Patient navigators, who are also called patient advocates, make sure that patients are taken care of and informed while they are in the healthcare system.
When interviewing people to be patient navigators, you should look for people who can show they know a lot about the whole healthcare system. Watch out for candidates who can’t communicate well, because they won’t be able to tell patients enough about their rights and options. Special Offer.
Getting hired as a Peer Navigator can be competitive, but going into your interview prepared with strong answers to common questions can help you stand out. As someone with lived experience supporting others, highlighting your empathy, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities is key.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide sample answers to the top 30 peer navigator interview questions employers ask. I’ve drawn these from my own experience interviewing for similar roles as well as reputable online resources like InterviewPrep and Indeed.
Whether you’re just starting your career or have years of experience. use this advice to showcase your qualifications and land the peer navigator job you want!
Why Do You Want to Be a Peer Navigator?
Peer navigators play a unique role in helping people in need. Interviewers often ask why you want to become one to gauge your motivations. They want to know you’re truly passionate about the work not just interested in a paycheck.
For example:
“What drives me is the chance to use my experiences overcoming problems to give others in similar situations the strength to do the same.” Supporting people as they navigate complex systems and build self-advocacy skills inspires me. I find the peer-to-peer guidance aspect of this role incredibly fulfilling. “.
Focus on how becoming a peer navigator aligns with your values, interests, and career goals. Your personal experiences can also demonstrate your fit for the empathetic nature of the job.
What Does a Peer Navigator Do?
Employers want to know you understand this multifaceted role. Be ready to explain the peer navigator’s core responsibilities:
- Providing information, resources, and guidance
- Coordinating care and helping navigate healthcare/social services systems
- Offering social/emotional support and mentoring
- Promoting self-advocacy and independence
- Bridging cultural/language barriers between patients and providers
For instance:
“A peer navigator helps individuals in challenging situations by offering information, resources, and guidance based on shared experiences. Key duties involve care coordination, system navigation, and providing social and emotional support. The role aims to empower people to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions.”
Use clear examples to demonstrate your knowledge of the day-to-day work peer navigators undertake.
How Have Your Experiences Prepared You for This Role?
Since peer navigators draw on lived experiences, interviewers want to know how yours have equipped you with the needed skills. When describing your background:
- Focus on transferable skills like communication, empathy, problem-solving.
- Share examples that highlight these abilities in action.
- Connect relevant experiences to typical peer navigator responsibilities.
For example:
“As a social worker, I developed strong empathy and counselling skills working with underserved youth. This taught me to provide guidance in an understanding, non-judgmental way. My volunteer experience at a women’s shelter also enhanced my ability to connect people with community resources and advocate on their behalf when needed.”
Don’t just list qualifications. Provide specific stories that illustrate transferable skills that make you suitable for this people-centered role.
How Would You Help Someone Reluctant to Accept Support?
Some individuals are resistant to assistance or change. This question tests your interpersonal skills. In your response:
- Emphasize listening, understanding concerns, and building trust.
- Discuss providing options, not directives.
- Share an example if possible.
For instance:
“First, I’d have an open discussion to understand their hesitations and empathize with their perspective. Once rapport is built, I’d offer guidance gently, perhaps sharing examples of how support has helped peers in similar situations. However, if they remain reluctant, I’d respect their choice while reassuring I’m available whenever they feel ready to accept assistance.”
Show you can patiently guide reluctant individuals towards positive change without being pushy or paternalistic.
How Do You Assess Someone’s Needs?
Accurately evaluating needs is critical so you can provide appropriate guidance. In your response:
- Explain your process of active listening, asking questions, and reviewing relevant information.
- Discuss looking holistically at the person – don’t just focus on medical/surface-level needs.
- Share how you tailor support plans to individual needs and preferences.
For example:
“First, I’d have an in-depth conversation to understand their full situation, background, challenges and goals. I’d ask open-ended questions and actively listen without judgment. Next, I’d review their medical records and other case files. Finally, I’d assess this information to identify gaps between their current state and desired goals. My aim is always to develop a customized support plan based on each person’s unique needs and circumstances.”
Demonstrate your strong assessment skills and ability to provide tailored guidance.
How Do You Stay Updated on Resources and Best Practices?
Peer navigators must be knowledgeable about available resources. Discuss how you actively stay current:
- Reading articles, research, news on latest practices, programs, system changes
- Attending conferences and trainings
- Networking with other professionals
- Joining industry groups and online communities
For instance:
“I make it a priority to continuously educate myself to provide the most up-to-date guidance. I read relevant blogs, journals, and news sources daily to stay on top of emerging best practices and new local programs or resources. I also attend webinars and conferences in my specialty area whenever possible. Networking with other navigators allows us to share knowledge and experiences as well.”
