Resource Specialist

Reporting to the Adult Resource Office Supervisor, the Resource Specialist I delivers resource assistance and guidance to patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, including concrete services, referrals, and application help.

About the Organization

Located in Boston and 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, providing compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and designing programs to promote public health, particularly among high-risk and underserved populations.

Responsibilities

• Conducts assessments of patients' financial status/eligibility for concrete resource assistance and escalates complex eligibility/exceptions to Resource Specialist II.
• Assists patients in securing assistance through skillful matching of needs to available resources as part of a multidisciplinary team; partners with Resource Specialist II for higher complexity cases.
• Follows eligibility guidelines and rules for assistance granted from internal resources.
• Arranges concrete resources such as short-term accommodations, parking, and transportation, following pod workflows/rotations.
• Makes timely referrals for patients to internal and external agencies, programs, and foundations.
• Helps patients and families navigate internal and external systems; serves as liaison between hospitals and the resource community.
• Provides detailed record-keeping, including progress notes in medical records, documentation in a resource database, lodging reservations, and correspondence with care teams and community resources.
• Researches and tracks new and available concrete resources for patients and families.
• Communicates resource-specific information directly to patients or their family members.
• Collaborates with social workers and other care team members as needed.
• May coordinate and lead resource information update sessions for staff within assigned disease centers or other departments.
• May be responsible for special projects, pilots, focused work teams, or committee participation relevant to the Resource Specialist role.
• Provides coverage for other Resource Specialists and/or pods to ensure continuity of support.

Qualifications

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

Skills

• 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 phone and written communication.
• 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, prioritize, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to multitask and problem-solve complex issues through creative and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with online applications including Google Docs and MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word).

Schedule

Hybrid: 2-3 days onsite per week.

Pay

$56,600.00 - $61,500.00 per year.