Oncology Patient Navigator

Overview

The main point of contact for oncology patients, potential oncology patients, their families and caregivers spanning the complete oncology spectrum (prevention and screening through survivorship). The navigator builds strong relationships with these customers in order to help them stay engaged in medical care and adhere to their plan of care. Navigators are committed to removing barriers to care by identifying critical resources for customers, helping them navigate through health care services and systems, and promoting good health.

They will work closely with the care team, which may include doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff to support positive customer health outcomes.

• Establishes close relationships with and serves as a primary point contact for customers.
• Communicate with the care team members to facilitate client care.
• Identify resources for clients to overcome barriers to care (i.e. transportation, appointments, financial burdens, psychosocial, etc.)
• Remain aware of current services offered by service providers, such as mental health, housing and employment assistance in addition to oncology specific resources.
• Be active in the care planning process with the care team members. May require meeting with the care team, care coordinator, social worker, primary care provider, etc. to discuss client care issues and needs. May also require participation in oncology tumor boards.
• Maintain documentation of all client encounters and complete reporting requirements according to the organization’s standards.
• Track client information, schedules, files, and forms in a confidential manner.
• Track client attendance at medical appointments and navigation sessions and initiate outreach and missed appointment procedures, as necessary.
• Be active with the outreach team for prevention and screening opportunities
• Be active with and provide services to the customers during transitions of care (i.e. palliative care, survivorship, etc.)
• Be an active member of the oncology program’s accreditation process and activities of the cancer committee.

Education
Minimum high school degree or some college education, college degree preferred.

Minimum Work Experience

At least 1 year in healthcare field. Successful completion of a recognized patient navigation training program preferred.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of rural Appalachian culture
• Computer literacy skills
• Basic medical terminology
• Interpersonal communication skills with customers, internal and external organization members and health care providers
• Flexible and adaptive with responsibilities
• Annual continuing oncology-based education with preference to navigational information
• Suggest (not required) memberships and/or certifications within oncology navigation from reputable organizations