Oncology Patient Navigator - UNCH Oncology Pt & Fam Rsc Ctr

Description

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 teammates, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Oncology Patient Navigator (OPN) is a member of the UNC Cancer Care Navigation team that is comprised of nurse navigators, patient navigators and volunteer patient navigators. Navigators work directly with cancer patients and caregivers to identify challenges facing families that may interfere with care delivery and cancer care outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The OPN will provide direct proactive outreach to oncology patients, families, and caregivers through in-person visits and/or virtual contact. The OPN navigates patients and families in the four areas of education, advocacy, resourcing and support. The OPN provides individualized guidance to identify health care barriers to promote timely assistance to decrease unmet needs and to provide easy access to quality health and psychosocial care. The OPN develops an in-depth knowledge of available resources within UNC Health, the North Carolina communities, and national oncology foundations. The OPN will also serve to train, support and advocate for the Oncology Volunteer Navigator program and its navigators.

The OPN

* Navigates patients, families and caregivers through the cancer care continuum by completing a barrier assessment and providing resources and interventions appropriate for the unmet needs identified in the barrier assessment through education, advocacy, resourcing, referral and support.

* Partners with research coordinators for community outreach involving active surveillance/cancer screening of high-risk patients and participates in research initiatives for the UNC Cancer Care Navigation and the requirements for the Commission on Cancer accreditation.

* Communicates effectively with patients, families and caregivers building a trust relationship, mutual respect, and demonstrates empathy, integrity, honesty, compassion and cultural sensitivity in all interactions.

* Empowers patients, families and caregivers to self-advocate and communicate well with medical team.

* Upholds diversity, equity, and inclusion in all interactions and identifies barriers created through gaps in health literacy and language discordance.

* Collaborates effectively with members of the medical team and hospital staff using professional communication and proper channels.

* Properly documents interventions in the electronic medical record and maintains data tracking as identified by supervisor.

* Facilitates patient- and family-centered care that is appropriate and effective for the treatment of cancer and the promotion of health.

* Performs duties full time onsite at the NC Basnight Cancer Hospital in Chapel Hill. Engaging, coordinating and supporting Oncology Volunteer Navigators onsite.

* Duties would include but not be limited to making volunteer assignments, documenting volunteer navigator encounters, recruitment and orientation of new volunteers, providing effective communication and clinical escalation with central Oncology Nurse Navigators and collaboration with UNC Volunteer Services.

Other information:
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.

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:$20.53 - $29.23 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.

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 applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.