Community Health Navigator

Partner's Healthcare; 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 research project in Boston. The role focuses on improving access to patient-centered care for individuals with serious mental illness and cancer, coordinating with hospital and community care teams.

The navigator will engage patients, help overcome barriers to care, and assist with appointment coordination, education, and resource connections.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field required.
• Experience in community mental health preferred.
• Spanish language skills preferred.
• Experience with or interest in clinical research.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for patients and families within the care plan.
• Coordinate appointments and resources across hospital and community settings.
• Engage patients, build trust, and guide navigation to care.
• Maintain documentation of patient interactions and referrals.
• Assist with insurance issues and language barriers as needed.

Skills

Healthcare resources

Community services

Patient advocacy

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

EHR familiarity

Clinical research interest

Education

Bachelor's in Social Work or related field

Tools

EHR software

Job description

Site: The General Hospital CorporationMass 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.

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

EducationBachelor'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. In lieu of bachelor's degree, we could accept 5 or more years of experience in community mental health.

Licenses and Credentials

NAExperienceSocial 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


• At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth.

EEO Statement: 1200

The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership \"looks like\" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.