Patient Navigator 3
Job Summary
The Pediatric Oncology Patient Navigator for the UCSF Pediatric Medical Specialties provides individualized assistance and support to patients throughout their care with Pediatric Oncology, serving as a resource and advocate for pediatric patients and families while they are going through the journey of diagnosis, treatment and recovery. The service is offered to pediatric patients from their initial visit to their ongoing post treatment appointments after discharge and ongoing monitoring throughout the patient’s pediatric life. The Pediatric Oncology Patient Navigator’s primary goals are to increase patient satisfaction, and to optimize care and outcomes. S/he acts as a communication liaison to understand the patient's non-clinical individual needs, desires, and concerns. S/he guides the patient and family to a broad range of services, amenities, and information to promote healing and ensure satisfaction with the patient care experience.
The Pediatric Oncology Patient Navigator provides patient care coordination by serving as a communication bridge, when needed, between the patient, family and the practitioners and services s/he may require during their treatment. This involves developing expertise in the operations and systems underlying all service areas directly or indirectly related to Oncology, including UCSF interdepartmental support for patients receiving care outside of Oncology Services. The position requires self-initiative, as well as exceptional social skills and emotional intelligence in order to support patients with a wide variety of psycho-social needs and the ability to effectively communicate with faculty and staff throughout the clinical enterprise. To be effective in the position, the Pediatric Oncology Patient Navigator shall remain current on inpatient care protocols that affect patients’ post discharge care on an outpatient basis. This includes attending grand rounds sessions reviewing patient safety, standardization of inpatient and outpatient protocols.
This position is a vital and an integral part of the patient-centric care mission and direct patient education efforts of UCSF Pediatric Oncology. It is the common goal of these programs to ensure patients have full, equitable and convenient access to the clinical services they require and to the health education information needed to make informed decisions about their care.
Serves as a non-clinical resource and liaison for patients and their families. Assists with navigating all aspects of the healthcare system. Uses knowledge of the unit or clinic to resolve issues and identify ways to increase patient satisfaction. Collaborates with department managers to meet patient expectations, achieve quality outcomes and build a patient focused culture.
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
The salary range for this position is $66,900 - $100,400 (Annual Rate).
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit:https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
Department Description
The Pediatric Oncology Patient Navigator for the UCSF Pediatric Medical Specialties provides individualized assistance and support to patients throughout their care with Pediatric Oncology, serving as a resource and advocate for pediatric patients and families while they are going through the journey of diagnosis and treatment for cancer. The service is offered to pediatric patients from their initial visit to their ongoing post treatment appointments 2-3 weeks after discharge and ongoing monitoring during treatment for pediatric cancer. A particular focus is assisting patients coming to UCSF for second opinion or advanced cancer care from an outside referring physician. Patient Navigator is responsible for insuring an efficient visit that cover referring provider and patient needs.
The Pediatric Oncology Patient Navigator provides patient care coordination by serving as a communication bridge, when needed, between the patient, family and referring providers and services he/she may require during their treatment. This involves developing expertise in the operations and systems underlying all service areas directly or indirectly related to Pediatric oncology care at UCSF, including UCSF interdepartmental support for patients receiving care outside of Pediatric Oncology. The position requires self-initiative, as well as exceptional social skills and emotional intelligence in order to support patients with a wide variety of psycho-social needs and the ability to effectively communicate with faculty and staff throughout the clinical enterprise. To be effective in the position, the Pediatric Oncology Patient Navigator shall remain current on inpatient care protocols particularly Phase I protocols for which patients may be specifically referred for care to UCSF. To stay current, Patient Navigator will be expected to attend weekly tumor boards and other meetings where status of individual patients and development of new protocols is discussed.
This position is a vital and an integral part of the patient-centric care mission and direct patient education efforts of UCSF Pediatric Oncology. It is the common goal of this program to ensure patients have full, equitable and convenient access to the clinical services they require and to the health education information needed to make informed decisions about their care.
