Patient Navigator/Educator, Breast Oncology

Overview

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Breast Oncology Research Program is seeking a therapeutic clinical trial-focused patient navigator/educator to directly support patients considering research participation within this disease center. 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. To date, this program has focused on patient navigation when it comes to clinical care, coordination, and resource support. We now plan to extend this navigation position into one focused on patients who are considering research participation in a clinical trial within the Breast Oncology Program. This position is also intended to build and focus on educational and community partnerships within Boston, and on opportunities for patients, communities, and staff.

The Navigator will proactively engage with patients with breast cancer and will focus on outreach and education to patients from historically marginalized communities to navigate clinical trial complexities, logistics, and resources. They will work closely with multidisciplinary care teams to coordinate resources to address the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) needs of patients. In addition, the role of the Navigator will include leadership around education and programmatic development, with the goal to develop patient education regarding clinical trials, staff education around culturally aware and sensitive research practices, and a multi-pronged curriculum to be implemented within the breast program (and possibly to other disease areas at DFCI). For patients enrolling to research trials, the Navigator will also serve in a role that supports connecting patients with resources such as transportation, parking, and food stipends. In this role, the Navigator will work closely with the CCEP navigators, resource specialists, social work, research nurses and breast medical oncologists to optimally 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.

Responsibilities

PRIMARY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop culturally aware educational materials and video content/online content on clinical trials for participants/patients
• Develop educational curriculum for research and clinical staff to raise cultural awareness
• Develop educational materials for and seek partnerships with community-based social service organizations. This includes outreach to community/neighborhood clinics at federally qualified health centers in metro Boston to facilitate understanding of research and purposes of research.

• Complete SDoH assessment to understand patients’ life context and barriers to care.
• Coach and prepare potential research participants and enrolled participants for their appointments and conversations with providers.
• Identify and connect potential research participants and enrolled participants 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, in collaboration with research scheduling, nursing, and clinical research coordinator teams
• Collaborate closely with Dana-Farber clinical care teams to coordinate care and services.
• Facilitate scheduling of Interpreter Services for patient communication.
• Work with Financial Counselors to address patient insurance barriers when it comes to trial participation
• Identify system and/or organizational barriers to enrollment to research 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.

Qualifications

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Education:
• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in health or human services preferred
• Minimum Experience:
• 3+ years of professional experience in patient-facing health care or community outreach organizations
• 1+ years of experience in educational activities and/or program development
• Experience working in hospital electronic medical record systems (Epic preferred)
• Bilingual ability preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Experience in education, program development, and clinical research
• 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

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No

PATIENT CONTACT:

Yes