BFT - Patient Navigator- Colorectal Cancer Screening

Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, City of Rochester (MA, NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Patient Navigator to facilitate access to healthcare services for at-risk patients. This role involves advocating for patients, assisting them in overcoming barriers to cancer screening, and providing culturally sensitive education. With a focus on health equity, the Patient Navigator will build trust with patients, conduct assessments, and collaborate with healthcare providers. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while working in a supportive and dynamic environment. If you are passionate about improving health outcomes and advocating for diverse populations, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in a patient-facing role preferred.
• Strong commitment to social justice and health equity.
• Ability to work independently and in multicultural settings.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients in navigating the healthcare system.
• Provide education about cancer screening and health management.
• Document patient encounters and track progress.

Skills

Motivational interviewing

Trauma sensitive care

Coaching

Communication skills

Advocacy for diverse populations

Education

High school degree or GED

BS in Psychology/Social Work/Education/Public Health

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT: MGB strives to advance health equity, improve health outcomes, and promote well-being of our primary care patients by addressing health-related social needs, system navigation, and care coordination as standard of care. Patient Navigators are an integral part of achieving these goals. Patient Navigators play a pivotal role in facilitating access to cancer screening services for the patients we serve. By building trust with their patients, Patient Navigators help patients improve access to healthcare. Patient Navigators have the skills and experience to understand their patients' circumstances. By walking alongside their patients, Patient Navigators help to address medical and psychosocial needs in order to promote self-efficacy, help patients meet their goals, and improve health outcomes. Patient Navigators use their unique skills (motivational interviewing, trauma sensitive care, coaching, etc.) to help patients manage their chronic diseases, complete preventative health screenings, adhere to medications, connect to community resources and gain strength and confidence in managing their own health. In addition, Patient Navigators will work with patients to help decrease barriers to timely preventative and follow-up care in the midst of challenging social, environmental and economic situations. The Patient Navigator will aid patients in the coordination and completion of appointments inside and outside of MGB. Patient Navigators will work with patients to alleviate social determinants of health as well as improving their overall health and well-being. While the Patient Navigator is not a clinical position, it requires a good knowledge (ability to learn) of basic clinical concepts and an understanding of when a referral to a licensed clinician is appropriate. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Serve as an advocate for patients, assisting them in navigating the healthcare system and overcoming logistical, financial, and emotional barriers to cancer screening. * Provide community health services to at-risk patients, addressing medical and psychosocial challenges. * Complete assessments with the patient and provider to pinpoint areas for intervention. * Build trust, identify barriers, and collaborate with patients and providers on setting and achieving health goals. * Provide education to patients about the importance of cancer screening, including risk factors, recommended screening guidelines, available screening methods, and potential benefits. * Deliver culturally sensitive education and guidance, assisting patients in self-care management. * Address logistical barriers and schedule complications that prevent a patient from showing up for appointments. * Support patients in organizing records, attending screenings, diagnostic tests, and manage follow-up appointments. * Conduct regular visits with patients at home or in a community setting to assess home barriers or follow-up on patient care, as needed. * Accompany patients to appointments to provide support and advocacy. * Educate patients on health preparations, refer to case management services, and advocate for access to programs. * Advocate for and support patient access to community-based and hospital-based programs. * Foster relationships with appointment schedulers, collaborate with interpreters to reach patients of other languages. * Collaborate and maintain regular communication with primary care providers. * Document patient encounters, track progress and goal completion. * Generate mid-year and end-of-year reports, compiling data and providing case examples.

QUALIFICATIONS: * High school degree or GED required. BS in Psychology/Social Work/Education/Public Health or related field preferred. * Experience working in a patient facing role such as a patient navigator or community health worker or other related role, preferred. * Strong commitment to social justice, health equity, and positively impacting the care of at-risk patients. * Experience working in a healthcare environment * Proficient in other language(s) strongly preferred SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: * Demonstrated ability to work effectively and provide advocacy for racial and ethnically diverse populations and communities. * Ability to develop effective relationships with a broad array of people from diverse backgrounds, including patients, families, clinicians and other leaders. * Ability to interview patients using interactive techniques (e.g. motivational interviewing, active listening) to identify potential barriers to care * Be flexible, sensitive and ready to adapt to changes in patients' needs and or their willingness to participate in their health care, including undergoing the screening process * Ability to work both independently and as a team member in multicultural settings. * Strong oral and written communication skills. * Highly organized, proactive and attentive to details. * Proficient in all Microsoft Applications, including MS Office and Excel. WORKING CONDITIONS: 12 month grant funded position Must have reliable transportation as travel is required Need to be able to work from home, in the community and in the office.

Additional Job Description

The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.