Patient Navigation Specialist 2

Description:

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is seeking a Patient Navigation Specialist 2 to join its multidisciplinary healthcare team in Columbus, OH. This role plays a vital part in supporting patients throughout their cancer care journey, helping them navigate complex medical, emotional, and logistical challenges before, during, and after treatment. The Patient Navigator serves as a trusted advocate, ensuring that patients receive timely and equitable access to care and resources while maintaining a compassionate and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Advocacy & Coordination:
  Serve as the primary point of contact for cancer patients, helping them understand their diagnosis, treatment plans, and care pathways while advocating for their needs within the healthcare system.

• Continuum of Care Support:
  Guide patients through the full spectrum of cancer care — from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship — ensuring timely appointments, appropriate referrals, and access to supportive services.

• Barrier Assessment & Resolution:
  Evaluate and address barriers related to care access, insurance, finances, transportation, and social challenges. Connect patients and families with internal and external support resources.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:
  Work closely with social workers, Patient Care Resource Managers (PCRMs), physicians, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive care plans.

• Patient Empowerment:
  Help patients and families participate in decision-making, including exploring clinical trial options, and encourage self-navigation where possible.

• Documentation & Reporting:
  Maintain accurate, timely documentation of patient interactions, identified barriers, and solutions in medical records.

• Education & Community Engagement:
  Participate in community outreach, promote patient navigation services, and attend national conferences on patient navigation as part of the Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Public Health, Social Work, or a related field.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with diverse populations in healthcare or community-based settings.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to foster positive relationships across multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience working in multicultural environments and with community outreach programs.

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is required.

Preferred:

• Prior experience supporting oncology patients or those with chronic illnesses.

• Knowledge of cancer screening, treatment, and survivorship care.

• Familiarity with social determinants of health and patient resource management systems.

Additional Information

• Function: Care Management

• Sub Function: Patient Navigation

• Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized

• Career Level: S2

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check, and a drug screen or physical may be required post-offer.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Ohio State University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. The institution fosters a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion across all levels of employment.