Patient Navigator, Center for Neuroinclusive Oncology

This is a time-limited role with funding for two years.

The Patient Navigator helps patients and their families access the health care delivery system through outreach, follow-up, support, education, communication, and resources. This support begins at the point of a suspicious finding and continues throughout treatment to the resolution of the finding. Working under the supervision of the program specialist of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s (DFCI) Neuro-Inclusive Oncology Care and Empowerment Program, the Neuro-Inclusive patient navigator works with a medically underserved patient population to improve their cancer care outcomes.

The Patient Navigator in the Neuro-Inclusive Oncology Care and Empowerment Program will join a multi-disciplinary team of oncology providers to provide the highest level of care coordination for vulnerable patients who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who experience access barriers to care and have complex of social and medical conditions and/or those who experience unmet health related social needs. The goal is to ensure that patients do not fall through the cracks of the cancer care system. The patient navigator will support the Neuro-Inclusive patient navigation integration workflow across DFCI.

This is a hybrid role at our Longwood campus location. Please submit a cover letter with your application.

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.

• Provides navigation support for underserved patients who are referred to a disease center for follow up, including diagnostic and/or treatment support services to expedite diagnosis
• Provide navigation support for underserved patients with cancer-related concerns by interacting with the patient to identify and resolve barriers to receiving cancer care through an early identification strategy
• Act as a patient advocate, liaison and point of contact for patient and providers
• Researches best practice models/evidence-based patient navigation program design frameworks
• Provides navigation support to include: Assessment of patient’s health related social needs; leveraging internal and external community resources; accompanying a patient and family members to DFCI and/or BWH appointments as necessary; ensuring follow-up on all referrals (internal and external)
• Prepares patients for use of Telehealth services
• Facilitates scheduling of interpreter services
• Coaches/prepares patients and family prior to visit with care team
• Tracks and follows patient interactions via appropriate documentation policies and procedures
• Work with clinical and research staff to track metric on resolution of care outcome
• Engages in program evaluation efforts and submits reports as necessary
• Identifies system and/or organizational barriers to care and recommends strategies to improve access
• Collaborates with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute disability access initiatives leadership and staff
• Works closely with appropriate staff throughout the healthcare system to improve patient care outcomes

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Experience conducting outreach in developing strategies to overcome barriers to care a plus
• Knowledge of the communities served the local health system and community resources a plus
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality at all times
• Ability to follow documented policies and protocols for all patient interactions/contacts
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, as well as in groups
• Ability to work in multiple settings, e.g. clinics, screening van, or community sites
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Technical skills/computer savvy

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s degree preferred. Candidates must have at least 3 years of experience in a health-related or outreach role. Bilingual ability in Arabic, ASL, Haitian Creole, Spanish, or Portuguese is highly preferred. Experience working with patients and clinicians is preferred, and oncology experience is a plus. Certification in patient navigation or a background as a Community Health Worker is also a plus.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May oversee interns and volunteers as needed.

PATIENT CONTACT: Yes