Hispanic/Latino Patient Navigator (Social Work Specialist)

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

Patient Services:

• Advocates for patients and families:
• Engages Hispanic/Latino cancer patients and families at the time of referral to the cancer center and makes them aware of information, resources, support programs and services.
• Assumes advocate role on patient’s behalf to ensure receipt of timely and appropriate care and services.
• Assists patients in problem solving issues related to health care delivery, financial or social barriers.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with community partners to increase successful referrals, availability of resources, and interagency innovation.

Screens for psychosocial needs/concerns and makes appropriate referrals:

• Conducts an initial assessment of patient/caregiver needs, with special attention to social determinants of health to identify potential individual barriers to care, and assists in helping patients access culturally appropriate, supportive care.
• Screens Hispanic/Latino patients for psychosocial needs and assists with housing, transportation, and other resource needs as identified.
• Screening patient’s and families’ ability to cope with major life changes.
• Assists patients in gaining access to community services.
• Participates in the coordination of follow up care in OHSU clinics or in the community

Provides support to patients and families:

• Referring to Oncology Social Worker as appropriate.
• Works in partnership with SWS team and oncology SW.
• Collaborates with care teams to meet patient/family and program goals.
• Supports individuals and families with complex biopsychosocial needs in coordinating care with external providers and serves as system navigator and point of contact.

Provides patient/family education:

• Helps patients and families understand information regarding patient care issues
• Participates in patient and family health care education.
• Contributes to the creation and maintenance of culturally competent and appropriate patient education materials for Hispanic/Latino patient populations.
• Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Documentation:

• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of patient care activities an efficent manner per departmental policies. Reports patient care statistics in a timely manner. Complete all OHSU/Joint Commission mandatory education requirements and activities within established time lines. Yearly competencies as identified by department.

Professional Development:

• Participates in department meetings; participates in workshops, seminars and training sessions to maintain professional competency; assists in staff education; visits community facilities, programs or services to acquire pertinent resource information.

• Two years of social service work experience providing supportive counseling to clients on a one-to-one basis which includes full responsibility for handling each case plan; AND
• A Bachelor’s degree, or three more years of experience which shows: a) knowledge of casework methods and techniques; b) knowledge of patient’s family’s rights; c) knowledge of medical terminology; and d)knowledge of implications of the effect of illness, injury and/or disability on patients and families.

• Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken)
• Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Word.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of diverse customers in difficult situations.
• Skill in developing and maintaining professional relationships.
• Ability to prioritize work demands.
• Ability to interpret and follow policies and procedures.
• Experience working with oncology patients
• Experience working with an electronic medical record system.
• Bicultural (Hispanic) preferred