Cancer Navigator

Northwestern Medical Center; Vermont; On-site; USD 64,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medical Center in Vermont seeks a Cancer Navigator to provide patient-centered support from post-diagnosis through survivorship, coordinating referrals and education.

You will work with DI, HIM, and partner clinics to ensure timely care, maintain tracking, and connect patients with resources. Requires bachelor’s in health field or equivalent experience; oncology navigator certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related health field preferred.
• Equivalent clinical or care-coordination experience considered.
• Oncology Patient Navigator certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Provide post‑biopsy support and explain next steps.
• Coordinate referrals for stereotactic biopsies performed at external facilities.
• Collaborate with DI and HIM to ensure timely transfer of imaging and reports.
• Use the tracking system to monitor follow-up recommendations and support provider order completion.
• Outreach to patients to support timely follow-up and answer questions related to diagnostic plans.
• Conduct warm handoffs upon confirmed cancer diagnosis and provide education about navigation and next steps.
• Coordinate care between PCPs, surgeons, oncology, other medical centers, and other specialists.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Care coordination

Empathy

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related health field

Equivalent clinical or care-coordination experience

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $64,251 USD to $89,773 USD The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
• Non-Clinical Professional
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: CANCE001607

Description

NMC is currently recruiting a Cancer Navigator. The position is full-time (80 hours bi-weekly), 8 am - 4:30 pm. Northwestern Medical Center’s mission is to provide exceptional health care to our community. Join our high reliability team! With “people” as one of our core values, valuing our employees is a top priority for Northwestern. We care about our employees, their families, and their overall health & well-being. We are proud to offer a generous benefits package, with recognized national carriers, designed to help our people stay healthy, balance work & life responsibilities, protect your assets & plan for a secure financial future.

Hiring Range: $64,251 - $89,773

Cancer Navigator

JOB SUMMARY

The Cancer Navigator provides coordinated, patient-centered support for individuals undergoing diagnosis and survivorship care. The role begins primarily post‑diagnosis, with diagnosis and survivorship care and involvement around biopsy appointments to support education, emotional needs, and next steps. The Navigator facilitates communication among providers, ensures timely progression through the care continuum, assists with referrals and resource coordination, and promotes continuity and quality of care across NMC and partner systems.

PRE-REQUISITES

Education

Education: Bachelor’s degree in related health field preferred. Equivalent clinical or care-coordination experience considered.

Experience

Experience: Prior experience in care coordination, oncology, women’s health, diagnostic imaging, case management, or community health navigation preferred. Experience working directly with patients in emotionally challenging or complex healthcare situations.

Other Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex medical processes in understandable terms.
• Excellent organizational, tracking, and follow-up‑skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with multiple departments and external partners.
• Knowledge of community resources and barriers to care (transportation, insurance, social needs).
• Comfort discussing sensitive health information with patients and families.

Certifications

Certifications: Oncology Patient Navigator certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To

Population Health Manager

Other Contacts

• Diagnostic Imaging staff
• Primary Care providers
• General Surgery and specialty clinics
• Partner medical center care teams
• Physical Therapy
• HIM/DI records transfer teams
• Community organizations and support programs

SCOPE

Machinery or Equipment Used

Computer, EMR systems, tracking systems for breast imaging follow-up, phone, email, video conferencing tools.

Physical Demands

Primarily sedentary with periods of walking between departments. Occasional standing during patient interaction or clinic activities.

Working Conditions

Hospital and clinic settings. Frequent communication with patients experiencing distress, uncertainty, or new diagnoses.

Required Protective Equipment

Standard clinical PPE as required in patient care areas.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Diagnostic Navigation (Breast Biopsies & Follow-Up)

• Provide post‑biopsy support to explain next steps and answer questions.
• Assist with coordinating referrals for stereotactic biopsies performed at external facilities.
• Collaborate with DI and HIM to ensure timely transfer of imaging and reports.
• Use the tracking system to monitor follow-up recommendations and support provider order completion.
• Outreach to patients to support timely follow-up and answer questions related to diagnostic plans.

Post‑Diagnosis Support

• Conduct warm handoffs upon confirmed cancer diagnosis.
• Provide education about diagnosis, system navigation, and next steps.
• Conduct psychosocial distress screening.
• Offer emotional support and connect patients to mental health, financial, transportation, and other resources.
• Coordinate care between PCPs, surgeons, oncology, other medical centers, and other specialists.
• Assist with appointment scheduling and other post-diagnosis needs.Maintain tracking of patient follow-up to ensure care continuity.

Community Resource Navigation

• Identify and address barriers to care including transportation, insurance issues, financial strain, and social needs.
• Link patients with grants, community programs, support groups, and other resources.

Advocacy & Communication

• Empower patients to ask questions and make informed decisions.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, families, and multi-disciplinary care teams.
• Facilitate recommended follow up for high risk or post-diagnosis patients ‑ and 6‑month follow-up for high‑risk or post-diagnosis patients.

• Assist with survivorship planning in collaboration with primary care and the Cancer Committee.
• Participate in Cancer Committee’s survivorship initiatives.
• Promote cancer services and screening awareness in the community.
• Build relationships with UVMMC, NMC departments, DI, and specialty clinics.
• Participate in Tumor Board, Cancer Committee, and Jim Bashaw Fund activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Northwestern Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating and maintaining a workplace that values diversity, inclusion, and belonging. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Northwestern Medical Center is dedicated to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive work environment where all employees have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and succeed. We encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to contact Human Resources for assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.