Patient Navigator, Cancer Care Access Program

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston is seeking a Patient Navigator to support adult oncology patients by coordinating care and addressing social determinants of health. The role involves working with multidisciplinary teams to connect patients with services and navigate barriers to timely care.

Partial remote work (3 days/week onsite) is available. Strong communication, cultural humility, and patient-centered care are essential; bilingual ability is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in health or human services preferred.
• 3+ years of professional experience in health care or community outreach
• Experience with hospital electronic medical record systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Contact patients prior to their first Dana‑Farber visit to welcome them to the Institute.
• Complete SDoH assessments to understand patients’ life context and barriers to care.
• Coach and prepare patients for appointments and conversations with providers.
• Identify and connect patients to internal and external resources based on individual needs.
• Escort patients during onsite appointments and take notes as needed.
• Collaborate with Dana‑Farber clinical teams to coordinate care and services.
• Facilitate scheduling of Interpreter Services for patient communication.

Skills

Bilingual ability

Customer service

Communication skills

Independent/work well in teams

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Established in January 2012, the Cancer Care Access Program (CCAP) aims to place Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute at the forefront of efforts to reduce differences in cancer outcomes among local communities, as well as become a national model for translating research on access into clinical interventions. CCAP is seeking a Patient Navigator to directly support adult medical oncology patients. Patient Navigators proactively engage with patients from local communities, eliminate barriers to timely care, and help them navigate healthcare system complexities and logistics throughout the cancer continuum. Patient Navigators work closely with multidisciplinary care teams to coordinate internal Dana‑Farber supportive services and community‑based resources to address the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) needs of patients.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high‑risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School‑affiliated hospitals.

PRIMARY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Contact patients prior to their first Dana‑Farber visit to welcome them to the Institute
• Complete SDoH assessment to understand patients’ life context and barriers to care
• Coach and prepare patients for their appointments and conversations with providers
• Identify and connect patients to internal and external resources based on their individual needs
• Escort patients during their onsite appointments and sit in on visits with providers and take notes as needed
• Remind patients of appointments and follow‑up if they do not come
• Collaborate closely with Dana‑Farber clinical care teams to coordinate care and services
• Facilitate scheduling of Interpreter Services for patient communication
• Work with Financial Counselors to address patient insurance barriers
• Build relationships with community‑based social service organizations
• Identify system and/or organizational barriers to care and recommend strategies to improve/remove them
• Participate in ongoing patient navigation process development and improvement initiatives
• Present on patient navigation to internal and external stakeholders
• Complete patient navigation competency trainings and professional development opportunities

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual ability preferred
• High School Diploma/GED required; Bachelor’s degree in health or human services preferred
• 3+ years of professional experience in health care or community outreach organizations
• Experience working in hospital electronic medical record systems is a plus

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Commitment to cultural humility and cultural safety
• Strong customer service and patient and family‑centered orientation
• Ability to work with adults of varying ages, learning styles, and backgrounds
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Detailed record keeping and organization of work
• Proactive approach to addressing patient issues
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary care teams and supportive services
• Capacity to develop strategies to resolve complex patient issues
• Knowledge of local health care systems and community resources
• Ability to work independently as well as in groups

WORK LOCATION: Partial Remote (3 days/week onsite)

PATIENT CONTACT: Yes

At Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we.

Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$59,600.00 - $68,700.00