Peer Navigator - Virtual AYA - Pediatric Outcomes

The Virtual AYA Peer Navigator role works within the Greenzang Lab in the Pediatric Outcomes research program. The Greenzang Lab’s research portfolio focuses on improving outcomes and quality of life for children with cancer, in the short- and long-term. The AYA Peer Navigator provides peer-based, non-clinical support to adolescent and young adult patients (ages 15–24) who are participating in the my.naviGATE intervention, an intervention designed to support AYAs as they transition from active treatment into survivorship care.

The AYA Peer Navigator helps patients navigate the emotional, social, and practical challenges that can arise during treatment and the transition to life after therapy. This role serves as a trusted peer support resource, helping patients feel seen, understood, and better connected to available services and supports. Working closely with the study team, the role provides peer-based support and resources per the research protocol. Ideal candidates will bring personal experience with pediatric cancer, either as a survivor or as a close family member of someone who underwent treatment.

This is a Per Diem position - Schedule is per diem and based on program needs; flexible scheduling, potentially including some evening availability to help accommodate patient schedules.

This position's work location is fully remote, never on campus. The selected candidate may only work remotely from a New England state (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI).

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.
 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide virtual, one-to-one peer support to AYA participants of the my.naviGATE study per the research protocol.
• Share relevant lived experience thoughtfully and appropriately to foster connection and normalize challenges.
• Encourage engagement with survivorship planning.
• Help identify barriers and connect patients with resources as appropriate.
• Complete required documentation of patient interactions per study team guidance.
• Escalate urgent psychosocial, safety, or clinical concerns immediately to designated clinical staff in accordance with the research protocol.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with institutional policies.
• Complete required peer navigation training as directed.
• Attend study team meetings and conference calls as directed.
• Complete study tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to connect with adolescents and young adults in a compassionate, authentic, and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in sensitive situations.
• Clear understanding of the role and limits of peer support in a healthcare setting.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while remaining closely connected to the study team.
• Ability to use technology, including learning the my.naviGATE platform, for virtual engagement, communication, and documentation.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage variable per diem scheduling.
• Commitment to inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive care.

Minimum Job Qualifications:

• High School/GED/Diploma required.
• Personal lived experience with pediatric cancer strongly preferred either as an individual who is a survivor of pediatric, adolescent, or young adult cancer, or whose close family member underwent pediatric, adolescent, or young adult cancer treatment.
• Experience in peer mentoring, patient advocacy, community outreach, or supportive services preferred.
• Experience working with adolescents and young adults preferred.
• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, survivorship, or nonprofit/community-based settings preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Patient Contact:

Virtually, primarily through Zoom calls and chat messaging.

Special Working Conditions:

• This is a fully remote position.
• Must have access to a secure, private workspace suitable for confidential patient communication.
• Regular use of video conferencing, telephone, email, and electronic documentation systems is required.
• Schedule is per diem and based on program needs; flexible scheduling, potentially including some evening availability to help accommodate patient schedules.

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 committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate 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.  

EEO Poster

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Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$50,900.00 - $58,700.00