Community Health Navigator

The General Hospital Corporation; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham is seeking a part-time Patient Navigator to support a National Cancer Institute-funded project in Boston. You will assist patients with serious mental illness and cancer, coordinate with hospital and community care teams, and help navigate appointments and resources.

The role emphasizes education, reminders, transportation help, and liaison duties to reduce barriers to timely cancer and mental health care. This is a 20-hour per week hybrid position located at 32 Fruit Street.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, healthcare management, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for patients and families in care planning.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaborative teamwork

Time management

Spanish language

Education

Bachelor’s in Social Work

Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management

Bachelor’s in Related Field

Tools

EHR systems

Case management software

Job description

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

The MGH Collaborative Care & Community Engagement Program (CCCEP) is currently recruiting a part-time (20 hrs/wk) Patient Navigator. This position will support a National Cancer Institute-funded research project focused on the adaptation and implementation of a collaborative care model for persons with serious mental illness and cancer at MGH Boston and across community sites.

The goal of the Patient Navigator is to increase access to patient-centered care for patients with serious mental illness and cancer. The Patient Navigator will engage patients, create a trusting relationship, build relationships with community-based clinicians, navigate patients to appointments, and collaborate with the patient’s care team in the hospital and community based on clearly outlined goals and identified patient needs. The Patient Navigator will aid patients and their caregivers in the coordination and completion of appointments and help decrease barriers to timely cancer care and mental health care treatment.

The Patient Navigator’s interventions might include education, appointment reminders, help with insurance, language barriers, transportation, navigating the Cancer Center, connecting the patient to psychosocial and/or palliative care teams, addressing barriers to technology use, and accompanying the patient to appointments or engaging the patient in community settings. The Patient Navigator may also be involved in other research activities such as data collection and screening of potential participants. While the Patient Navigator is not a clinical position, it requires knowledge of mental health and basic clinical concepts including cancer care and an understanding of when a referral to a licensed clinician is appropriate. The navigator will have close supervision by the social work and psychiatry team.

Summary: Responsible for working closely with patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure a seamless and patient-centered care experience by assisting with navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, coordinating resources, and providing support to improve patient outcomes.

Does this position require Patient Care? No

Essential Functions

• Advocate for patients and their families, ensuring their needs and preferences are considered in the care planning process.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team and community organizations to coordinate patient care services, appointments, and follow-up.
• Assist patients in understanding their illness and engaging in treatment
• Identify and connect patients with appropriate healthcare and community resources, such as support groups, financial assistance programs, and transportation services.
• Educate patients and their families about their medical conditions, treatment options, and self-care strategies.
• Ensure that patients are informed and empowered to actively participate in their healthcare decisions.
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of patient interactions, care plans, and resource referrals.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s Degree Clinical Social Work required or Bachelor’s Degree Healthcare Management required or Bachelor’s Degree Related Field of Study required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? Yes. I n lieu of bachelor's degree, we could accept 5 or more years of experience in community mental health.

Licenses and Credentials

NA

Experience

Social work, case management or related field preferably in a clinical setting 1-2 years preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of healthcare resources, community services, and patient advocacy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines and experiences.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Familiarity with electronic health records and case management software.
• Experience with or interest in learning about clinical research.
• Spanish language skills, preferred but not required.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

23.34 - 33.37 - 43.40 USD Hourly

Remote Type Hybrid

Work Location 32 Fruit Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours 20

Employee Type Regular

Work Shift Day (United States of America)

Pay Range $23.34 - $33.37/Hourly

Grade 5

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