Research- Focused Patient Navigator

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute•Boston, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research-Focused Patient Navigator improves equitable access to clinical research by curating trial options, proactively pre-screening and outreaching to patients across referral sites and DFCI Longwood, and providing end-to-end, patient-centered navigation from pre to post clinical trial enrollment. The role bridges clinicians, research staff, and patients to reduce logistical and social barriers, coordinate research navigation, complete participation assessment, and capture metrics that inform continuous improvement in trial access and enrollment for underrepresented patients in blood cancer clinical trials. The Hantel Lab is seeking a Research-Focused Patient Navigator to directly support adult medical oncology patients. Research-Focused Patient Navigator will proactively engage with patients from local communities, identify barriers to trial participation, and help them navigate clinical trial complexities and logistics throughout the cancer continuum. Research-Focused Patient Navigator work closely with multidisciplinary care teams to coordinate internal Dana-Farber supportive services. Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Requirements

Commitment to cultural humility and cultural safety
Strong customer service and patient and family-centered orientation
Comfortable using Microsoft suite and data capture systems
Basic knowledge of medical terminology required
Ability to work with adults of varying ages, learning styles, and backgrounds
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Detailed record keeping and organization of work
Proactive approach to addressing patient issues
Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary care teams and supportive services
Capacity to develop strategies to resolve complex patient issues
Knowledge of local health care systems and community resources
Ability to work independently as well as in groups
Fluency in English and at least one other language preferred, especially Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese
High School Diploma/GED required; Bachelor’s degree in health or human services preferred
3+ years of professional experience in health care or community outreach organizations
Experience working in hospital electronic medical record systems is a plus

Responsibilities

Work closely with the research and clinical teams to curate relevant clinical trial information for patient screening and referral.
Pre-screen patients trial eligibility, referral, and research navigation.
Communicate with the referring clinicians to approach patients for trial eligibility upon completing pre-screening.
Coach and prepare potential research participants and enrolled participants for their appointments and conversations with providers.
Escort patients during their DFCI main campus appointments and sit in on clinical visit as needed.
Remind patients of appointments and follow-up to maximize attendance.
Assist patients with scheduling appointments, coordinating referrals, and managing schedules
Provide navigation services to patients pursing enrollment by identifying and address barriers to participate.
Identify system and/or organizational barriers to care and recommend strategies to improve/remove them
Navigator will also serve in a role that supports connecting patients with resources such as transportation, parking, and food stipends.
Plan, coordinate, and implement recruitment and retention activities to maintain participant engagement throughout the study
Manage study-related data, including collection, entry, quality checks, and secure storage
Participate in ongoing patient navigation process development and improvement initiatives
Develop educational materials about clinical trial participation with the study team and communicate them to patients.
Complete patient navigation competency trainings.
Obtain Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators’ Oncology Patient Navigator Certification
Attend clinical meetings at referral sites to provide updates on pre-screening/referral process
Attend weekly disease group research meetings to update trial information