Patient Navigator, Cancer Care Access Program

Established in January 2012, the Cancer Care Access Program (CCAP) aims to place Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at the forefront of efforts to reduce differences in cancer outcomes among local communities, as well as become a national model for translating research on access into clinical interventions.

CCAP is seeking a Patient Navigator to directly support adult medical oncology patients. Patient Navigators proactively engage with patients from local communities, eliminate barriers to timely care, and help them navigate healthcare system complexities and logistics throughout the cancer continuum. Patient Navigators work closely with multidisciplinary care teams to coordinate internal Dana-Farber supportive services and community-based resources to address the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) needs of patients.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Contact patients prior to their first Dana-Farber visit to welcome them to the Institute
• Complete SDoH assessment to understand patients? life context and barriers to care
• Coach and prepare patients for their appointments and conversations with providers
• Identify and connect patients to internal and external resources based on their individual needs
• Escort patients during their onsite appointments and sit in on visits with providers and take notes as needed
• Remind patients of appointments and follow-up if they do not come
• Collaborate closely with Dana-Farber clinical care teams to coordinate care and services
• Facilitate scheduling of Interpreter Services for patient communication
• Work with Financial Counselors to address patient insurance barriers
• Build relationships with community-based social service organizations
• Identify system and/or organizational barriers to care and recommend strategies to improve/remove them
• Participate in ongoing patient navigation process development and improvement initiatives
• Present on patient navigation to internal and external stakeholders
• Complete patient navigation competency trainings and professional development opportunities
• Obtain Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators? Oncology Patient Navigator Certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Commitment to cultural humility and cultural safety
• Strong customer service and patient and family-centered orientation
• Ability to work with adults of varying ages, learning styles, and backgrounds
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Detailed record keeping and organization of work
• Proactive approach to addressing patient issues
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary care teams and supportive services
• Capacity to develop strategies to resolve complex patient issues
• Knowledge of local health care systems and community resources
• Ability to work independently as well as in groups

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual ability preferred
• High School Diploma/GED required; Bachelor?s degree in health or human services preferred
• 3+ years of professional experience in health care or community outreach organizations
• Experience working in hospital electronic medical record systems is a plus

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May oversee interns and volunteers as needed.

PATIENT CONTACT: Yes