Cancer Center Advocate, Full-Time

Job DetailsJob Location: Angola, IN 46703Position Type: Full TimeJob Shift: DayCameron Health is a 25-bed, independent, not-for-profit facility that proudly serves Angola and Steuben County. We’ve been a cornerstone of this community and the surrounding area in northeast Indiana dating back to 1926. Over the years, we’ve helped generation after generation of area residents enjoy better health and live comfortably. Today, Cameron Hospital has grown into something more than a simple community hospital. Filled with advanced equipment and skilled specialists, Cameron is a modern, high-tech facility that provides advanced diagnostics, a variety of specialties and cutting-edge treatment options that are combined with highly personalized and compassionate care.

 

DEPARTMENT: Cancer Center

JOB TITLE: Cancer Care Advocate

SHIFT:  FTE 1.0 (80 hours bi-weekly)

 

 

The Cancer Care Advocate/Navigator serves as a dedicated resource for patients, families, and caregivers throughout the cancer care continuum. This role provides individualized guidance, education, care coordination, and emotional support to help patients overcome barriers to care, navigate complex healthcare systems, and access appropriate clinical and community resources. The Cancer Care Advocate/Navigator supports both individual patient navigation and population health initiatives by promoting cancer prevention, early detection, and community education through participation in outreach and cancer screening programs. The Cancer Care Advocate/Navigator collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to promote timely diagnosis, treatment adherence, improved patient outcomes, and an exceptional patient experience while supporting equitable access to high-quality cancer care.

 

Essential Functions

Cancer Prevention, Screening, and Community Outreach


Educate patients, families, and community members on evidence-based cancer prevention strategies, risk reduction, and recommended cancer screening guidelines.
Identify individuals at increased risk for cancer and facilitate referrals for appropriate screening, genetic counseling, and preventive services.
Serve as a representative of the cancer program at community outreach events, health fairs, screening initiatives, employer wellness programs, and educational seminars.
Coordinate and participate in cancer screening and prevention events to improve community awareness and increase access to early detection services.
Collaborate with community organizations, healthcare providers, and public health partners to reduce barriers to cancer screening.
Track outreach activities, screening referrals, participation rates, and outcomes to support cancer program goals and regulatory requirements.
Provide education regarding the importance of early detection and assist individuals in navigating access to recommended screening services.


Patient Navigation and Advocacy


Serve as the primary point of contact for patients and caregivers throughout the cancer care journey.
Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify clinical, psychosocial, financial, cultural, transportation, and other barriers to care.
Develop individualized navigation plans that address patient needs and facilitate timely access to services.
Advocate on behalf of patients to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.
Assist patients in understanding diagnoses, treatment plans, healthcare terminology, and available resources.


Care Coordination


Coordinate appointments, diagnostic testing, consultations, treatments, and follow-up services across the continuum of care.
Facilitate communication among physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
Monitor patient progress and ensure timely movement through diagnostic, treatment, survivorship, and palliative care pathways.
Support transitions between inpatient, outpatient, specialty, and community-based services.


Resource Management and Support Services


Identify and connect patients with financial assistance programs, insurance navigation resources, transportation services, housing assistance, and other community supports.
Facilitate referrals to social work, behavioral health, nutrition, rehabilitation, palliative care, genetic counseling, and other supportive services as appropriate.
Assist patients with applications for grants, medication assistance programs, and other available resources.


Quality and Outcomes Management


Track navigation activities, patient encounters, barriers, interventions, and outcomes in designated documentation systems.
Collect and analyze data related to navigation effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and quality metrics.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives designed to enhance cancer care delivery and patient outcomes.
Support compliance with the Rural Health Transformation Program, accreditation, regulatory, and organizational standards.


 

Qualifications

Experience


Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in oncology, care coordination, case management, patient advocacy, navigation, or a related healthcare setting.
Knowledge of Commission on Cancer (CoC) standards and cancer program quality measures.
Experience with population health, care management, or value-based care models.
Knowledge of cancer treatment modalities, oncology care pathways, and supportive care services.
Strong understanding of healthcare systems, insurance processes, and community resources.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse patient populations.
Proficiency with electronic health records (EHRs) and healthcare documentation systems.


Skills/Competencies


Strong communication skills.
Strong critical thinking skills.
Ability to multitask and problem solve.
Excel experience preferred.


 

Education 


Bachelor's degree in Nursing preferred.


 

Licenses 


Registered Nurse preferred. Other licensure will be considered based on individual.


 

Certifications


Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN), Certified Navigator (CN-BN), Oncology Nurse Navigator–Certified (ONN-CG), or other relevant certification preferred.

Qualifications