Oncology Patient Navigator- Full Time- Monday-Friday

Summary of Position: 

The Oncology Patient Navigator acts as a vital link between oncology patients, their families, and the healthcare team. This non-clinical role focuses on identifying and reducing barriers to care. The Oncology Patient Navigator coordinates referral communication among physician offices; utilizing work queues to expedited referral/authorization and prepares clinical documentation. In coordination with the Financial Navigator, this position coordinates incoming new patient referrals and schedules based on urgency. This position provides emotional support, education, and community resources; functioning as part of a multidisciplinary team under the direction of the Director of Cancer Services

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, public health, or social work preferred.

Experience:

• One (1) year of experience in a healthcare setting, social services, education, or community outreach preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Superior interpersonal and active listening skills.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries while working with vulnerable populations.

• Excellent communication and customer service skills, flexible and strong sense of teamwork.

• Previous experience as a cancer caregiver or volunteer is a plus.

• Ability to effectively communicate in English, in compliance with patient safety standards. Bilingual abilities preferred. 

Certifications/Licensure:

• Oncology Patient Navigator training (e.g., George Washington University or American Cancer Society LION program) must be completed within 6 months of hire.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, and talk or hear. 

• The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

• The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfer patients.

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Routine Hospital/Healthcare & Office/Administrative conditions.

• Contact with patients and guests under a wide variety of circumstances.

• Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases.

• Exposure to infections and contagious disease.

• Exposed to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids and waste.

• Subject to hazards of flammable and explosive gases.

• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations, including the handling of emergency or crisis situations.

• Subject to pressure due to irregular hours, frequent interruptions and stressful situations due to multiple demands.

• Occasional travel to various health system locations. 

Essential Functions

1. Provides consistently exceptional care at all times.

2.  Meets with patients and loved ones to assess needs, provide support, and educate them on what to expect during their cancer journey. 

3. Actively identifies and addresses non-medical barriers to care (e.g., transportation, childcare, housing, food insecurity, language interpretation). 

4. Assists with scheduling appointments, reminder calls, and escorting patients to oncology appointments to ensure continuity of care. 

5. Connects patients to internal and external resources, including financial assistance navigation, community support groups, and cancer support services. 

6. Serves as a primary contact point, helping patients communicate their needs, questions, and concerns to the medical team (Medical Oncologist, RNs, APPs, referring physicians). 

7. Integrates into the care team, often present at tumor boards or multidisciplinary meetings to act as the patient's voice. 

8. Maintains accurate, timely documentation of all patient interactions, assessments, and interventions in the EMR, strictly adhering to HIPAA requirements. 

9.  Represents the organization in community outreach events, promoting awareness/screening and support programs. 

10. Records patient outcomes and collect data to demonstrate the value of navigation services within the Cancer Services program.

11. Assists with initial billing paperwork, cashier duties, and clerical duties in an accurate and timely manner.

12. Answers phones, routes callers, provides routine information to callers, exercises judgement as to the urgency and nature of the calls, but does not give medical advice. Calls are relayed to appropriate staff in a timely manner.  

13. Responds to the needs of the department by performing other duties, as necessary.

Salary : $24 - $35