JOB SUMMARY

The Oncology Patient Navigator is an essential position in the Cancer Care Team. The Navigator will build strong relationships with oncology/cancer patients and help them through their cancer diagnosis. This relationship starts at referral to the Oncology team and includes support to the patient from diagnosis through post-treatment (survivorship). The Navigator works closely with the patient and all pieces of the care team: doctors, nurses, radiation therapists, chaplain, dietician, social work, and all other support staff. The Navigator is the go-to person for patients and their families/care takers. They assist them in overcoming any barriers they might encounter in the healthcare system and facilitate timely and quality access to care through all phases of the cancer journey.

Supports patients and their families with educational resources about their diseases and helps to navigate the many paths of a healthcare diagnostic and treatment process. Provides age and culturally appropriate information and resources during the diagnostic evaluation. Identifies support groups appropriate for patients and families and coordinates scheduling. Removes obstacles to treatment by scheduling appointments, coordinating referrals, arranging transportation, child care, translation, and other needed services. Tracks and documents metrics and outcomes. Experience in healthcare or social services support is preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Generates calendars and reviews treatment schedules with patient/family.
• Meets with all newly diagnosed cancer patients and discusses their needs, concerns, barriers etc.
• Develops a plan for all patients based off their assessment (frequency of contact etc,).
• Helps patient navigate through appointments outside of the cancer center (surgeons, radiology, etc.)
• Makes reminder phone calls to patients of their appointments, both at the Cancer Center AND other appointments (radiology, labs, other offices etc.).
• Helps patients with available resources: insurance issues, financial needs (cancer committee grants etc.)
• Keeps the Boutique/ Resource office up to date and replenished. This includes wigs, scarves, hats, educational materials etc.
• Coordinates “cool caps” with patients and their caretakers.
• Works with other members of the care team to fill gaps and overcome barriers that the patient may encounter.
• Membership in the Wyoming Cancer Coalition Survivorship workgroup. This includes attending meetings, participating in sub-work groups etc.
• Works with the American Cancer Society reps to keep their resources up to date and available to patients.
• Attends community cancer events (screening, health fairs, support groups etc.).
• Provides statistics/data to Oncology Director for state contract reporting including:
• Survivorship: (number of patients/survivors receiving mental health services, exercise classes held/number of attendees, and number of boutique services provided).
• Patient Navigation: number of individuals receiving patient navigation services, number of scheduling assistance provided for screening, diagnosis or treatment, number of early detection clinical exams or screening mammograms were completed, number of diagnostic tests completed, and assistance to reduce treatment barriers with lodging or transportation.
• Additional activities: prevention activities implemented, number of patients who receive prevention information and number of patients who received Cancer screening services or support.
• Encourages cost savings for the department and organization.
• Provides excellent customer service, demonstrates professionalism and courteous telephone etiquette.
• Demonstrates flexibility, positive interpersonal relations in high volume, high traffic, and fast paced work environment.
• Complies with the hospital’s Corporate Compliance Program including, but not limited to, the Code of Conduct, laws and regulations, and hospital policies and procedures.
• Must be free from governmental sanctions involving health care and/or financial practices.
• Other duties as assigned. This list is non-exhaustive.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Education
  • High school graduate or GED; computer skills.
• Licensure
  • None.
• Certifications required
  • See Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification Policy and Certifications/Education Requirements Policy.
• Experience
  • Previous clerical or medical office experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The ability to maintain continuing education requirements and all certifications and licenses as required (e.g. ACLS, PALS, CPI, CPR)
• Must relate and communicate well with patients, families, hospital staff, physicians, and public from diverse populations.
• Ability to handle various projects simultaneously and efficiently with attention to accuracy, prioritization, and patient request.
• Analytical, reasoning, and interpretive skills with a high level of mental concentration and memory.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions. 
• Computer knowledge including the ability to enter material into electronic record. Ability to operate fax, computer, and copy machine to perform the duties of the position. Legible handwriting.
• Able to comprehend technical medical terminology.

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