PATIENT NAVIGATORS

Company information

Company

HST Careers

Division

HSS

Health Systems Trust is an innovative non-profit organisation working to strengthen ongoing development of comprehensive health systems in southern Africa

Province

National

Job Specification Information

Title

PATIENT NAVIGATORS

Description

The Health Systems Trust (HST) seeks to appoint 19 Patient Navigators for the Breast Cancer Project in Zululand (9) & Gauteng (10). To provide patient-centred navigation support for women and clients across the breast cancer continuum, including diagnostic work-up, treatment initiation, adherence, follow-up, survivorship and palliative care referral where required. To identify and reduce barriers to timely breast cancer care by coordinating appointments, referrals, results follow-up, health education, psychosocial support and linkage between facilities, treatment centres, community structures and project partners. To maintain accurate client records, monitor patient movement through the care pathway, trace clients who miss appointments, and escalate complex clinical, social or system barriers to the Lead Navigator, Nurse Clinician or relevant multidisciplinary team. This is a fixed-term contract, renewable based on performance and funding.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend training and display competency in breast cancer navigation. • Patient navigation and care coordination. • Linkage to breast screening, diagnosis and treatment services. • Client follow-up, tracing and barrier resolution. • Data collection, and reporting (Data management). • Adherence to HST policies. • Adherence to DoH breast cancer guidelines. • Performance management – individual and project. • Skills transfer to DoH counterparts on navigation practices and data management

Key Attributes

• Basic knowledge of psychosocial support principles and referral networks for counselling, social support, nutrition, transport and palliative care. • Ability to influence change and build strong relationships with various stakeholders. • Knowledge of facility and community targets. • Proficiency in Microsoft programmes (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). • Ability to methodically prioritise and plan activities to deliver on targets. • Good interpersonal skills. • Ability to motivate patients for treatment adherence and survivorship. • Ability to maintain confidentiality and awareness of and sensitivity to cultural differences, as well as political, confidential and ethical issues pertaining to healthcare worker and patient information. • Good communication and counselling skills. • Good knowledge of clients’ language. • Fluency in English, written and spoken and local language (dominant language). • Create and maintain a client-friendly environment. • Maintain a high standard of professional care and support. • Support palliative care programmes. • Strong work ethic.

Education Required

Matric

Qualification Required

• Matric/Grade 12 Certificate (with Mathematics/ Maths literacy, Life Orientation and Life sciences as subjects). • Knowledge of community health, social work, counselling, health promotion, nursing support, public health or a related field will be advantageous. • Training in patient navigation, counselling, psychosocial support, health education or cancer care coordination will be advantageous. • Basic knowledge of breast cancer awareness, screening, diagnosis, treatment pathways and referral processes. • Computer literacy and mathematical skills.

Experience Required

• Knowledge of breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment referral pathways, survivorship support and palliative care referral processes. • Knowledge and application of Batho Pele principles, confidentiality, informed consent and ethical handling of patient information. • Strong communication, interpersonal, organisational and problem-solving skills. • Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams, health facilities, community structures and partners. • Willingness to travel between facilities and communities.

Remuneration

A salary package commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications and in line with HST’s job grading system will be offered.

Other Job Details

• Interested applicants must complete their application online at: https://careers.hst.org.za/ • Applicants are to ensure that their online applications are completed in full, and that comprehensive CVs are uploaded with the online application in order to be considered. • Applicant’s CV must be saved with a filename reflecting their name and surname. • No applications sent via e-mail will be considered for the job, as all applicants must submit their applications online at the provided link. PLEASE NOTE: • All personal information collected is processed lawfully in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). • Shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit certified copies of all qualifications and identity documents. • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. • Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. • All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to reference and credential checks. • If you have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. • HST reserves the right to not fill this position. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 11 August 2026, at 16h30. Health Systems Trust subscribes to diversity and inclusivity, which is informed by the Company’s Employment Equity Plan.