Mgr Smilow Patient Navigation

This role is responsible for staff supervision, program development, quality improvement, resource management, and ensuring delivery of patient-centered navigation services across the cancer care continuum. Reporting to the Smilow Director of Access and Navigation, the Manager of Patient Navigation will oversee the activities of the Oncology Nurse Navigators (ONN?s), non-clinical navigators, and other identified navigation roles.

Overview:

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Reporting to the Smilow Director of Access and Navigation, the Manager of Patient Navigation will oversee the activities of the Oncology Nurse Navigators (ONN?s), non-clinical navigators, and other identified navigation roles. This role involves collaboration with Nursing, Physician and Administrative leaders across all diseases, as well as collaboration with the Access Leadership team. The Manager of Oncology Nurse Navigation provides operational, clinical, and strategic leadership for the oncology nurse navigator program. This role is responsible for staff supervision, program development, quality improvement, resource management, and ensuring delivery of patient-centered navigation services across the cancer care continuum. The manager collaborates with multidisciplinary leadership to improve access, reduce barriers to care, support accreditation standards, and achieve organizational goals related to patient experience and clinical outcomes.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Responsibilities:

• 1. Strategic Project Management: Lead and execute complex, cross-functional initiatives that align with business goals, improve team operations, and optimize patient outcomes.
• 2. Operational Excellence: Design and implement scalable workflows to support care delivery and long-term growth.
• 3. Measurement Strategy: Define and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• 4. Knowledge Management: Develop, organize, and maintain operational knowledge, including care playbooks, policies, and procedures.
• 5. Training & Onboarding: Oversee new hire onboarding programs and ongoing learning initiatives for frontline and leadership staff. Ensure a competent navigation workforce in alignment with the Professional Oncology Navigation Taskforce Standards of Professional Practice.
• 6. Quality Assurance: Manage service and clinical quality programs, including quality assurance and systems improvement efforts.
• 7. Data Modeling & Analysis: Use data to inform operational decisions, staffing models, capacity planning, and performance measurement.
• 8. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with key departments and initiatives to ensure operations align with institutional priorities and there is a clear understanding of navigation roles/responsibilities within the oncology team.
• 9. Staff Management: Develop tools and procedures for hiring staff, coordinate onboarding, and establish regular staff meetings for direction and support.
• 10. Frontline Engagement: Build strong relationships with frontline team members to ensure operational initiatives reflect real-world needs within the oncology care teams.
• 11. Performance Evaluation: Monitor staff performance, including patient assessments, referrals, follow-ups, and caseload management.
• 12. Program Deliverables: Collaborate with the Navigation Team to ensure program deliverables are met and advise appropriate leadership as needed.
• 13. Reporting: Provide transparent monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to Executive Level leadership.
• 14. Budget & Fundraising: Review program budgets, monitor grant status, and interface with grantors and foundations. Lead initiative to prepare for, launch and monitor CMS billing for Principal Illness Navigation.
• 15. Leadership & Representation: Participate in local and national oncology patient navigation initiatives and represent Smilow at conferences and events.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

 

BSN required. MSN, MHA or other advanced degree in health care related field preferred.

 

EXPERIENCE

 

5 years of healthcare management. Nursing Navigation experience strongly preferred. Prior direct experience in clinical oncology navigation, including direct patient care, training and/or certification, and/or program management is required.

 

LICENSURE

 

CT Nursing License. ONS certification in oncology or Navigation certification preferred.

 

SPECIAL SKILLS

 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Proven ability to lead teams and develop high-performing talent. Strategic thinking and a data-driven approach to problem-solving. Experience in facilitating staff professional development opportunities. Knowledge of culturally competent care and experience working with diverse populations. Exceptional operational execution skills with a focus on systems-thinking and process optimization. Proficiency in data modeling and analysis.

 

PHYSICAL DEMAND

 

Ability to work from the New Haven main campus and travel to non-New Haven sites as needed.