Clinical Oncology Navigator

Reporting to the Clinical Nurse Supervisor, the Cancer Services Patient Navigator serves as a single point of contact for patients with cancer, their family members, caregivers, and referring physicians to access cancer care services at Griffin Health. Responsible for coordinating care of identified patients with cancer in collaboration with a team of healthcare professionals to ensure timely, high quality care across the cancer care continuum within an accountable care framework. The cancer care continuum is defined as from the time of diagnosis to survivorship or hospice. Liaisons with referring physicians. Demonstrates excellent customer service, written and oral communication skills. Knowledgeable of network and community services

MAIN FUNCTION: The Integrative Oncology Navigator will:

• Assesses patient needs upon initial encounter and periodically throughout navigation, matching unmet need with appropriate services and referrals and support services such as palliative care, dietician, medical providers, social work, pre/rehabilitation, legal and financial services

• Guide patients as well as their families and caregivers through the health care system, establishing contact with newly diagnosed patients within the cancer care setting as early as possible through stipulated approaches.
• Understand the clinical pathways established by the Griffin Hospital Cancer Center Oncology Program and will coordinate health care services for patients within the organization, at outside facilities, and within the community for timely diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
• Actively identify and address any barriers to care and assist with access issues that might keep the patient from receiving timely and appropriate treatment for their cancer diagnosis.
• Raise awareness about American Cancer Society information resources, Griffin Hospital support programs and services, community resources; assist in meeting other cancer-related needs expressed by patients and families; and connect patients with these resources, health care, and support services.

• Assist the patient and oncology physicians in the transition from active treatment to survivorship.
• Be responsible for ongoing evaluation and quality improvement of the Patient Navigator Program.
• Be responsible for promoting and integrating the Planetree programmatic elements services and complementary alternative medical services within the Cancer Center.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Provides supportive guidance and education for cancer patients, family members, and caregivers
• Facilitates communication, cooperation, and collaboration among health care providers
• Supports the Planetree philosophy of health care provided at Griffin Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center and serves as a role model for others
• Coordinates and supports delivery of Planetree Amenity Services including ensuring that Planetree amenity services staffed by volunteers are operating at established target levels
• Responsible for accurate record-keeping
• Maintains responsibility for attendance/reliability to ensure that the Hospital is operated in an efficient and cost effective manner
• Contributes to the mission of the organization by supporting the Employee Philosophy, Planetree Model of Care, and Organizational Goals

EDUCATION:  Bachelor's Degree in Nursing or graduate of an accredited nursing program with a Bachelor's Degree in a health related field. 

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: CT RN License, BLS, CPR, OCN, ACS LION or other Oncology Navigation certifications are required for this position. 

EXPERIENCE: At least three or more years of experience working in an Oncology setting, knowledge of the Cancer Care Continuum and interacting collaboratively with the Oncology teams. Requires thorough knowledge of health care systems, evidence based cancer care, and medical terminology. Requires strong customer service and communication skills.  Experience in community outreach and health care reimbursement is required. Must have proficiency in MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Health-related field or social work preferred, or sufficient life/work experience.