The Center for Neuro-oncology (CNO) patient-centered program, the GROW Support Initiative, provides tailored care navigation services, access to supportive care resources and community to individuals diagnosed with glioma brain tumors seen in the CNO. The Program Manager is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of programmatic materials, administrative connections and donor communications as it pertains to the GROW Support Initiative. Under the supervision of the clinical director of the CNO, the Program Manager will work in collaboration with CNO clinical staff to facilitate patient navigation to appropriate resources and services relevant to their unique neurologic, psychosocial, cognitive and behavioral needs.

The manager will report directly to the Clinical Director of the Center for Neuro-Oncology and will also work closely with the Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care (POPC).

The position is 75% program development and quality improvement and 25% patient navigation.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

This position’s work location is hybrid with two or three days per week remote. The selected candidate may only work remote days from a New England state (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI).  

The 75% programmatic and Quality Improvement responsibilities include:

• Maintain and amend the database of available resources and services within DF/HCC, locally (Greater Boston) and regionally to guide CNO clinical staff to assist with survivorship issues relevant to glioma patients.
• Interact with other Survivorship programs at DFCI to ensure needs of neuro-oncology survivors and their families are comprehensively met.
• Serve as primary program liaison to patients, other mental health clinicians and medical providers within the MGB system and the greater Boston community.
• Host and moderate patient peer groups virtually and in-person.
• Develop and implement clinical workshops, conferences, and speaker series in collaboration with POPC, social work and other stakeholders.
• Develop project plans to address patient care and systems-level gaps, tracks clinical outcomes, assist with potential research initiatives, and actively participates in meetings with NOC program stakeholders with commitment to continuous quality improvement.
• Participate in publications, abstract submissions, and local and national presentations on program.
• Write, design, update and obtain approval of digital and print program materials, including, but not limited to a program information sheet for both patients and providers and monthly program newsletter.
• Document all program-related spending and process any p-card charges in accordance with DFCI standards.

The 25% Patient Navigator role will be as follows:

• Collaborate with the NOC clinical staff in achieving optimal patient care through identification of and intervention on psychosocial issues by navigating patients and families to appropriate resources.
• As directed, meet/contact glioma new consults and follow-ups at the main campus and document all interactions. Related tasks may include:
  • meet patients in person or via phone, depending on clinic location, and provide and review program materials and services
  • make referrals, as needed, including genetic counseling, fertility consultation, social work/psychiatric counseling, sexual health consultation, physical/occupational or speech therapy, cognitive evaluation and/or rehab, nutrition/complementary therapy, and survivorship programs and services. PN I will document all contacts/service referrals in a timely manner in the database.
  • address calls/emails to the program office. PN I will provide patient navigation and case management services to patients as needed
  • Support and guide patients with complex psychosocial risk (domestic violence, abuse/neglect concerns, disabilities, adherence difficulties, substance use disorders etc.).
• Create and/or strengthen relationships with internal and external resources including other local providers and resources relevant to cancer survivorship.
• Maintain and periodically review database of GROW Support Initiative participants

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct supervisor to program patient navigators
• May oversee program interns and volunteers as needed.

• BA/BS required 
• 3 – 5 years of health education or clinical patient experience required
• Bilingual English / Spanish preferred
• Seen as a strong plus:
  • Advanced degree in nursing, social work, public health or healthcare administration
  • Oncology experience
  • Certification in patient navigation and/or background as a Community Health Worker

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to address and advocate for the survivorship needs of diverse populations in the setting of brain cancer; including but not limited to diversity in gender, age, culture, race, religion, socioeconomic status, abilities, and sexual orientation.
• Ability to innovate, develop, and implement projects, conferences, trainings, educational resources, groups, or other forums that address goals and expectations of the program stakeholders.
• Excellent communication oral and written.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to set priorities, tolerance for ambiguity.
• Analytical skills, computer literacy and keyboarding
• Passion for cancer survivorship and/or neuro-oncology specifically
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to follow documented policies and protocols for all patient interactions/contacts.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, as well as in teams.
• Experience working with diverse populations.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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