Oncology Patient Navigator

POSITION SUMMARY: As an Oncology Patient Navigator (OPN), you will play a crucial role in guiding patients through their cancer care journey, ensuring they receive comprehensive support beyond clinical treatment. The OPN will work closely with patients and their families to address needs, coordinate services, identify and eliminate barriers to care, and provide valuable information about cancer care options. Your primary focus will be on enhancing the patient experience by removing barriers, facilitating access to resources, and offering compassionate support. Demonstrates a compassionate and caring manner with clients in person and over the phone. Additionally, the OPN functions as a patient advocate, facilitating accessibility to care and promoting optimal patient-centered care that supports and empowers individuals, respects individual choices, and meets the healthcare needs of patients.

Requirements

EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSES: Oncology Patient Navigator Certification (or obtained within 2 years)

SKILLS:

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of medical and cancer terminology
• Demonstrate familiarity with and know-how to access and reference evidence-based information regarding cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of cancer, cancer treatment, and supportive care options, including risks and benefits of clinical trials and integrative therapies
• Identify potential physical, psychological, social, and spiritual impacts of cancer and its treatment
• Demonstrate general understanding of healthcare payment structure, financing, and where to refer patients for answers regarding insurance coverage and financial assistance
• Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and health professionals
• Employ active listening and remain solutions-oriented in interactions with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team
• Demonstrate empathy, integrity, honesty, and compassion in difficult conversations
• Work with licensed and non-licensed professionals and act within professional boundaries
• Demonstrate basic understanding of cancer, healthcare systems, and how patients access care and services across the cancer continuum to support and assist patients
• Ability to coordinate various functions and activities for maximum cooperation and integration of service providers and persons receiving care within a clinic for continuum of care services
• Ability to understand and implement sensitivity and culture of care measures appropriate to a diverse population
• Ability to work with various levels of the CHRISTUS organization including clinical, financial, administrative, and medical staff.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a healthcare setting and related experience with quality, care coordination, and oncology preferred.

NATURE OF SUPERVISION: Responsible to: Manager, Cancer Center

ENVIRONMENT:

• Blood borne pathogens - A

Well-lighted office area. Occasional exposure to activities and infectious diseases in patient care areas.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to move around settings of care. Requires close work, good vision, dexterity to write as well as to use a computer keyboard. Ability to handle stressful situations.