Patient Navigator - Gastrointestinal Oncology

Job Ref: JR-2050
Location: 450 Brookline Ave, BOSTON, MA 02215
Category: Administration Support/Customer Service
Employment Type: Full time
Work Location: Onsite: 100% onsite
Salary/Pay Rate: $61,900.00 - $66,100.00 per year

Overview

The Patient Navigator helps patients and their families access the health care delivery system through outreach, follow-up, support, education, communication, and resources. This support begins at the point of a suspicious finding and continues throughout treatment to the resolution of the finding. Working under the supervision of the director of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s (DFCI) Cancer Care Equity Program (CCEP) and in collaboration with DFCI’s Office of Community Health the patient navigator works with medically underserved patient populations to improve their cancer care outcomes. The Patient Navigator in the GI Cancer Treatment Center will join a multi-disciplinary team of oncology providers to provide the highest level of care coordination for racially and ethnically diverse patients, vulnerable patients, those who experience access barriers to care and have complex of social and medical conditions and those who experience unmet health related social needs. Using the Dr. Freedman Model of Patient Navigation, the goal is to ensure that patients do not fall through the cracks of the cancer care system. The patient navigator will support the CCEP patient navigation integration workflow across DFCI.


At the Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment Center (GCC), patients diagnosed with any gastrointestinal cancer can receive tailored, world-class care as well as access to support services, nutrition counseling, and innovative clinical trials. The Patient Navigator will coordinate referrals to patient resources available at Dana-Farber as well as external community-based resources for patients enrolled in the SURGE study, REACH study/the Older Adults with Gastrointestinal Cancer Program (OAGC), and other emerging studies related to improving cancer care for all. The SURGE study aims to empower patients and increase their capacity for participation in clinical trials through digital health education and navigation for genomic testing, targeting patients from backgrounds with historically low representation in research. REACH is an implementation study that provides an integrated, patient-centered treatment strategy for older adults with gastrointestinal cancers bringing oncology, pharmacy, geriatrics, and care navigation into one coordinated approach.

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.

Working closely with Principal Investigator Nadine Jackson, MD, MPH, multidisciplinary care teams, and research teams, the Patient Navigator will identify patients’ needs and barriers to participation in research studies and care engagement, and coordinate care and supportive resources throughout the care continuum.

• Provides navigation support for underserved patients who are referred to a disease center for follow up, including diagnostic and/or treatment support services to expedite diagnosis

• Provide navigation support for underserved patients with cancer-related concerns by interacting with the patient to identify and resolve barriers to receiving cancer care through an early identification strategy

• Act as a patient advocate, liaison and point of contact for patient and providers

• Researches best practice models/evidence-based patient navigation program design frameworks

• Provides navigation support to include: Assessment of patient’s health related social needs; leveraging internal and external community resources; accompanying a patient and family members to DFCI and/or BWH appointments as necessary; ensuring follow-up on all referrals (internal and external)

• Prepares patients for use of Telehealth services

• Facilitates scheduling of interpreter services

• Coaches/prepares patients and family prior to visit with care team

• Tracks and follows patient interactions via appropriate documentation policies and procedures

• Work with clinical and research staff to track metric on resolution of care outcome

• Engages in program evaluation efforts and submits reports as necessary

• Identifies system and/or organizational barriers to care and recommends strategies to improve access

• Collaborates with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute diversity initiatives leadership staff

• Works closely with appropriate staff throughout the healthcare system to improve patient care outcomes

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Experience conducting outreach in developing strategies to overcome barriers to care a plus

• Knowledge of the communities served the local health system and community resources a plus

• Excellent communication and organization skills

• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality at all times

• Ability to follow documented policies and protocols for all patient interactions/contacts

• Strong attention to detail

• Ability to work independently, as well as in groups

• Ability to work in multiple settings, e.g. clinics, screening van, or community sites

• Experience working with diverse populations

• Technical skills/computer savvy

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• The position requires a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Candidates must have at least 3 years of experience in a health-related or outreach role.

• Bilingual ability in Arabic, Haitian Creole, Spanish, or Portuguese is highly preferred.

• Experience working with patients and clinicians is preferred, and oncology experience is a plus.

• Certification in patient navigation or a background as a Community Health Worker is also a plus.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May oversee interns and volunteers as needed.

PATIENT CONTACT: Yes

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 committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to .

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 characteristics protected by law.

EEO Poster

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Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$61,900.00 - $66,100.00