Patient Navigator II

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world's deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. These values are grounded in and expressed through the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an anti-racist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, anti-racism and inclusion.

The patient navigator assesses and assists patients, families, and caregivers in overcoming practical, tangible barriers to care so patients may fully engage in cancer treatment and survivorship care. In this role, the patient navigator:
• Works in a fast-paced, dynamic healthcare environment within one or more departments
• Helps patients, families, and caregivers overcome barriers to care, such as financial, medical transportation, medical lodging, insurance coverage, medication co-pays, emotional support, cultural issues, and complex service needs
• Participates in care coordination with other healthcare professionals and community service providers to facilitate timely care for patients, and to arrange supportive services as needed
• Serves as a cultural broker with the medical and other internal teams so that patients receive culturally appropriate care and services
• Collaborates with diverse community organizations to promote access to care at Fred Hutch
• Collaborates with others within and outside the organization to provide patient care that is safe, timely, efficient, effective and equitable
• Helps establish and maintain a climate of mutual respect, dignity, diversity, ethical integrity, and trust

• Assess barriers to care and involve patients/families in creating potential solutions to problems, considering patient's physical and emotional status, reading level, health care literacy, culture, language, and amount of information desired
• Identify and arrange internal and/or external resources to meet patient needs. Continually expand knowledge of community and other resources, including immigration, DHSH, employment and financial resources
• Educate patients and caregivers on the multi-disciplinary nature of cancer care and survivorship, the roles of team members, and what to expect from the health care system
• Empower patients by promoting self-management skills and providing information about resources and referrals
• Encourage active communication between patients/families and health care providers to help optimize patient outcomes
• Assess patients' capacity to self-advocate. Help patients optimize time with their care team by prioritizing questions, clarifying information, etc.
• Contribute to patient navigation program development, implementation, and evaluation; follow through on special projects and assigned tasks as requested by manager
• Demonstrate empathy and provide information and support within scope of practice; refer to licensed clinicians as appropriate
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with HIPAA, privacy, safety, and other regulations; document care provided in accordance with Fred Hutch policies and procedures

Required:

• High school diploma
• Three years in social services or health related field or other relevant experience required.
• Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with patients/families from diverse cultural backgrounds; sensitivity to the often stressful situations patients/families are facing
• Ability to work well with diverse members of multidisciplinary team
• Good written and oral communication skills; excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and shift easily from one task to another as needed. Ability to prioritize tasks and problem-solve daily
• Team player: timely communication, follows through on commitments, demonstrates reliability
• Oral and written fluency in English
• Working knowledge of community resources for the greater Puget Sound Region and beyond
• Technical skills in Microsoft Office and other programs (EHR, etc.), as the job requires

Preferred:

• BA/BS
• Oral and written fluency in a language other than English helpful

A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in your career or that will be made through your work at Fred Hutch is requested of all finalists.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $29.19 to $41.56 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks), and partially paid sabbatical leave (up to 6 months).