Onc Patient Navigator

Covenant Health•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

Overview: Covenant Health Cancer Center is our region’s largest cancer-fighting network, with more imaging centers, more board-certified physicians and surgeons, and more cancer and radiation centers closer to where you call home. And, we are a proud member of Covenant Health , our region’s top-performing healthcare network with 10 hospitals , outpatient and specialty services , and Covenant Medical Group , our area’s fastest-growing physician practice division. Therapies pioneered at Covenant Health Cancer Centers have transformed and saved the lives of hundreds of East Tennessee cancer patients, while progressive clinical trials have brought the most advanced new cancer medicines to this area. In addition to the original downtown location, there are TCSC facilities in West Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, and Morristown. Position Summary: The Oncology Patient Navigator (non-clinical) provides individualized guidance, education, and support to patients and families throughout the cancer care continuum. This role focuses on helping patients overcome logistical, financial, cultural, and psychosocial barriers to care. The Oncology Patient Navigator serves as a liaison between the patient and the healthcare team, helping ensure timely access to services and positive, patient-centered experience. This position does not provide clinical assessment or medical advice.

Requirements

Minimum Education: None specified; will accept any combination of formal education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and ability needed to perform the essential tasks of the job, typically such as would be equivalent to an Associate’s degree.
Minimum Experience: Two (2) years in a related professional customer or patient focused role OR will accept one (1) year of related professional experience with completion of a healthcare training licensure program (such as CNA, CMA, LPN, EMT or equivalent).
Licensure Requirements: Must obtain Oncology Patient Navigator – Certified Generalist (OPN-CG) within one year.

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to individuals possessing a Bachelor’s degree in a directly-related field from an accredited college or university.

Responsibilities

Independently collaborate with the care team to support patients in coordinating appointments, referrals, imaging, and follow-up needs.
Provide non-clinical patient support through education and communication of oncology care pathways, timelines, and common treatment journey questions and concerns. Should exhibit strong professional judgment and communication skills
Conduct structured barrier assessments and resolve moderate-complexity navigation issues effectively.
Facilitate communication between patients and multidisciplinary teams. Helps to identify gaps in care processes and propose improvements.
Assist patients with applications for resource programs, transportation and other community-based support.
Independently coordinate multidisciplinary care conference.
Actively participates in team meetings, huddles, case discussion, and quality projects.
Provide guidance to new navigators and serve as a resource for workflow questions.
Documents all patient interactions accurately in the EHR using established templates and workflows.
Ability to manage high patient volume while maintaining quality documentation.
Has a clear understanding of the cancer continuum, oncology terminology, and common treatment journeys.
Strong knowledge of community resources and cancer service line programs.
Strong competency in patient communication, health literacy support, and system navigation.
Follows patients throughout the continuum of care as defined by department guidelines.
Familiarity with accreditation standards related to patient navigation (CoC, ONS, NAPBC) and how navigation supports them.
Ability to communicate calmly and compassionately with patients experiencing stress.
Demonstrates skills in time management, workflow navigation, and patient tracking.
Demonstrate Patient confidentiality and privacy when working with clinical and professional staff both within and outside of the Covenant Health Network. Know and familiarize yourself with HIPPA compliance.
Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually.
Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
Performs other duties as assigned.