Resource Specialist

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Resource Specialist is responsible for the delivery of resource assistance and guidance to patients being treated at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This includes delivery of concrete resource services such as short-term accommodations, parking, patient assistance, and transportation; referrals to appropriate local, state, and federal assistance programs; as well as help with applications for assistance to non-profit foundations. 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

High customer service and patient- and family-centered orientation; ability to demonstrate empathy in difficult situations
High level of cultural sensitivity and cultural humility. Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
Excellent communications skills, including on the phone and in writing
Ability to communicate with all members of a multi-disciplinary team and promote and engage in relationship-building
Ability to interface with adults of varying ages
Attention to detail and record-keeping, including proficiency in "closing the loop"
Ability to work independently
Ability to prioritize and work in a fast-paced environment
Able to multi-task and capable of problem-solving complex issues through both creative problem-solving and strong analytical skills on a daily basis
Proficiency with online applications including Google Docs and MS Office, particularly Outlook, Excel and Word
High School Diploma required.
No prior experience required

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, human services, education, psychology, sociology, or related field preferred.
1 year of related experience in healthcare, human services, education, or related field preferred.
Volunteer experience strongly preferred.
Degree may substitute for experience.
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts assessments of patients' financial status/eligibility for concrete resource assistance
As a member of a multidisciplinary team, assists patients in securing assistance through skillful matching of needs to available resources
Follows eligibility guidelines and rules with respect to assistance granted from internal resources
Arranges assistance whenever possible for concrete resources such as short-term accommodations, parking and transportation
Makes timely referrals for patients to assistance and appropriate resources both within the hospital and through agencies, programs and foundations in the community
Helps patients and their families navigate internal and external systems and serves as liaison between hospitals and the resource community
Provides detailed record-keeping, which may include the following: Progress notes in the patient's medical record, documentation in a resource database tool, Lodging reservations, and correspondence with members of the care team and with community resources
Consistently scans internal and external environment to research and track new and available concrete resources for patients and families
Communicates resource specific information directly to patients or, as appropriate, their family members
Collaborates with social workers and other members of the care team as needed
May coordinate and lead resource information update sessions on his/her disease centers for staff, and, as requested, for other departments
May be responsible for special projects and/or pilots, focused work teams or efforts, and or responsible for serving on a committee relevant to the Resource Specialist role
Provides coverage for other Resource Specialists within the division as needed