Non-Clinical Care Navigator - Oncology

General Summary

The Non-Clinical Care Navigator’s (NCCN) primary responsibility is to enhance cancer care at the community level. Using a combination of communication strategies, the NCCN will assist cancer patients to anticipate, identify, and overcome barriers within the health care system, including understanding their diagnosis, coordinating their treatment plans, seeking assistance for appropriate social services, and communicating with their treatment team, family, and significant others. The NCCN uses knowledge of one’s role and the roles of other health care professionals to appropriately screen for barriers to access, and to address the needs of the patients served to optimize health and wellness and to increase patient and provider satisfaction.

Works under the supervision of the Manager of Patient Intake.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Consistently arrives at work on time and adheres to regular work schedule.
• Takes extreme ownership of assigned patients in the Care Navigation program.
• Handed off by New Patient Scheduling as the main point of contact for the patient and family members for support and questions, & connects across the continuum of care.
• Performs follow up calls (at predetermined touchpoints) after patient visits to discuss the plan of action created with clinic staff, ensure all follow up appointments are scheduled, and answer / triage any remaining questions.
• Performs comprehensive screening for barriers to access, distress level, and comprehension of diagnosis.
• Assists patients with referrals to outside resources and care coordination as needed.
• Advocate for patients by maintaining close & professional relationships with the multidisciplinary team, including frequent one-on-one communication with Providers.
• Enroll and maintain patients in Management and/or Value-Based Programs.
• Assist in developing, implementing and maintaining strategic innovative initiatives to improve efficiency, workflows, data collection, value-based metrics, and quality of patient care.
• Cross-train to handle most patient needs without non-clinical support (scheduling, call center, registration).

Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

• George Washington University Navigation Training Completion required within 30 days of employment.
• Acquires and maintains strong knowledge of local, state, and national cancer-related resources and services to assist cancer patients and their families to manage their disease and its impact on daily living.
• Develops and maintains positive strong communication within the organization.
  
  

Other Essential Duties May Include but Are Not Limited To

• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Consistently arrives at work in appropriate/professional attire.
• Completes all tasks within established time frame.
• Adheres to all clinic policies and procedures.
• Three years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Basic understanding of medical terminology, health care systems, and physician scheduling.
• Knowledge of environment and systems in which patients receive care.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge and skill with common office software applications and electronic medical records.
• Detail-oriented.
• Employ active listening and remain solutions –oriented in interactions with patients, families, and members of the health care team.
• Demonstrate empathy, integrity, honesty, and compassion in difficult conversations.
• Apply knowledge of the difference in roles between clinically licensed and non-licensed professionals, and act within professional boundaries.
• Compliance with the Code of Ethics and Guide for Professional Conduct.
• Requires travel between locations.
  
  

Education

Preferred:

• Three to Five years’ experience in a clinical setting assisting patients to screen for barriers to access, and locate resources.