Position Summary

The Breast Health Patient Navigator’s primary function is to guide breast health patients through the healthcare system by assisting with access issues, developing relationships with service providers, and tracking interventions and outcomes. The Navigator will also develop a resource bank for clinical trials, treatment options and advancements, financial and insurance resources, and social services programs for breast cancer patients.

 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities Includes the Following:

Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards, Policies, and Behaviors Monitor educational materials inventory, fulfill all community educational materials requests received by the Affiliate, and prepare educational materials for events as needed. Create and maintain a database of relevant breast health and breast cancer programs and services offered and communicate/distribute resources to other agencies and community members. Receive, respond to, and track community resource and patient navigation calls in a timely manner. Assist in representing WPH in area coalitions across the service area. Monitor and update educational content of Breast Health website, including local and national resources, breast cancer screening events, breast cancer statistics, breast health educational messaging, and other relevant information. Provide information and other resources for the area’s not-for-profit community, providing referrals or direct assistance as needed. To that end, create and nurture relationships with resource providers. Assist in developing new programs that address community needs and new or emerging issues related to breast health or breast cancer. Provide consultation, training, and assistance to community organizations in developing, implementing, and evaluating breast health screening, treatment, and/or education programs. Follow up and initiate communication with patients upon learning they have a suspicious mammogram or positive finding. Guide patients through the healthcare system by scheduling and coordinating scheduled appointments, assuring that patients arrive on time and are prepared. Assist patients in understanding their diagnosis, treatment options, and resources available, including educating patients about appropriate clinical research studies and technologies, and coordinating care with other team members. Assess the psycho-social issues of each patient and design an appropriate service delivery plan to connect patients to community and social support services. Provide counseling services that will enable the patient to effectively cope with the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and the subsequent lifestyle changes that may occur. Facilitate interaction and communication with healthcare professionals and providers. Offer educational sessions to inform practitioners of the breast health navigator role, services provided, and encourage referrals. Assist breast cancer patients in finding ways to pay for their treatments, prescriptions, and cost-of-living expenses. Recommend and develop methods to communicate the latest developments in treatment to patients and survivors. Create, implement, and evaluate a peer-to-peer support network for newly diagnosed patients to link them to individuals who have similar diagnoses, barriers, and emotional issues. Assist with arranging for patient transportation where needed. Build relationships with other patient navigators. Track interventions and outcomes. Ensure resources are utilized to create the greatest impact. Responds well to changing demands and accepts challenging opportunities. Works independently and proactively takes ownership of all projects. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

NYS RN license and BSN required. Breast Health Clinical Navigator Certification required. Minimum of three years’ professional experience in the related field; healthcare experience is strongly preferred. Experience with statistical data analysis, grant writing, and program evaluation preferred. Experience in breast cancer/women’s health preferred. Knowledge of Spanish a plus.

 

Core Competencies

· Teamwork,

· adaptability,

· communication skills,

· problem-solving skills,

· planning and organizing,

· attention to detail,

· judgment and

· decisions making skills,

· stress tolerance.

Physical/Mental Demands/Requirements & Work Environment

· Must be able to remain in stationary position 50% of the time

· The person in this position needs to occasionally move about the department to access patients and paperwork.

· Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery

· The person in this position frequently communicates with patients who have questions about their test and must be

able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

· Frequently move and position patients for exams

· May be exposed to chemicals necessary to perform required tasks. Any hazardous chemicals the employee may be

exposed to are listed in the hospital’s SDS (Safety Data Sheet) data base and may be accessed through the

hospital’s Intranet site (Employee Tools/SDS Access).

 

Primary Population Served

Check appropriate box(s) below:

☐Neonatal (birth – 28 days)

☐Patients with exceptional communication needs

☐Infant (29 days – less than 1 year)

☐Patients with developmental delays

☐Pediatric (1 – 12 years)

☐Patients at end of life

☐Adolescent (13 – 17 years)

☐Patients under isolation precautions

☐Adult (18 – 64 years)

☐Patients with cultural needs

☐Geriatric (> 65 years)

☒All populations

☐Bariatric Patients with weight-related cormorbidities

☐ Non-patient care population

 

The responsibilities and tasks outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of White Plains Hospital.