What are the responsibilities and job description for the Neurology Family Education and Care Navigation Specialist position at NJ PEDIATRIC NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE?
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Position Summary
The Pediatric Patient Liaison & Educator is a non-clinical position that serves as a central point of contact for families of children who are newly diagnosed with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. This role supports parents and caregivers throughout the diagnostic, treatment, and care-coordination process by providing education, emotional support, clinical guidance within scope, and seamless communication between families, medical providers, and multidisciplinary teams. The Patient Liaison enhances patient experience, improves care continuity, and helps families navigate complex care needs.
Key Responsibilities
Family Support & Care Navigation
- Conduct Neurology Family Education and Care Navigation visits via Telehealth following qualifying neurology visits.
- Review neurology provider’s documentation, diagnoses, and recommended assessment and treatment plans prior to each Education and Care visit.
- Serve as the primary liaison for parents and caregivers of children with neurological conditions such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular disorders, developmental delay, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurodevelopmental diagnoses.
- Provide clear, compassionate education on diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, procedures, and care expectations, within scope of nursing practice.
- Assist families in understanding next steps, follow-up requirements, and available support services.
- Facilitate smooth transitions between inpatient, outpatient, surgical, therapy, and community-based services.
- Coordinate care with social workers, therapists, physicians, and external agencies to ensure continuity.
- Assess family comprehension, readiness, and ability to implement recommended testing, therapies, and referrals.
- Identify psychosocial, logistical, educational, insurance-related, and language-based barriers that may affect compliance with the neurology care plan.
- Provide education regarding care processes, scheduling pathways, and available NJPNI and community resources (education only; no medical or legal advice).
- Assist families in navigating access to diagnostic testing, therapies, and recommended services.
- Communicate identified barriers, risks, or concerns to the neurology care team in accordance with established workflows.
- Conduct follow-up check-ins with families to monitor treatment adherence, symptom changes, and concerns, escalating medical issues to providers when appropriate.
- Support clinical workflows such as triaging parent calls, assisting with treatment education, and helping prepare families for diagnostic testing.
- Reinforce family understanding of neurology provider’s diagnosis and plan using structured, teach-back methodologies.
- Document all family interactions, education provided, and care-coordination activities in the EHR accurately and promptly.
Communication and Collaboration
- Act as a communication bridge between families and the clinical team, ensuring questions are addressed and updates are relayed efficiently.
- Participate in multidisciplinary case reviews and care-planning meetings.
- Educate staff on common family concerns, barriers, and resource needs.
Patient Education and Resource Development
- Develop and maintain educational materials for families regarding neurological conditions, treatments, and community resources.
- Provide guidance on support groups, mental health resources, therapy programs, and school/IEP advocacy resources when applicable.
Quality Improvement & Family Experience
- Identify any gaps in care coordination, access, or communication and assist in creating solutions.
- Track and report trends in family needs, call volumes and common questions from families.
- Create and support initiatives improving patient satisfaction and family-centered care.
Qualifications & Skills
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required
- 2 years of pediatric experience.
- Experience in neurology, developmental pediatrics, complex care, or care coordination is strongly preferred.
- Skill in communicating complex information clearly and compassionately to families.
- Skill in assessing comprehension, identifying misunderstandings, and facilitating education without providing clinical advice.
- Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple patient encounters efficiently.
- Skill in identifying barriers to care and coordinating appropriate navigation and resources.
- Skill in maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to defined scope of practice.
- Skill in accurate, thorough, and timely documentation.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Standard office environment within a medical practice.
- Frequent use of computers and telephones.
- Occasional lifting of files, office supplies, or equipment (up to 20 lbs).
Compensation
- Benefits package offered which include health, dental, vision, PTO, 401(k) and life insurance.
- PayScale: Competitive, commensurate with experience and credentials.
NJPNI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Salary : $50,000 - $65,000