UNIV - Research Program Assistant - Advanced - Department of Otolaryngology (ENT)

Job Description Summary

The MUSC Pediatric Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery division seeks a Patient Navigator to work under the supervision of an ENT surgeon-researcher to support project-specific objectives and activities navigating the diagnosis and treatment of Sleep Disordered Breathing. Following the American Cancer Society Patient Navigation model, the Patient Navigator will guide patients and parents through complex medical systems, assist with appointments and questions, and streamline communication with the medical providers to support project goals and deliverables. This position requires continuous contact with families over a 12- month period.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000998 COM OTO Pediatrics CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-04

Pay Range

33,339.00 - 47,509.00 - 61,680.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

20

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

Barrier Assessment and Resolution – 30%

Conducts initial interviews with families to identify dynamic barriers to SDB care using the Barrier Reduction Plan. Continuously reassess and resolves new or ongoing barriers to care throughout clinical study. Utilizes active listening and patient-dyad decisional support techniques to ensure care access and understanding.

Resource Coordination – 25%

Connect and coordinate families to institutional, community, and state resources using tools like the navigator guidebook and MUSC’s Social Determinants of Health Shared Resource. Arranges and identifies transportation (e.g., Medicaid rides, gas reimbursement), housing (e.g., Ronald McDonald House), and childcare options during appointments, sleep studies and procedures. Supports families through finding access to low or no cost services as needed.

Appointment Management and Follow up – 15%

Tracks appointments through the electronic health records (EHR) and contacts families through their preferred method (call, text or email) before appointments or procedures. Maintains regular contact over the 12- month follow-up period to ensure care completion and reassessment of needs.

Care Coordination with Team – 15%

Serves as the communication bridge between participants and research and clinical teams. Responsible for updating clinicians about dyad specific needs, preferences, and developments throughout the care process. Ensures efficient exchanges of information to prevent setbacks in care delivery.

Education and Social Support – 10%

Provides families with educational materials and information related to SDB diagnosis, treatment options and outcomes. Offers emotional support through supportive listening and encouragement while empowering families to make informed decisions about care.

Documentation and Reporting – 5%

Documents all interactions, barriers identified, and actions taken in EHR or other approved systems. Contributes to data collection processes and reporting for program evaluation and overall research purposes.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and four years of relevant program experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required program experience.

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Infrequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Infrequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions. (Frequent) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 36 inches, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 36 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassiste