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.
Summary:
The Oncology Patient Navigator (OPN) is a key member of the UNC Cancer Care Navigation team, working directly with cancer patients and their caregivers to address challenges that may interfere with care delivery and outcomes.
Responsibilities:
1. Conduct comprehensive barrier assessments in four domains: health promotion (e.g., access to medical care, food insecurity), logistics (e.g., transportation, lodging), financial (e.g., assistance applications), and emotional/social support (e.g., coping resources, referrals).
2. Assist patients, families, and caregivers by providing resources and interventions based on the needs identified in the barrier assessment through education, advocacy, resourcing, referral, and support.
3. Partner with research coordinators for community outreach related to active surveillance and cancer screening for high-risk patients, and participate in research initiatives to support UNC Cancer Care Navigation and Commission on Cancer accreditation.
4. Build trust and mutual respect with patients, families, and caregivers while demonstrating empathy, integrity, compassion, and cultural sensitivity in all interactions.
5. Encourage self-advocacy and effective communication with the medical team.
6. Uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion in all interactions and identify barriers stemming from health literacy gaps and language discordance.
7. Work effectively with healthcare providers and hospital staff through professional communication and proper channels.
8. Properly document interventions in the electronic medical record and maintain data tracking as outlined by the supervisor.
9. Ensure care is appropriate and effective for cancer treatment and health promotion.
Other Information
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.
Job Details
Legal Employer: STATE
Entity: UNC Medical Center
Organization Unit: UNCH Oncology Pt & Fam Rsc Ctr
Work Type: Part Time
Standard Hours Per Week: 20.00
Salary Range: $20.03 - $28.52 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 their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
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.
