Patient Navigator

UNC Health; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC Health is seeking a Patient Navigator to support patients and families by coordinating care, educating on treatment options, and identifying resources. The role focuses on reducing barriers, guiding through the system, and improving health outcomes in a hybrid work setting at UNC Medical Center.

The position requires a healthcare-related bachelor's degree (preferred) and completion of oncology navigator certification after one year. Prior navigation or social work experience is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field preferred.
• Oncology navigator certification expected after one year of employment.
• Experience or ability to navigate complex health systems and advocate for patients.
• Strong knowledge of community resources and social services.

Responsibilities

• Perform barrier assessments across health, logistics, financial, and emotional domains.
• Guide patients through the healthcare system and coordinate care transitions.
• Educate patients and families on diagnoses, treatments, and resources.
• Arrange appointments, referrals, transportation, and lodging as needed.
• Advocate for patient rights and support self-management and coping.

Skills

Healthcare knowledge

Communication skills

Empathy

Multitasking

Problem solving

Organizational skills

EMR proficiency

Cultural competency

Certification awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Education Requirements

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

Licensure/Certification Requirements

• 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.

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 Oncology Pt & Fam Rsc Ctr
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: Hybrid
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.

Equal Opportunity

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.