Cancer Screening Patient Navigator

Boston Medical Center•Boston, MA

55d

About The Position

The Cancer Screening Patient Navigator will assist patients with understanding and navigating the screening options available to identify cancer risks when they are more easily treatable. This person will perform direct outreach to patients, families and/or caregivers to provide culturally appropriate education on the importance of cancer screening, assist them with accessing screening services and connect them to other community resources as needed. Navigators will also partner with patients to identify and address any barriers or challenges that may prevent screening completion. Position: Cancer Screening Patient Navigator Department: Value Based Care Schedule: Full Time

Requirements

A minimum of a High School diploma/GED is required.
Ability to work in a multi-cultural diverse environment as a member of a health care team
Strong communication (oral and written), interpersonal, organizational, and record keeping skills
Ability to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities at the same time effectively
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to cultural differences
Ability to understand basic medical terminology
Ability to empathize with and coach patients in navigating the healthcare system
Ability to be flexible and easily adapt to change
Knowledge of software applications such as Microsoft Office and electronic medical record systems

Nice To Haves

Experience working with patients in a healthcare or community based setting (preferred)
Previous customer services experience (preferred)
Completed motivational interview (MI) training (preferred)
Bilingual or multi-lingual skills appropriate to the patient population served (Spanish or Haitian Creole) are a big plus

Responsibilities

Serves as a central contact for patients who need assistance navigating the cancer screening journey
Provides one-on-one education to patients on the collection process for certain cancer screenings
Schedules appointments for patients and ensures that they receive timely reminders and follow-up care
Works with patients and caregivers to coordinate multiple cancer screening appointments
Facilitates the flow of information between patient, provider and other services
Works with patient to obtain all appropriate medical record information
Identifies resources for transportation, childcare and other patient concerns
Refers self-pay patients or patients with insurance issues to Patient Financial Services, as appropriate. Partners with Patient Financial Services to effectively communicate alternative payment options to patients
Assures that patients who lack social, financial and family resources receive timely support to access services so that screenings or treatment are not delayed
Meet with patients in clinical settings to navigate them to their screenings
Provides emotional support to patients and their families throughout the screening process
Attends trainings and professional development opportunities to maintain knowledge of current cancer screening guidelines and resources
Accurately documents and enters all patient information (i.e., demographics, date of scheduled visits and barriers) into the patient tracking database and/or epic EMR
Enters all patient encounter details and notes into the tracking database and/or epic EMR in a timely manner
Verifies and updates patient insurance information when scheduling any visits
Proactively contacts patients to resolve and follow-up on potential barriers for screening completion
Provides general clerical support including: filing, making appointments, photocopying, faxing, preparing and sending mail, making reminder phone calls, and maintaining contacts database
Identifies system deficiencies and seeks to fill those gaps in collaboration with the program lead
Escalates any patient issues to the appropriate team member
Develops and fosters relationships with other clinic-based navigators
Provides and receives constructive feedback from team members and patients
Contributes to the development of new ideas that impact the program
Adapts to changes with departmental needs including but not limited to: offering assistance to other team members, floating, adjusting assignments, etc.
Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights and HIPAA and privacy rules, so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided
Utilizes hospital's behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to support the department and the hospital's mission and goals
Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures
Performs other duties as assigned to support overall department priorities
Must adhere to all of BMC's RESPECT behavioral standards.