Patient Navigator (Breast Imaging)

University Hospital, Newark NJ•Newark, NJ

33d

About The Position

The Patient Navigator (PN) for the Breast Imaging Center is responsible for guiding and supporting patients through breast cancer screening, diagnostic work, and the treatment processes. The PN ensures seamless care coordination and effective communication among patients, providers, and healthcare teams. Oversees BIRADS tracking for patients and navigates positive results accordingly. The PN serves as a patient advocate and will guide patients through the health care system, ensuring appropriate appointments are given in a timely manner, following guidelines established with the Radiologist, Chairperson of Radiology, and/or the Executive Director of the Cancer Center. Assists with patient access issues, develops relationships with referring health care providers and ensures the complete and efficient management of all referrals, including the acquisition of necessary paperwork, films, and medical records. In addition, the PN will track new patient requests, provide monthly statistics and referral patterns. Works closely with the patient care team and assists in the coordination of patient care by removing barriers that would otherwise prevent patients from receiving needed services. This role emphasizes timely access to diagnostic evaluations, biopsies, and follow-up care, fostering a positive patient experience and improving satisfaction. It also involves collaborating with community groups to increase health awareness and provide health education.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a breast imaging center, oncology, physician’s office, radiology, or other medical setting.
Certification in Navigation preferred or must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.
Degree requirement may be substituted with equivalent years of experience and/or navigator training on a year-for-year basis.
Fluency in Spanish preferred.
Strong computer skills required, especially proficiency in Excel.
Demonstrated customer service skills essential.
Knowledge of patient registration, mammography follow-up processes, and HIPAA standards required.
Prior experience in patient navigation preferred; familiarity with medical terminology required.
Strong oral and written communication skills with ability to critically evaluate situations and act appropriately.
Ability to work effectively in a complex, matrixed organization, both independently and as part of a team.
Flexibility to work varied hours as needed.
Preferred qualities: friendly, outgoing, caring, empathetic, dedicated, and resourceful.
Superior customer service skills, including managing difficult or emotional situations, responding promptly to needs, and seeking feedback for improvement.
Strong interpersonal skills with focus on conflict resolution, confidentiality, active listening, emotional management, and openness to change.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Navigation preferred or must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.
Fluency in Spanish preferred.
Prior experience in patient navigation preferred; familiarity with medical terminology required.
Preferred qualities: friendly, outgoing, caring, empathetic, dedicated, and resourceful.

Responsibilities

Guides and supports patients through breast cancer screening, diagnostic testing, and treatment processes.
Ensures seamless care coordination and effective communication among patients, providers, and healthcare teams.
Oversees BIRADS tracking and manages follow-up for positive results.
Serves as a patient advocate, ensuring timely appointments based on established guidelines with Radiology leadership and Cancer Center executives.
Assists with patient access issues and builds relationships with referring healthcare providers.
Manages all referrals efficiently, including obtaining necessary paperwork, films, and medical records.
Tracks new patient requests and prepares monthly reports on statistics and referral patterns.
Collaborates with the patient care team to remove barriers that prevent patients from receiving needed services.
Facilitates timely access to diagnostic evaluations, biopsies, and follow-up care to improve patient satisfaction.
Partners with community groups to promote health awareness and provide education.