Patient Navigator I/II - Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

2d • $25 - $35

About The Position

The Patient Navigator, under direct supervision of management, establishes contact with cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers using agreed-upon approaches to raise awareness of information resources, support programs, and services, and to help meet cancer-related needs. The Patient Navigator guides patients and families through the cancer care continuum, identifies barriers to treatment, and assists with access to resources that can reduce those barriers.

Patient Navigator II is the second level of the series and is distinguished from Patient Navigator I by specialized support activities and the requirement to hold a Medical Assistant Certificate. The role may include coordinating surgery scheduling and medical clearances, and obtaining test results, images, and other information needed for medical office visits. Employees must maintain all health requirements designated by Kern Medical. Depending on assignment, applicants may need to pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted. Kern Medical employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and are expected to remain at work or report as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Patient Navigator Certification.
• For Patient Navigator II: Medical Assistant Certificate, which must be maintained.
• Thorough knowledge of healthcare systems and medical terminology, and ability to communicate effectively.
• Working knowledge of HIPAA regulations.
• Proficiency navigating an electronic medical record and other computer software systems.
• Proficiency in writing, reading, and comprehending medical terminology.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use professional and ethical judgment and critical thinking.
• Ability to instill trust and gain others’ confidence through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Ability to collaborate with medical teams.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow supervisor directions and instructions.
• Ability to remain composed under stress.
• Ability to adapt to new situations in real time as demands shift.
• Ability to organize and complete work in a timely manner.
• Depending on assignment, ability to pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted.
• As a Disaster Service Worker, ability to remain at work or report as soon as practicable after a significant emergency or disaster.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a healthcare setting is desired.
• Experience working with oncology patients and families is preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Initiate communication with patients referred by primary care or oncology providers.
• Guide patients through the healthcare system and reduce barriers to treatment.
• Connect patients with community and social support services.
• Facilitate interactions and communication with healthcare staff, providers, and resources.
• Identify each patient’s barriers to care and coordinate with staff to develop effective solutions.
• Attend meetings with healthcare providers to discuss current processes and issues.
• Coordinate and build information-sharing relationships with other patient navigators.
• Facilitate access to available American Cancer Society and non-American Cancer Society services and programs.
• Provide support through active, empathetic listening.
• Assist in arranging transportation, funding, and support services for medically underserved patients.
• Establish and leverage relationships with local service providers and other healthcare providers to enhance service and referral networks.
• Collaborate with Hospital Management to develop and implement a partnership plan for connecting with oncology patients in the assigned health system.
• Coordinate surgery scheduling and medical clearances for patients served.
• Obtain test results, images, and other related information needed for medical office visits.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Maintain health requirements designated by Kern Medical.

Benefits

• May be eligible to participate in and receive company contributions to the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.
• Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED