Early Childhood Patient Navigator

Site: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

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Position that is fully funded by Oberkotter Foundation (directs) and Audiology Hearing Rehabilitation grant (indirect) for 3 years

Job Summary

Summary
Responsible for working closely with infants and toddlers (birth3) who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families to ensure timely coordinated and family-centered care. The Patient Navigator supports families in accessing diagnostic hearing technology and Early Intervention services in alignment with Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) benchmarks while reducing barriers and improving caregiver understanding and engagement.

Does this position require Patient Care
No

Essential Functions
-Advocate for patients and their families ensuring their needs and preferences are considered in the care planning process.

-Serve as a liaison between patients healthcare providers and other relevant stakeholders.

-Collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team including audiology speech-language pathology and early intervention providers to coordinate patient care services appointments and follow-up plans.

-Assist patients in understanding and adhering to their care plans with emphasis on early childhood hearing loss and intervention timelines.

-Identify and connect patients with appropriate healthcare and community resources such as support groups financial assistance programs and transportation services.

-Educate patients and their families about their medical conditions treatment options and self-care strategies.

-Ensure that patients are informed and empowered to actively participate in their healthcare decisions.

-Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of patient interactions care plans and resource referrals.

Role-Specific Responsibilities

-Provide longitudinal support to families of children birth3 following diagnostic AER through Early Intervention enrollment.

-Meet with caregivers after diagnosis and at regular intervals to support follow-up and care coordination.

-Provide counseling on hearing loss communication options and intervention pathways.

-Guide families through the Pediatric Hearing Healthcare Roadmap.

-Coordinate referrals and services with Early Intervention (EI) agencies and Deaf/Hard of Hearing specialty providers.

-Support adherence to Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) timelines for diagnosis and intervention.

-Screen caregiver needs and facilitate referrals (e.g. social work MGB providers).

-Monitor caregiver stress and adjust support accordingly.

-Track appointments and proactively follow up to reduce missed visits and delays in care.

-Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies (e.g. MCDHH DPH EI programs).

-Maintain documentation case tracking and required Releases of Information.

-Participate in regular case review meetings and contribute to care planning.

Education
Bachelors Degree Clinical Social Work required or Bachelors Degree Healthcare Management required or Bachelors Degree Related Field of Study required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree
Yes

Licenses and Credentials

Experience
Social work case management or related field preferably in a clinical setting 1-2 years preferred

Preferred Qualifications

-Experience working with infants and toddlers (birth-3) particularly in Early Intervention settings

-Background in deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) services

-Familiarity with Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) guidelines and timelines

-Experience providing caregiver counseling or family-centered support following a new diagnosis

-Knowledge of communication modalities and intervention options for children who are deaf or hard of hearing

-Experience coordinating care across medical educational and community based systems

Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of healthcare resources community services and patient advocacy.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines and experiences.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Familiarity with electronic health records and case management software.

Physical Requirements

• Standing Frequently (34-66%)
• Walking Frequently (34-66%)
• Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)
• Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs (w/assisted device)
• Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs
• Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)
• Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Balancing Frequently (34-66%)
• Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
• Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Reaching Frequently (34-66%)
• Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%)
• Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
• Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
• Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)
• Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)
• Talking Constantly (67-100%)
• Hearing Constantly (67-100%)

Onsite

243-245 Charles Street

40

Regular

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$23.34 - $33.37/Hourly

Grade

5

At Mass General Brigham we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive and any offer extended will take into account your skills relevant experience if applicable education certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation addition to competitive base pay we offer comprehensive benefits career advancement opportunities differentials premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.

5110 Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religious creed national origin sex age gender identity disability sexual orientation military service genetic information and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974 and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at .

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