Patient Navigator, Cancer Care Equity Program

Established in January 2012, the Cancer Care Equity Program (CCEP) aims to place Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) at the forefront of efforts to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes for historically marginalized groups locally and become a national model for translating cancer equity research into interventions. The CCEP is seeking a Patient Navigator to work with our Oncology Nurse Navigator to directly support patients within a new community-based ambulatory safety net (ASN) program. The ASN is focused on partnering with local hospitals in the Merrimack Valley to reduce gaps in timely cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment for patients most at-risk to loss of follow up. This program will start with colorectal cancer screening and then expand to breast, prostate, and lung cancers in the future. The role of the Patient Navigator is to proactively engage with adult patients from historically marginalized communities to address barriers to timely cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment and help navigate health care system complexities and logistics throughout the care continuum. The Patient Navigator will work closely with multidisciplinary clinical care teams to coordinate supportive services and community resources to address the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) needs of our patients. The ASN is being piloted in the Merrimack Valley and will require the Patient Navigator to travel to local hospitals to meet with clinical care teams and support 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. This position’s work location is partial remote with two or three days per week remote. The selected candidate may only work remotely from a New England state (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI). PRIMARY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITES: Contact patients prior to cancer screening appointments 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 clinical care teams to coordinate care and services Facilitate scheduling of Interpreter Services for patient communication 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 MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Bilingual in Spanish required 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 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 WORK LOCATION: Partial Remote (3 days/week onsite) Travel to local hospitals required 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. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law. EEOC Poster