Required Qualifications
Strong knowledge of Patient Rights & Responsibilities, Joint Commission standards, and Centers for Medicare / Medicaid regulations. Knowledge of Medical Terminology. Strong knowledge of data collection, compilation, and analytical techniques. Strong skills to comprehend and assess patient's grievances to quickly locate appropriate resource for assistance. In-depth knowledge of the organization and how to get issues resolved. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to communicate and resolve issues effectively with a diverse population of patients, staff and physicians. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to develop solutions and recommend changes and follow through with implementation. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with Windows-based software including Microsoft word, Excel, Outlook. Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in health care environment (3+ years)
- Strong knowledge of Patient Rights & Responsibilities, Joint Commission standards, and Centers for Medicare / Medicaid regulations. Knowledge of Medical Terminology. Strong knowledge of data collection, compilation, and analytical techniques.
- Strong skills to comprehend and assess patient's grievances to quickly locate appropriate resource for assistance. In-depth knowledge of the organization and how to get issues resolved.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to communicate and resolve issues effectively with a diverse population of patients, staff and physicians.Ability to communicate effectively, both over the telephone and directly in person
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to develop solutions and recommend changes and follow through with implementation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Windows-based software including Microsoft word, Excel, Outlook. Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bi-lingual or multi-lingual capability (Spanish, Cantonese, Russian)
About UCSF
At UCSF Health, our mission of innovative patient care, advanced technology and pioneering research is redefining what’s possible for the patients we serve – a promise we share with the professionals who make up our team.
Consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals nationwide by U.S. News & World Report – UCSF Health is committed to providing the most rewarding work experience while delivering the best care available anywhere. In an environment that allows for continuous learning and opportunities for professional growth, UCSF Health offers the ideal atmosphere in which to best use your skills and talents.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available atdiversity.ucsf.edu
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Job Code and Payroll Title
004198 PAT NAVGTR NON-CLIN 3
Job Category
Administrative Support
Bargaining Unit
99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit)
Location
San Francisco, CA
Additional Shift Details
Monday - Friday
Freqently Asked Questions
In San Francisco, a Patient Navigator 3 specializes in guiding pediatric oncology families through complex treatment journeys by coordinating care, offering emotional support, and connecting them with local resources. They act as advocates to ensure families understand protocols and receive culturally competent assistance tailored to the city's diverse population.
Navigators with certifications in patient advocacy, healthcare coordination, or bilingual abilities (especially Spanish or Cantonese) tend to excel in California’s pediatric oncology landscape. Knowledge of state healthcare regulations and expertise in managing multidisciplinary oncology teams further enhance effectiveness in this specialized role.
Patient Navigator 3 roles demand deeper clinical knowledge, advanced problem-solving, and leadership in coordinating among oncology specialists. Unlike entry-level positions, this role requires managing complex case logistics, attending tumor boards, and applying regulatory standards to optimize pediatric patient outcomes in oncology.
Daily tasks involve bridging communication between families and multiple healthcare providers, resolving non-clinical concerns, facilitating access to clinical trials, and ensuring smooth transitions from inpatient to outpatient care. This role requires emotional intelligence to navigate sensitive situations throughout the cancer care continuum.
At UCSF, the Patient Navigator 3 is pivotal in streamlining care pathways, advocating for patient rights, and fostering collaboration between departments. This position supports UCSF’s mission by ensuring equitable access to services and educating families, thus enriching the pediatric oncology patient experience.
Uniquely, this role combines high-level patient advocacy with active participation in clinical meetings and protocol updates, reflecting UCSF’s commitment to innovation. The position’s focus on pediatric oncology, coupled with a culturally diverse patient base, demands exceptional interpersonal skills and adaptability.
The annual salary for a Patient Navigator 3 at UCSF ranges from $66,900 to $100,400. This reflects San Francisco’s high cost of living and competitive healthcare job market, rewarding professionals who bring specialized skills in pediatric oncology navigation and patient-centered care coordination.
Navigators in San Francisco often face significant commute times due to urban congestion, making proximity or flexible scheduling valuable. The city’s progressive work culture emphasizes diversity and inclusion, requiring navigators to be culturally sensitive and adaptable in their patient interactions.
Given UCSF’s reputation and San Francisco’s dense healthcare network, competition for Patient Navigator 3 roles is strong. Candidates with multilingual capabilities, oncology experience, and familiarity with pediatric care coordination tend to stand out in this competitive market.
Success hinges on empathetic listening, clear explanation of complex medical information, and conflict resolution. Mastery in navigating diverse cultural backgrounds and tailoring communication styles ensures families feel supported and informed throughout their oncology treatment journey.
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