Patient Navigator

UNC Health; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC Health in Chapel Hill is seeking a Patient Navigator to support patients and families through the healthcare journey. You will conduct barrier assessments, educate patients, and advocate to secure resources that improve health outcomes.

You will guide patients through appointments, transportation needs, and care coordination, collaborating with clinicians and social workers to develop individualized plans and ensure seamless care transitions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field preferred.
• Knowledge of healthcare system, medical terminology, and patient care processes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for patient engagement.
• Empathy and ability to provide emotional support to patients and families.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Proficiency with computer systems and electronic medical records.
• Knowledge of community resources and social services.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse populations.
• Certification in area of practice may be required after one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Barrier Assessments: identify challenges and unmet needs.
• Navigate the healthcare system and coordinate care transitions.
• Educate patients on disease management and self-care strategies.
• Advocate for patients' rights and preferences in decision-making.
• Identify and connect patients with community resources and referrals.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy and compassion

Healthcare knowledge

Time management

Problem-solving

EMR proficiency

Cultural competency

Education

Bachelor's degree in healthcare

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Description

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.

Summary

The Patient Navigator serves as a key member of the healthcare team, providing support, guidance, and advocacy to patients and their families. The primary responsibility of the Patient Navigator is to facilitate the patient's journey through the healthcare system by conducting barrier assessments, providing education, advocacy, and support, and identifying community resources. The Patient Navigator plays a critical role in ensuring that patients receive the necessary care and support to achieve optimal health outcomes.

Responsibilities

1. Barrier Assessments:
   • - Conduct comprehensive barrier assessments to identify challenges and unmet needs faced by patients and their families.
   • - Assess barriers across various domains, including health promotion, logistics, financial, and emotional/social support.
   • - Identify barriers that may interfere with care delivery and health outcomes.
   • - Develop a deep understanding of the patient's individual circumstances and challenges.
2. Navigation through the Healthcare System:
   • - Serve as a guide and advocate for patients, assisting them in navigating through the healthcare system.
   • - Provide information and guidance on medical procedures, treatments, and healthcare options.
   • - Help patients understand their diagnoses, treatment plans, and available resources.
   • - Coordinate appointments, referrals, and follow-up care to ensure seamless transitions and continuity of care.
   • - Assist with scheduling transportation and lodging for patients as needed.
3. Education, Advocacy, and Support:
   • - Provide education to patients and their families on disease management, treatment options, and self-care strategies.
   • - Advocate for patients' rights and ensure their voices are heard in the healthcare decision-making process.
   • - Offer support to patients and their families, addressing their concerns and fears.
   • - Facilitate support groups and educational workshops to empower patients and enhance their coping skills.
   • - Collaborate with healthcare providers to develop individualized care plans and goals.
4. Identifying Community Resources:
   • - Research and identify community resources and support services that can assist patients in overcoming barriers.
   • - Connect patients with appropriate community resources, such as financial assistance programs, support groups, and transportation services.
   • - Establish relationships and partnerships with community organizations to enhance the availability of resources.
   • - Provide referrals to social workers, counselors, and other healthcare professionals as needed.

Other Information

Other information:

Education Requirements

• * Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field (preferred)

Licensure/Certification Requirements

• * Prior to November 2026: After one year of employment, the employee will complete and maintain the certification process as an Oncology Patient Navigator by the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators.
• * After November 2026: After one year of employment, the employee will complete and maintain the American Cancer Society's Leadership in Oncology Navigation (ACS-Lion) certification.

Professional Experience Requirements

• * If Bachelor's degree, no experience required; If Associate's Degree, minimum of 1 year of experience in relevant field; If no advanced education, 7 years work experience in relevant field (navigation, specialty area, or community health)

Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements

• - Knowledge of the healthcare system, medical terminology, and patient care processes.
• - Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively connect with patients and their families.
• - Empathy, compassion, and the ability to provide emotional support.
• - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• - Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• - Strong organizational and time management skills.
• - Proficiency in using computer systems and electronic medical records.
• - Knowledge of community resources and social services.
• - Cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse populations.
• - Certification in area of practice may be required after one year of employment.

Job Details

Legal Employer: STATE

Entity: UNC Medical Center

Organization Unit: UNCH Genetics Program

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Salary Range:$20.74 - $29.52 per hour (Hiring Range)

Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No

This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. If, however, you are presently an employee of another North Carolina agency and currently participate in TSERS or the ORP, you will be eligible to continue participating in those plans at UNC Health.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.

UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email [e-mail] if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.