Oncology Patient Navigator

About the Role

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 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, helping customers navigate health care services and systems, and promoting good health. They work closely with the care team, which may include doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff, to support positive customer health outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Establishes close relationships with and serves as a primary point of contact for customers.
• Communicates with care team members to facilitate client care.
• Identifies resources for clients to overcome barriers to care (e.g., transportation, appointments, financial burdens, psychosocial).
• Remains aware of current services offered by service providers, such as mental health, housing, employment assistance, and oncology-specific resources.
• Actively participates in the care planning process with care team members, including meetings with care coordinators, social workers, primary care providers, etc.
• May participate in oncology tumor boards.
• Maintains documentation of all client encounters and completes reporting requirements according to organizational standards.
• Tracks client information, schedules, files, and forms in a confidential manner.
• Monitors client attendance at medical appointments and navigation sessions, initiating outreach and missed appointment procedures as necessary.
• Actively engages with the outreach team for prevention and screening opportunities.
• Provides services to customers during transitions of care (e.g., palliative care, survivorship).
• Serves as an active member of the oncology program’s accreditation process and cancer committee activities.

Requirements

• Minimum high school degree or some college education; college degree preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in the healthcare field.
• Successful completion of a recognized patient navigation training program preferred.

Skills

• Strong understanding of rural Appalachian culture.
• Computer literacy skills.
• Basic medical terminology.
• Interpersonal communication skills with customers, internal and external organization members, and healthcare providers.
• Flexibility and adaptability in responsibilities.
• Annual continuing oncology-based education, with preference for navigational information.
• Suggested (not required) memberships and/or certifications within oncology navigation from reputable organizations.