido is rebuilding the healthcare experience from the ground up. Through early interventions designed around social determinants of health (SDoH), world-class care focused on chronic disease, and human-centered technology, we believe we can build a healthcare model that allows for all patients to live their fullest lives. We are a fast-growing, impact-focused, Y Combinator company created out of the University of Southern California’s D-Health Lab with the idea that empowering government, healthcare, and nonprofit services with population-based data could help usher in a new era of preventive public health. Today we are building a full stack medical network that leverages our predictive capabilities to provide a frictionless experience for both our patients and care providers. 

The Opportunity

You’ll be the caller’s guide from “I need help” to “meds in hand.” Substance Use Navigators complete Scope AI powered intakes, coordinate with prescriber for same/next-day medication review, clear pharmacy hurdles, and follow through until the patient starts medication—then hand off to CHWs for ongoing case management. 

What you’ll do

• Intake & triage: Conduct MI-informed intake assessments. Specifically, this involves using Akido’s Scope AI powered Addiction Treatment Intake. Other types of intake might include SBIRT and ASAM screens/assessments; identify safety issues and warm-transfer to crisis lines/EMS when indicated.
• Consent & privacy: Obtain and document consent; follow redisclosure rules; use approved scripts/forms.
• Navigate care fast: Verify Medi-Cal, and secure a pharmacy that can dispense buprenorphine or naltrexone.
• Pharmacy follow-through: Call in advance, address prior auths/stock issues, confirm pickup/delivery, and close loops with prescriber and patient’s assigned case manager.
• Follow-ups: Coordinate with patient’s assigned case manager to do structured check-ins to confirm use, side-effects, and barriers; re-book as needed.
• Documentation: Use Akido’s AI tools to perform intake. Complete documentation in EHR and Case Management systems.
• Team play: Partner tightly with CHWs who handle adherence coaching and re-engagement after no-shows.

Who you are

• Credentials such as CADC-I/SUDCC.
• 2+ year in SUD navigation.
• Training/experience with Motivational Interviewing and SBIRT (or willingness to complete during onboarding).
• High willingness to train on and use innovative AI tools to improve access to care for Medi-Cal patients.
• Strong documentation discipline and phone presence; bilingual Spanish strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Health benefits include medical, dental and vision
• Paid sick time in accordance in CA law. 
• Accrued paid time off (PTO)

Location

• Fully remote with option for staff to work out of Akido offices in LA, Kern, or IE if interested. Occasional travel to office expected for trainings. 

Hourly pay range

$35 - $35 USD

Akido Labs, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage qualified applicants of every background, ability, and life experience to contact us about appropriate employment opportunities.