This is a position within The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Information Resource Center (IRC); the individual in this role will work among a team of Information Specialists. Following extensive training and utilizing established procedures, an Information Specialist responds to phone and electronic inquiries received from patients and caregivers affected by blood cancer; he/she also offers current and accurate disease, treatment and coping information, as well as referrals to financial and psychosocial resources within and outside of LLS. For each individual inquiry, it is expected that an Information Specialist document electronically the patients’ and caregivers’ demographic information, needs, and information/resources provided. The Information Specialist will also educate patients about clinical trials and refer to the Clinical Trial Support Center (CTSC) when appropriate. Additionally, an Information Specialist assists in the maintenance of the Other Helpful Organizations section on the LLS website, suggested reading list and contributes to the monitoring of LLS Community forum. He/she is expected to keep current on blood cancer risk factors, diagnoses, treatments and coping strategies.
- Using prescribed protocols, respond to phone and email blood-cancer related inquiries from patients, caregivers, and professionals; give accurate, current information on risks, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up care and medical facilities/providers.
- Provide blood cancer patients and caregivers referrals to needed financial and psycho-social resources that are available from LLS and other local and national organizations.
- Schedule and conduct proactive follow-up calls to patients and caregivers as appropriate to provide further navigation that will help them access care or services.
- Complete an electronic record documenting each interaction, specifically capturing the demographics of the individual receiving assistance and delineating all details of each inquiry, including action taken and information/resources provided. Maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Conduct internet searches to identify specific disease, treatment, and resource information for patients.
- Provide clinical trial education and assist patients and caregivers in overcoming barriers to accessing clinical trials; refer patients and caregivers to LLS’s Clinical Trial Support Center (CTSC) as appropriate.
- Keep current on developments and trends related to detection, treatment and research regarding blood cancers by reading peer-reviewed literature, materials from professional organizations, and attending professional symposia/conferences.
- Provide information and consultation to national and chapter staff on blood cancer diagnoses and treatments as requested.
- Represent IRC at professional meetings, conferences, advisory boards, and in partnership initiatives and as requested, both by phone and in person.
- Collaborate on the submission of abstracts to professional organizations for presentations as requested.
- Work with staff on the education team as requested to develop blood cancer resources for patients and professionals.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Thorough working knowledge of medical terminology
- Solid computer and data entry skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and follow through
- Proven ability to follow precise directions, to deal professionally and sympathetically with cancer (or other life threatening illness) patients and their families, and to be calm under pressure
- Passion for helping patients and their families
- Previous experience in the field of oncology, particularly hematology, preferred
- Must be able to navigate and synthesize multiple sources of information
- Occasional travel is necessary
- Needs to be licensed in discipline if appropriate.
- Three years of previous experience in a health care delivery setting working with patients and their families.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) does not accept resumes from third party recruitment/search firms. Please do not forward resumes to LLS employees or any company locations or email addresses. LLS is not responsible for any fees related to resumes not solicited by LLS Recruiting. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.