Resource Specialist

Reporting to the Adult Resource Office Supervisor, the Resource Specialist I is responsible for the delivery of resource assistance and guidance to patients being treated at Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute. This includes delivery of concrete resource services such as short‑term accommodations, parking, patient assistance, and transportation; referrals to appropriate local, state, and federal assistance programs; and help with applications for assistance to non‑profit foundations.

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, and we strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment that provides compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds.

• Conduct assessments of patients’ financial status and eligibility for concrete resource assistance and escalates complex eligibility/exceptions to Resource Specialist II.
• Assist patients in securing assistance through skillful matching of needs to available resources, partnering with Resource Specialist II as needed for higher‑complexity cases.
• Follow eligibility guidelines and rules regarding assistance granted from internal resources.
• Arrange assistance for concrete resources such as short‑term accommodations, parking, and transportation, following pod workflows/rotations.
• Make timely referrals for patients to appropriate resources both within the hospital and through community agencies, programs, and foundations.
• Help patients and families navigate internal and external systems and serve as liaison between hospitals and the resource community.
• Provide detailed record‑keeping, including progress notes in the patient’s medical record, documentation in a resource database tool, lodging reservations, and correspondence with care team members and community resources.
• Consistently research and track new and available concrete resources for patients and families.
• Communicate resource‑specific information directly to patients or, as appropriate, to their family members.
• Collaborate with social workers and other care team members as needed.
• Coordinate and lead resource information update sessions for disease centers, staff, or other departments as assigned.
• Participate in special projects, pilots, focused work teams, or relevant committees.
• Provide coverage for other Resource Specialists or pods within the department as needed.

• High customer service and patient‑ and family‑centered orientation; ability to demonstrate empathy in difficult situations.
• High level of cultural sensitivity and cultural humility; strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills, including on the phone and in writing.
• Ability to communicate with all members of a multidisciplinary team and promote relationship‑building.
• Ability to interface with adults of varying ages.
• Attention to detail and record‑keeping, including proficiency in “closing the loop”.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to prioritize and work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to multi‑task and solve complex issues through creative problem‑solving and strong analytical skills.
• Proficiency with online applications such as Google Docs and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word).

High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration, Human Services, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or related field preferred. One year of related experience in Healthcare, Human Services, Education, or related field and/or volunteer experience strongly preferred. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

None.

Yes, Adult Patient Contact.

Hybrid: 2–3 days onsite per week.

At Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. We are committed to hiring…