Patient Representative

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Brookline (MA); On-site; USD 41,200 - 46,500; Full time

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is seeking a Patient Representative in Boston to greet patients and caregivers, triage calls, and coordinate with multiple disease centers. You will be the initial contact, providing exceptional customer service and guiding inquiries through the Dana-Farber Welcome Center.

The role requires strong communication, multitasking, and familiarity with medical terminology. Diversity and inclusion are central to our mission; join a team dedicated to patient-centered care

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Administrative and/or customer service experience encouraged, with call center experience preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills; ability to multitask under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for patients and referring providers.
• Triage calls and resolve questions in real time when possible.
• Coordinate with disease centers to route inquiries to the appropriate team.
• Provide information about programs, services, and appointments.
• Maintain patient privacy and follow standard operating procedures.

Skills

Customer service

Call center experience

Teamwork

Multitasking

Communication

Time management

PC proficiency

Medical terminology

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

This position will start in October 2026. The Patient Representative (PR) is the “first impression” a patient has of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). As the first point of contact, this role is critical to a patient’s experience and their entry into the DFCI system. PRs provide call center and administrative support for aspects of patient care within the Dana-Farber Welcome Center. PRs work in a call center environment in conjunction with their supervisor and other PRs. They work as a team to problem‑solve and collaborate with the goal of providing an excellent patient experience. The PR role is essential to Institute operations, simultaneously working with multiple disease centers and serving as the primary triage point for connecting patients with the most appropriate group to meet their needs. As a liaison for incoming calls, PRs provide superior customer service to patients, caregivers, clinicians, and staff across multiple disease centers in accordance with the DFCI Customer Service Standards. This role requires excellent customer service skills and comfort with multitasking and problem solving.

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.

• Serves as the first point of contact and liaison for patients or referring providers by triaging calls and resolving questions directly whenever possible
• Possesses a level of independence requiring knowledge of multiple disease specific programs
• Provides administrative support and coordination for all aspects of patient care for patients, primarily focused on supporting incoming telephone calls
• Triages issues and answers general questions, with the goal of resolving requests in real time. If unable to answer all patient questions, triage to or take detailed message for disease center team
• Recognizes emergencies and appropriately responds using standard operating procedures and critical thinking skills
• Provides general institute, disease, or program‑specific information to callers/patients within the scope of knowledge and authority
• Performs other administrative duties and tasks as requested by Manager/Supervisor
• Able to quickly comprehend and implement new concepts or modifications to processes
• Collaborates with disease center team to ensure seamless coverage and task management in times of both full and partial staffing levels
• Ensures quality clinical care and adherence to standard operating procedures and compliance requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to function as an integral member of a team
• Excellent communication, organizational, time management, and customer service skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to multi‑task and problem solve on the spot
• Excellent phone etiquette
• PC proficiency; ability to learn new software quickly
• Knowledge of medical terminology is a plus

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s degree preferred. Administrative and/or customer service experience is strongly preferred, and experience in a call center or phone service setting is also preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

PATIENT CONTACT:

Yes, this position entails patient contact and communication. Methods of contact are primarily by phone, but may be in person, written letter or patient portal (Partners Patient Gateway). Age population served will depend upon clinical area assigned.

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. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

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.

EEO Poster

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).

$41,200.00 - $46,500.00