Cancer Navigator

Northwestern Medical Center • St. Albans, VT

16h

About The Position

The Cancer Navigator provides coordinated, patient-centered support for individuals undergoing cancer diagnosis and survivorship care. The role begins primarily after diagnosis and includes involvement around biopsy appointments to support patient education, emotional needs, and next steps. The Navigator facilitates communication among providers, promotes timely progression through the care continuum, coordinates referrals and resources, and supports continuity and quality of care across Northwestern Medical Center and partner systems. The position is full-time, 80 hours bi-weekly, with hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is based in hospital and clinic settings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related health field preferred; equivalent clinical or care-coordination experience is considered.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex medical processes in understandable terms.
• Excellent organizational, tracking, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with multiple departments and external partners.
• Knowledge of community resources and barriers to care, including transportation, insurance, and social needs.
• Comfort discussing sensitive health information with patients and families.
• Willingness to obtain Oncology Patient Navigator certification if not already certified.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in care coordination, oncology, women's health, diagnostic imaging, case management, or community health navigation.
• Experience working directly with patients in emotionally challenging or complex healthcare situations.
• Oncology Patient Navigator certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide post-biopsy support by explaining next steps and answering patient questions.
• Coordinate referrals for stereotactic biopsies at external facilities and work with Diagnostic Imaging and Health Information Management to ensure timely transfer of imaging and reports.
• Use tracking systems to monitor follow-up recommendations and support provider order completion.
• Reach out to patients to support timely follow-up and answer questions about diagnostic plans.
• Conduct warm handoffs after a confirmed cancer diagnosis and educate patients about their diagnosis, healthcare navigation, and next steps.
• Conduct psychosocial distress screening and provide emotional support.
• Connect patients with mental health, financial, transportation, and other resources.
• Coordinate care among primary care providers, surgeons, oncology, other medical centers, and specialists.
• Assist with appointment scheduling and other post-diagnosis needs, and track patient follow-up to support continuity of care.
• Identify barriers to care, including transportation, insurance issues, financial strain, and social needs, and link patients with grants, community programs, support groups, and other resources.
• Empower patients to ask questions and make informed decisions, and serve as a liaison between patients, families, and multidisciplinary care teams.
• Facilitate recommended follow-up for high-risk or post-diagnosis patients, including six-month follow-up.
• Assist with survivorship planning in collaboration with primary care and the Cancer Committee, and participate in the Cancer Committee's survivorship initiatives.
• Promote cancer services and screening awareness in the community.
• Build relationships with UVMMC, NMC departments, Diagnostic Imaging, and specialty clinics.
• Participate in Tumor Board, Cancer Committee, and Jim Bashaw Fund activities.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package with recognized national carriers, designed to support employee health and well-being, work-life balance, asset protection, and financial security.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time