As the largest voluntary health organization, the American Cancer Society is passionately committed to saving lives from cancer. We are working to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays – a world where cancer never steals another year from anyone’s life. The ACS combines relentless passion with the wisdom of nearly a century of experience to make this vision a reality, and they get results. The ACS saves lives by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and fighting back. Thanks in part to this work; nearly 12 million cancer survivors and countless others who have avoided the disease will celebrate a birthday this year.
As the official sponsor of birthdays, we know how important each and every birthday is!The Patient Navigator will establish contact with cancer patients, survivors and caregivers through approaches agreed upon within the host hospital site, to raise awareness about information resources, support programs and services, and assisting in meeting other cancer-related needs of patients and caregivers. The Patient Navigator will guide patients and their families through the cancer care continuum to identify barriers to treatment and assist with access to needed resources to decrease barriers.
- Build and maintain relationships with key staff in hospital host site to build patient referral mechanisms and promote patient navigation services.
- Help patients move through the complexities of the healthcare system by assisting with practical problem solving related to concrete needs such as lodging and transportation, and other services that decrease barriers to treatment.
- Complete comprehensive assessments of the barriers to quality cancer care that contribute to disparities and identify information, resource and emotional support needs of newly diagnosed and medically underserved patients, survivors, and caregivers.
- Establish and leverage relationships and alliances with local service providers and other healthcare providers to enhance service and referral networks.
- Facilitate constituent access to available American Cancer Society and non-ACS services and programs.
- Implement a follow-up plan for each constituent to ensure that services have met their needs.
- Identify gaps in resources offered and work within the community to bridge those gaps.
- Maintain accurate, confidential records documenting services provided and unmet needs using Siebel.
- Collects patient and caregiver stories for media and ACS CAN request, as well for overall program marketing and promotion.
- Remain current with resource and referral information found in the Cancer Resource Connection and ensures new resources are populated into the Connection.
- Invites cancer patients and their caregivers to become part of the cancer survivor community through such venues as the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivor’s Network, Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
- Collaborate with Hospital Account Manager to develop and implement a partnership plan for connecting with oncology patients in assigned health system.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Remains composed under stress, handles self in a professional manner at all times and takes personal responsibility for delivering on personal and organizational commitments.
- Ability to respond to changing circumstances and priorities in a focused manner.
- Ability to work independently with minimum direction.
- Ability to coordinate and implement multiple responsibilities, projects and priorities.
- Ability to work collaboratively with hospital liaison and ACS hospital systems staff representing both institutions to the best interest of patients.
- Acts in the best interest of the organization and enhances the image of the American Cancer Society in the public eye.
- Follows the hospital’s policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Uses available technology to perform position responsibilities.
- Uses effective verbal and written communication skills and demonstrates ability to work with others.
- Establishes effective working relationships with diverse individuals and communities, as appropriate.
- Manages resources effectively and efficiently.
- Applies and follows ACS policies and guidelines.
- Provides high quality customer service, both internally and externally.
- Completes work in a timely and efficient manner and ensures work is accurate.
- 2 years equivalent experience in oncology, social work, nursing, community health education or related field preferred.
Demonstrates Mission Delivery Competencies:
- Collaborates, Communicates effectively, Decision quality, Drives results, Instills trust, Interpersonal savvy, Resourcefulness, Situational adaptability.
Other Skills:
- Must have thorough knowledge of healthcare systems, and medical terminology.
- Knowledge about the breadth and accessibility of community resources.
- Experience working in medical settings and interacting collaboratively with medical teams.
- Experience working with oncology patients and families preferred.
- Working knowledge of HIPAA regulations required.
- Critical skills required include strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, assessment, teamwork, initiative, and versatility.
- Computer proficiency.
- Strong problem-solving, relationship building and data collection skills.
- Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Relationships
- Reports to Senior Manager, Patient Navigation
- Works collaboratively with on-site hospital liaison, hospital system staff and other community-based healthcare providers
- Frequent contact with Hospital Account team members, Mission Delivery staff, Patient Service Center Team