Show your commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
How Do You Handle Working with Peers in Crisis?
Peer navigators often assist people in very difficult situations. This question tests your crisis management skills.
In your response, discuss:
- Staying calm and focused when acting urgently.
- Providing support while involving appropriate professionals.
- Fostering resilience – don’t get emotionally drained.
For example:
“When a peer is in crisis, I work quickly but calmly to understand the situation and determine appropriate next steps, whether that’s providing counselling myself or connecting them with crisis services. No matter how challenging, I maintain composure and focus on solutions. For my own resilience, I employ self-care strategies so I can continue effectively helping peers through crises.”
Demonstrate you can handle high-stress situations with skill and emotional stability.
Can You Describe a Time You Advocated for Someone?
Advocacy is a big part of a peer navigator’s role. Choose an example that highlights:
- Your ability to actively listen and understand someone’s needs.
- Knowledge of processes for accessing resources or services.
- Your persistence and commitment to empowering others.
For instance:
“A client was having difficulty getting approved for home health services after hospital discharge despite being eligible. I listened to their frustrations, then thoroughly reviewed their medical records and application to identify gaps. Next, I helped them re-submit a stronger application while also contacting the right people to expedite the process. My perseverance ensured my client received these vital services.”
Share how your specific skills and actions made a difference.
What Qualities Make an Effective Peer Navigator?
This allows you to highlight your top strengths. Important qualities include:
- Empathy and emotional intelligence
- Active listening and communication skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Patience and adaptability
- Reliability and trustworthiness
For example:
“Key qualities are empathy to relate to peers on a personal level and communication skills to provide guidance in an understanding, motivating way. Problem-solving is also vital to identify creative solutions. Just as importantly, you need to be patient and adaptable, as each person’s needs are unique. Overall, maintaining people’s trust through reliability and ethics is paramount.”
Focus on soft skills that allow you to work compassionately and effectively with diverse peer groups.
How Do You Handle Ethical Dilemmas?
Peer navigators often deal with sensitive situations that raise ethical questions. Demonstrate your integrity and critical thinking:
- Discuss consulting organization policies and asking supervisors when needed.
- Explain how you determine the best course of action based on core values like respect and impartiality.
- Share an example of a tough call you made.
For instance:
“If faced with an ethical dilemma, I reference organizational protocols and consult my supervisor to clarify the best decision in line with legal and professional obligations. Fundamentally, my choices aim to respect the peer’s autonomy and dignity while causing no harm. For instance, when a peer’s medical decision went against my training, I set aside my own judgment to provide their requested guidance in an impartial way.”
Show you make principled choices based on personal values, professional ethics and organizational policies.
How Do You Handle Disagreements with Colleagues?
Peer navigators work closely with other professionals. Interviewers want to know you can overcome differences to collaborate smoothly.
In your answer, discuss:
- Openly communicating and finding common ground
- Keeping focus on shared goals
- Maintaining mutual respect despite disagreements
- Compromising when possible
For example:
“I believe respectful dialogue is key to working through disagreements. I’d have a conversation focused on our common purpose and how we can
Interview Questions for Patient Navigators:
This test sees if the candidate can listen to a loved one’s worries and still do what’s best for the patient.
A patient’s insurance won’t cover their medical procedure. How do you proceed?
Tests how much the candidate knows about the patient’s options, like how to appeal the decision or set up a payment plan.
Navigator Interview Questions
FAQ
How do you stand out in a peer interview?
What to expect in a peer panel interview?
How do you answer a peer interview question?
What are some examples of peer interview questions?
Here are 12 examples of peer interview questions along with explanations and sample answers for you to review: 1. How would you handle a conflict with a coworker without addressing your supervisor? An interviewer might ask this question to see how you approach problematic situations and also asses your communication skills.
What personality traits should a peer navigator have?
Peer navigators are often compassionate and empathetic individuals who enjoy helping others. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the right personality for the role. Before your interview, read through the job description to see what skills they’re looking for in a candidate. In your answer, try to show that you possess these skills.
How do I become a peer navigator?
Peer navigators help people navigate the complex system of services and support available to them. They provide emotional support and practical guidance, and connect people to resources and services. If you are interested in becoming a peer navigator, you will likely need to go through an interview process.
How to answer peer interview questions?
Keep in mind that you are there to interview, and no matter how casual the peers may become to you, you need to answer peer interview questions in a professional manner. Also, while answering questions, you need not sound arrogant in any way. Listing your achievements is a good idea but do not overdo it.
