Kern Medical has been a community cornerstone since its founding in 1867. Today, we are an acute care teaching center with 222 beds, offering the only advanced trauma care between Fresno and Los Angeles. Kern Medical offers a range of primary, specialty, and multi-specialty services including high-risk pregnancy care, inpatient psychiatric services integrated with county mental health programs, and a growing network of outpatient clinics providing personalized patient-centered wellness care. Kern Medical cares for 15,500 inpatients and 125,000 clinic patients a year.

Career Opportunities within Kern Medical include many benefits such as:

• New Hire Premium: +6% of base rate of pay, matched up to 6% if contributed to Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Future Salary Increase: 3.25% in July 2023 and 3.25% in July 2024
• A Comprehensive Benefits Package: includes Holidays, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance.

Position: Patient Navigator II - Columbus Infusion Center - Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Compensation

The estimated pay for this position is $22.5132 to $27.6886. The rates shown include a 6% premium pay (base= $-$ plus 6%). This reflects only a portion of the total compensation package for this position. Additional compensation may be available for this role through differentials, incentives, and bonuses. In addition, this position may be eligible for participation and company contributions into the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

Definition:

The Patient Navigator, under direct supervision of management, will establish contact with cancer patients, survivors and caregivers through approaches agreed upon, in order to raise awareness about information resources, support programs and services, and assisting in meeting other cancer-related needs of patients and caregivers. The Patient Navigator will guide patients and their families through the cancer care continuum to identify barriers to treatment and assist with access to needed resources to decrease barriers.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is the second level of the Patient Navigator series. The Patient Navigator II is distinguished from the Patient Navigator I by specialized support activities and the requirement of a Medical Assistant Certificate.

Essential Functions:

• Initiates communication with patients referred by primary care providers or by oncology providers;
• Guides patients through the healthcare system, and decreases any barriers of treatment;
• Connects patients with community and social support services;
• Facilitates interactions and communication with healthcare staff, providers, and resources;
• Identifies each patient’s barriers to care, and coordinates with staff to develop effective solutions;
• Attends meetings with other healthcare providers to discuss current processes and issues;
• Coordinates and builds information-sharing relationships with other patient navigators;
• Facilitates access to available American Cancer Society (ACS) and non-ACS services and programs;
• Provides support through active, empathetic listening;
• Assists in arranging transportation, funding, and support services for medically underserved patients;
• Establishes and leverages relationships and alliances with local service providers and other healthcare providers to enhance service and referral networks;
• Collaborates with Hospital Management to develop and implement a partnership plan for connecting with oncology patients in assigned health system;
• Coordinates surgery scheduling and medical clearances for patients served;
• Obtains test results, images and other related information needed for medical office visit.

Other Functions:

• Performs other related duties as assigned;
• Employees must maintain all health requirements designated by Kern Medical.

Employment Standards:

• High School Diploma/GED required;
• Patient Navigator Certification required;
• Medical Assistant Certificate Required and maintained;
• Experience working in a healthcare setting desired;
• Experience working with oncology patients and families is preferred.

Candidates must provide detailed information on their equivalent combination of education and/or experience which provides the knowledge of, skills and abilities indicated below:

Knowledge of:

• Must have thorough knowledge of healthcare systems, medical terminology, and be able to communicate effectively;
• Must have a working knowledge of HIPAA regulations;

Skills:

• Must be able to navigate an electronic medical record and other computer software systems proficiently;
• Proficient in writing, reading and comprehension of medical terminology.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Use professional and ethical judgment and critical thinking when performing duties;
• Instill trust and gain the confidence and trust of others through honestly, integrity, and authenticity;
• Interact collaboratively with medical teams;
• Work independently and with minimal supervision;
• Follow directions/instructions from supervisor;
• Remain composed under stress;
• Adapt to new situations in real time, to match the shifting demands of different situations;
• Organize and complete work in a timely manner.

Supplemental:

Dependent upon assignment, applicants may be required to pass an extensive background investigation, and be fingerprinted. Disqualification for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

All Kern Medical employees are designated “Disaster Service Workers” through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec. 3100-3109 and Ordinance Code Title 2 - Administration, Ch. 2.66 Emergency Services.) As Disaster Service Workers, all county employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster.