Patient Navigator (BCCS)

DESCRIPTION: Provide individualized assistance to women to help overcome barriers and facilitate timely access to quality screening and diagnostic services and initiate timely treatment for those diagnosed with cancer. A Patient Navigator ensures that services provided meet the requirements of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) program, including thorough assessment, planning, coordination, monitoring, and follow-up.

The navigator provides eligibility and enrollment assistance based on state program criteria, including documentation, problem-solving, and support to uninsured patients of the Center and the surrounding community. The navigator also coordinates services with providers, support staff, and community partners and is responsible for tracking patient outcomes, resource development, and maintaining compliance with BCCS protocols.

SUPERVISION: Directly supervised by Program Coordinator.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires prolonged sitting, stooping, and bending. Occasional standing. Must be able to lift/carry up to 25 pounds. Requires the use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, copiers, and scanners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct needs assessments for all BCCS-enrolled women, especially those with abnormal results or a qualifying diagnosis.
• Identify client barriers to care (e.g., transportation, language, financial, or emotional), and resolve them through appropriate interventions.
• Develop individualized service plans based on assessment findings, including short- and long-term goals.
• Coordinate services such as appointment scheduling, referrals, transportation, translation, and follow-up.
• Provide client education and support related to cancer screening, diagnostics, and treatment.
• Ensure timely client follow-up:
• Within 30 days of abnormal screening results.
• Within 14 days of cancer diagnoses.
• Monitor client progress throughout screening, diagnostics, and initiation of treatment.
• Conduct a minimum of two contacts per client; more are preferred.
• Document all activities in Med-IT® and maintain progress notes.
• Follow up within one month after cancer diagnosis navigation to ensure service implementation.
• Track clients lost to follow-up and document good faith efforts (minimum three documented attempts).
• Maintain a resource directory specific to services supporting BCCS-eligible women (e.g., cancer care, dysplasia treatment, social support).
• Provide culturally appropriate communication and ensure language access services.
• Evaluate outcomes such as client adherence to care and treatment initiation.
• Assist with MBCC referrals, including needs assessments and resource referrals if found ineligible.
• Maintain client confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA.
• Participates in educational & promotional activities as requested.
• Participate in regular staff meetings, staff training programs, supervisory sessions, and accept the responsibility for aiding the development of positive team relationships as requested.
• Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential, and adheres to HIPAA Regulations.
• Adhere to agency policy, procedures and the professional code of ethics.
• Maintains operations by following program policies & procedures.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SECONDAY FUNCTIONS:

• Enter and manage patient data per program requirements.
• Compile and prepare reports, logs, correspondence, and educational materials.
• Support promotional and outreach activities as needed.
• Generate monthly reports on services and payments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a graduate from an accredited high school or GED program.
• Two years' experience preferably in a community health care setting.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Possess means of transportation.
• Valid Texas Driver's License and minimum liability insurance.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of corporate, Federal, State, and Joint Commission requirements/regulations.
• Basic knowledge of Bureau of Primary Health Care and Texas Department of State Health Services, expectations, rules and regulations.
• Ability to interpret, understand and carry out instructions and orders.
• Must be able to establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, visitors and patients.
• Must possess basic knowledge of compliance and HIPAA.
• Ability to accept supervision and direction.
• Ability to understand and communicate effectively both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work effectively with others and to deal tactfully with professional personnel as well as with the public.
• Ability to work with individuals or in a group to promote community education client participation.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and problems or concerns, and also the ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and in making recommendations.