This position works within the Bona Lab in the Pediatric Outcomes research program. The Bona Lab’s research portfolio focuses on improving childhood cancer outcomes by systematically considering social determinants of health as risk factors in the clinical trial setting and identifying potential targets for intervention. The Parent Peer Research Navigator will lead the COMPRENDO intervention for Spanish speaking parent/guardians of children with newly diagnosed cancer which includes peer navigation visits in person with parent/guardians at the time of clinical treatment consent discussions.

The Parent Peer Research Navigator will provide information and decision-making tools, per the research protocol, to help parents/guardians better understand treatment clinical trials. They will build strong relationships with parents of children with cancer to improve their experience and understanding of the consenting process for pediatric cancer treatment. Parent Peer Research Navigators will provide information and understanding of the difference between Standard of Care and Treatment Clinical Trials, as well as help parents determine what questions to ask their child’s oncology doctor.

The Parent Peer Research Navigator is a research role that will work closely with the healthcare team, which may include doctors, nurses, social workers, and other clinical staff to support parents and patients. They will be responsible for meeting with parents of pediatric cancer patients to deliver assigned research interventions and will attend the informed consent discussion to help facilitate questions.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Establishes connections with parents of children with cancer to provide protocol-specified support.
• Communicates with healthcare team members to facilitate treatment informed consent discussion with child’s parents.
• Observes, assesses, and reports potential issues and challenges to appropriate team members.
• Maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with institutional policies.
• Meets with parents/guardians and patients before and after oncology doctor appointments to facilitate questions and discussion and assist in clarifying information.
• Meets with healthcare team to discuss informed consent, parent/guardian and patient
• Participates in child’s treatment informed consent with oncology doctors, parents and patients.
• Maintains documentation as required per research protocols and in accordance with institutional policies.
• Attends meetings and conference calls as directed.
• Completes study tasks as assigned.

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree preferred.

 Minimum Experience:

• Lived experience of having a child with cancer required.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Prior exposure to treatment clinical trials preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience working in a related role (e.g., parent advocate, parent liaison, patient navigation, social work, health coach, community health worker, promoter) preferred.
• Experience with community health organizations preferred.
• Exposure to/experience navigating issues of death and dying preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong understanding of cultural competency, humility, awareness
• Passionate, trustworthy, and empathetic.
• Ability to build relationships with different types of people, including parents, organization members, and healthcare providers.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills and ability to speak concisely to parents and healthcare team members.
• Ability to provide support with decision-making and answer parents’ questions through motivational interviewing.
• Organized, flexible and adaptable in response to changing needs.
• Must practice discretion and always adhere to hospital confidentiality guidelines.
• Must have computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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