Desired Job Title
Community Health NavigatorCommunity Health SupportWork Type
Full TimePart TimeLocation Preference
HybridLocation: Pennsauken, NJ, USPennsauken, NJ
Open to relocation: Yes
Open To Work
Vilmarie Contreras
Pennsauken,NJ
Work Preference
Summary
Compassionate and experienced healthcare professional with over 15 years of experience across diverse care settings, including the past 5 years in a fast-paced Emergency Department as a Community Health Navigator. Proven leader in addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), coordinating multidisciplinary care, and supporting vulnerable and high-risk populations. Experienced in staff training, candidate interviewing, and mentorship, with a strong ability to bridge gaps between patients, providers, and community resources. Bilingual professional with excellent communication, crisis support, and organizational skills. Currently pursuing studies in Clinical Counseling with a passion for integrating mental health, community outreach, and holistic patient care.
Overview
1
1
Certificate
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Health Navigator
Cooper University Hospital
New Jersey
04.2022 - Current
- Provide patient support within a high-volume Emergency Department, delivering timely, compassionate care in crisis-driven environments
- Conduct comprehensive Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) assessments to identify barriers such as housing instability, food insecurity, domestic violence, and social isolation
- Connect patients to appropriate resources through referrals, printed materials, and electronic communication
- Collaborate with physicians, social workers, patient advocates, addiction medicine teams, and scheduling departments to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care
- Serve as a liaison between patients and care teams, particularly in addressing mental health and domestic violence concerns
- Provide emotional support and active listening to patients in distress
- Refer patients to Community Health Workers for continued case management support
- De-escalate challenging patient situations while maintaining professionalism and empathy
- Assist with direct patient needs, including delivering essential items such as food packages
- Participate in community outreach initiatives, including food pantry service and public resource events
- Utilize Microsoft Office and Excel for documentation, tracking, and coordination
- Leverage bilingual skills to effectively serve diverse and underserved populations
- Leadership & Training Responsibilities:
- Assist in interviewing and evaluating candidates for Community Health Navigator roles
- Train and onboard new hires, providing guidance on workflows, patient interaction, and resource coordination
- Mentor new staff to ensure confidence, competence, and alignment with patient care standards
- Provide shadowing opportunities for students and trainees, offering real-world exposure to healthcare navigation and patient advocacy
Community Health Support
NJCEED Program
NJ
- Supported outreach and engagement efforts for underserved populations through the NJCEED program
- Assisted in connecting high-need individuals to preventative care and essential support services
- Expanded access to care by helping individuals navigate complex healthcare systems
- Collaborated with program leadership to improve patient engagement and outreach effectiveness
Education
Bachelor’s - Biblical & Theological Studies
Regent University
05-2026
Associate of Science - Pre-Med
South University Savannah
GA08-2018
No Degree - Medical Assistance
Lincoln Tech
Philadelphia, PA03-2010
Skills
- Emergency Department Patient Support
- Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
- Care Coordination & Case Navigation
- Staff Training & Mentorship
- Candidate Interviewing & Training
- Crisis Support & De-escalation
- Patient Advocacy & Resource Navigation
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Bilingual Communication
- Microsoft Office & Excel
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Data Tracking & Documentation
- Resource Coordination Systems
- Flexible and adaptable
- Critical thinking
- Computer skills
- Multitasking Abilities
- Dependable and responsible
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Problem-solving
- Customer service
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Problem resolution
- Organization and time management
- Active listening
- Calm under pressure
- Organizational skills
- Verbal communication
Timeline
Community Health Navigator
Cooper University Hospital
04.2022 - Current
Community Health Support
NJCEED Program
Bachelor’s - Biblical & Theological Studies
Regent University
Associate of Science - Pre-Med
South University Savannah
No Degree - Medical Assistance
Lincoln Tech
Certification
- CPR &AED Training - Current
Languages
Spanish
English
Additional Leadership Experience
- Founder & Director of Royal Trees of Judah Dance Ministry (RTOJ) | NJ
- Lead youth mentorship and development programs focused on leadership, discipline, and community engagement
- Coordinate events, communication, and program structure
- Creative Support & Ministry Contributor
- She Prayed Ministries
- Assist in the development and facilitation of Bible studies and faith-based discussions
- Support ministry leadership through administrative, creative, and organizational contributions
- Serve in a leadership support role (armor bearer), assisting the director with coordination, communication, and ministry needs
- Contribute to content creation, including GroupMe interactions, newsletters, and engagement materials
- Help foster a supportive and spiritually grounded environment for participants