Department Overview

The Hispanic/Latino Patient Navigator works in partnership with the Clinical Oncology Social Worker and the multi-disciplinary team to assist patients and families in achieving maximum physical, social, and emotional wellness. The Patient Navigator serves as an intermediary between the health care system and the community to facilitate access to services in support of patients and their caregivers, with special attention to cultural concerns and needs of the Hispanic/Latino population. Navigators reduce barriers that keep patients from getting timely treatment by identifying patient needs and directing them to existing sources of clinical, financial, or social support, providing resource/referral information including but not limited to: community resources, housing/lodging, medical insurance, financial assistance, transportation, and basic support group/counselor information. Works with patients and families to complete pertinent applications for assistance and refers patients to services/organizations as appropriate within OHSU and the larger community. The Patient Navigator may also assist with assessment of patient needs and will coordinate with the Oncology Social Worker regarding plan of care and clinical social work support needs. The person in this position must be able to demonstrate strong patient advocacy skills and follow patients through the course of their treatment.

The patient navigator coordinates and provides holistic services for Hispanic/Latino patients/families to improve health outcomes, improve engagement with community resources, and empower full participation in the healthcare system.

Function/Duties of Position

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

Patient Services

• Advocates for patients and families:
• Engages Hispanic/Latino cancer patients and families at the time of referral to the cancer center and makes them aware of information, resources, support programs and services.
• Assumes advocate role on patient’s behalf to ensure receipt of timely and appropriate care and services.
• Assists patients in problem solving issues related to health care delivery, financial or social barriers.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with community partners to increase successful referrals, availability of resources, and interagency innovation.
  
  

Screens For Psychosocial Needs/concerns And Makes Appropriate Referrals

• Conducts an initial assessment of patient/caregiver needs, with special attention to social determinants of health to identify potential individual barriers to care, and assists in helping patients access culturally appropriate, supportive care.
• Screens Hispanic/Latino patients for psychosocial needs and assists with housing, transportation, and other resource needs as identified.
• Screening patient’s and families’ ability to cope with major life changes.
• Assists patients in gaining access to community services.
• Participates in the coordination of follow up care in OHSU clinics or in the community
  
  

Provides Support To Patients And Families

• Referring to Oncology Social Worker as appropriate.
• Works in partnership with SWS team and oncology SW.
• Collaborates with care teams to meet patient/family and program goals.
• Supports individuals and families with complex biopsychosocial needs in coordinating care with external providers and serves as system navigator and point of contact.
  
  

Provides Patient/family Education

• Helps patients and families understand information regarding patient care issues
• Participates in patient and family health care education.
• Contributes to the creation and maintenance of culturally competent and appropriate patient education materials for Hispanic/Latino patient populations.
• Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  
  

Documentation

• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of patient care activities an efficent manner per departmental policies. Reports patient care statistics in a timely manner. Complete all OHSU/Joint Commission mandatory education requirements and activities within established time lines. Yearly competencies as identified by department.
  
  

Professional Development

• Participates in department meetings; participates in workshops, seminars and training sessions to maintain professional competency; assists in staff education; visits community facilities, programs or services to acquire pertinent resource information.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Two years of social service work experience providing supportive counseling to clients on a one-to-one basis which includes full responsibility for handling each case plan; AND
• A Bachelor’s degree, or three more years of experience which shows: a) knowledge of casework methods and techniques; b) knowledge of patient’s family’s rights; c) knowledge of medical terminology; and d)knowledge of implications of the effect of illness, injury and/or disability on patients and families.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken)
• Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Word.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of diverse customers in difficult situations.
• Skill in developing and maintaining professional relationships.
• Ability to prioritize work demands.
• Ability to interpret and follow policies and procedures.
• Experience working with oncology patients
• Experience working with an electronic medical record system.
• Bicultural (Hispanic) preferred
  
  

Additional Details

• Routine office
• Requires prioritization of multiple demands from numerous team members.
• Frequent interruptions in an environment of frequent change and fluctuations.
• Telecommuniting available.
  
  

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.