Employment Type: Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Vacancy ID: P018978

Position Summary/Description:

The main objective of this role is to provide direct assistance as a patient navigator to patients who are at a high risk of experiencing medically-indicated or spontaneous preterm birth while supporting the study of this clinical program to improve patient care. Thus, this is a hybrid role whereby the individual working in this role will serve as: (a) a vital link between patients and the clinical care team as a patient navigator / care coordinator; (b) assisting with the study of patient navigation as a tool to reduce stress and improve outcomes among patients at highest risk.

The Care Coordinator’s responsibilities will encompass identifying ‘high-risk’ patients for preterm birth, enrolling them into the ‘Prematurity Care Plus’ program, and supporting them throughout their pregnancy and up to three months postpartum. A significant aspect of this role involves building a supportive relationship with patients and becoming an integral part of the clinical team.

Outlined below are the specific tasks assigned to the Navigator Researcher:

• Patient Support: Serve as a consistent and accessible point of contact, ensuring that each patient receives the recommended care from their provider; they will act as an advocate for patients.

• Appointment Facilitation: review medical care recommendations from each patient’s provider and subsequently aiding patients in following up on these recommendations.

• Medication Assistance: will provide patients with pillboxes, low dose aspirin, and other tools proven to enhance adherence.

• Research support: assist with and support the collection patient data for analytic purposes, with the goal of demonstrating long term sustainability of this and similar initiatives.

The Navigator Researcher’s role will involve utilizing specific tools to input data for tracking patients in the program. Additionally, the Navigator Researcher will contribute to the creation of educational materials for patients, including minor website editing.

The role will primarily involve working at two off-site clinic locations, both approximately 2 miles from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.

Up to 20% of the Navigator Researcher’s time may be allocated to supporting the Manuck Research Team with related activities to ensure teamwork and coverage for team member absences. This might involve tasks for other research studies or assisting Spanish-speaking patients if needed, ensuring a smooth workflow within the team.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

AA/EEO Statement:

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.