Advanced Patient Navigator - Diagnostic Imaging - St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital

Mercy Health

About Us

As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Mercy Health seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.

Advanced Patient Navigator - Diagnostic Imaging - St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital

Job Summary:

The Advanced Patient Navigator improves clinical outcomes by ensuring timely, coordinated, and informed care, especially during complex diagnostic or treatment processes. They provide specialized support to patients by guiding them through the healthcare system, ensuring they have access to necessary resources, and helping them manage all aspects of their care journey. This role involves assisting patients in understanding their medical condition(s) and treatment plans, including assisting patients with scheduling, overcoming logistical barriers, and connecting them with community resources to ensure a smooth and supportive healthcare experience. Navigators may work in a specific specialty area (ex: oncology, women’s/breast health, cardiology, neuro, etc.) based on organizational/patient needs and clinical background, to provide focused patient navigation support.

Essential Functions: 

• Guides patients through a specific clinical pathway, ensuring they understand their diagnoses, treatment options, clinical procedures, and the healthcare process. Ensures patients and their families feel informed and supported at every step.
• Serves as the essential link for communication and assessment between patients and all care providers. Collaborates with clinical care team, healthcare providers, social workers, and other team members to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.

• Participates in case reviews and multidisciplinary meetings to provide insight into the patient experience and advocate for the patient's needs. Monitors patient progress and communicates with the care team to adjust treatment plans as necessary.

• Facilitates appointments for consults and support services within established service standards, including social workers, dietitians, physicians, etc. while offering support in overcoming barriers to care.
• Provides patients with information about community resources, such as support groups, counseling services, and local organizations.

• Tracks patient outcomes, ensuring findings are communicated to patient/providers. May also prepare reports to support quality initiatives and programs.
• May perform clinical work and/or assist with clinical procedures within area of specialty according to established policies and procedures.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED (required)
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a health-related field (preferred)

Licensure/Certification:

Licensed or certified in area of specialty (listed below), or have a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of healthcare experience in lieu of certification (required):

• Certification and Registration with ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) or RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer) or CNMT (Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist); as well as Medical Imaging State Licensure (preferred, unless required by the state where the job is being performed)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in state of practice
• Licensed as a Social Worker in state of practice
• Lab Certification (preferred through ASCP) - Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) or Pathology Assistant (PA)
• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialed and Licensed in Respiratory Care in state of practice

BLS Basic Life Support – American Heart Association (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care at BSMH; required at hire for RSFH)

Oncology Patient Navigator – Certified Generalist (OPN-CG) – Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (preferred, if placed in Oncology department)

Breast Health Clinical Navigator (BHCN) – National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC) (preferred, if placed in Mammography department)

Experience:

3 years of healthcare related experience in working with patients in the coordination of care or in direct patient care (required)

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com