Cancer Screening Patient Navigator

Position: Cancer Screening Patient Navigator       

Department: Value Based Care

Schedule: Full Time; 85 East Concord St., Boston MA

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Cancer Screening Patient Navigator will assist patients with understanding and navigating the screening options available to identify cancer risks when they are more easily treatable. This person will perform direct outreach to patients, families and/or caregivers to provide culturally appropriate education on the importance of cancer screening, assist them with accessing screening services and connect them to other community resources as needed.  Navigators will also partner with patients to identify and address any barriers or challenges that may prevent screening completion.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• A minimum of a High School diploma/GED is required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• None

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with patients in a healthcare or community based setting (preferred)
• Previous customer services experience (preferred)
• Completed motivational interview (MI) training (preferred)

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural diverse environment as a member of a health care team
• Strong communication (oral and written), interpersonal, organizational, and record keeping skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities at the same time effectively
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to cultural differences
• Ability to understand basic medical terminology
• Ability to empathize with and coach patients in navigating the healthcare system
• Ability to be flexible and easily adapt to change
• Knowledge of software applications such as Microsoft Office and electronic medical record systems
• Bilingual or multi-lingual skills appropriate to the patient population served (Spanish or Haitian Creole) are a big plus

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Patient Navigation & Scheduling

• Serves as a central contact for patients who need assistance navigating the cancer screening journey
• Provides one-on-one education to patients on the collection process for certain cancer screenings
• Schedules appointments for patients and ensures that they receive timely reminders and follow-up care
• Works with patients and caregivers to coordinate multiple cancer screening appointments
• Facilitates the flow of information between patient, provider and other services
• Works with patient to obtain all appropriate medical record information
• Identifies resources for transportation, childcare and other patient concerns
• Refers self-pay patients or patients with insurance issues to Patient Financial Services, as appropriate. Partners with Patient Financial Services to effectively communicate alternative payment options to patients
• Assures that patients who lack social, financial and family resources receive timely support to access services so that screenings or treatment are not delayed
• Meet with patients in clinical settings to navigate them to their screenings
• Provides emotional support to patients and their families throughout the screening process
• Attends trainings and professional development opportunities to maintain knowledge of current cancer screening guidelines and resources

Patient Tracking & Database Management

• Accurately documents and enters all patient information (i.e., demographics, date of scheduled visits and barriers) into the patient tracking database and/or epic EMR
• Enters all patient encounter details and notes into the tracking database and/or epic EMR in a timely manner
• Verifies and updates patient insurance information when scheduling any visits
• Proactively contacts patients to resolve and follow-up on potential barriers for screening completion
• Provides general clerical support including: filing, making appointments, photocopying, faxing, preparing and sending mail, making reminder phone calls, and maintaining contacts database

Programmatic functions:

• Identifies system deficiencies and seeks to fill those gaps in collaboration with the program lead
• Escalates any patient issues to the appropriate team member
• Develops and fosters relationships with other clinic-based navigators
• Provides and receives constructive feedback from team members and patients
• Contributes to the development of new ideas that impact the program

General Duties and Standards:

• Adapts to changes with departmental needs including but not limited to: offering assistance to other team members, floating, adjusting assignments, etc.
• Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights and HIPAA and privacy rules, so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided
• Utilizes hospital’s behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to support the department and the hospital’s mission and goals
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures

Performs other duties as assigned to support overall department priorities

Must adhere to all of BMC’s RESPECT behavioral standards.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job.  The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required). IND123

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans