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<br>"Responsible for working closely with infants and toddlers (birth–3) 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."<br><br>Does this position require Patient Care?<br>No<br><br>Essential Functions<br>-Advocate for patients and their families, ensuring their needs and preferences are considered in the care planning process. <br>
-Serve as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and other relevant stakeholders. <br>
-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. <br>
-Assist patients in understanding and adhering to their care plans with emphasis on early childhood hearing loss and intervention timelines. <br>
-Identify and connect patients with appropriate healthcare and community resources, such as support groups, financial assistance programs, and transportation services. <br>
-Educate patients and their families about their medical conditions, treatment options, and self-care strategies. <br>
-Ensure that patients are informed and empowered to actively participate in their healthcare decisions. <br>
-Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of patient interactions, care plans, and resource referrals. <br><br>Role-Specific Responsibilities<br>
-Provide longitudinal support to families of children birth–3 following diagnostic AER through Early Intervention enrollment.<br>
-Meet with caregivers after diagnosis and at regular intervals to support follow-up and care coordination.<br>
-Provide counseling on hearing loss, communication options, and intervention pathways.<br>
-Guide families through the Pediatric Hearing Healthcare Roadmap.<br>
-Coordinate referrals and services with Early Intervention (EI) agencies and Deaf/Hard of Hearing specialty providers.<br>
-Support adherence to Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) timelines for diagnosis and intervention.<br>
-Screen caregiver needs and facilitate referrals (e.g., social work, MGB providers).<br>
-Monitor caregiver stress and adjust support accordingly.<br>
-Track appointments and proactively follow up to reduce missed visits and delays in care.<br>
-Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies (e.g., MCDHH, DPH, EI programs).<br>
-Maintain documentation, case tracking, and required Releases of Information.<br>
-Participate in regular case review meetings and contribute to care planning.<br>

 

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor's Degree Clinical Social Work required or Bachelor's Degree Healthcare Management required or Bachelor's 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,