May 8, 10-11:30 am: Complex Reflections
Reflections are a core Motivational Interviewing (MI) skill. Simple reflections are repeating back what the person said, while complex reflections take things a bit deeper. These reflections build on what you sense are the client’s thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Learn more about complex reflections with time for discussion and guided practice.
Prerequisite: Basic MI course/familiar with Basic MI skills (open ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, summaries)
Register

May 22, 10-11:30 am: Rolling with Resistance and Discord
Resistance is likely to arise when a client is pushed too hard or too fast to change. Motivational Interviewing describes two types of resistance talk: sustain talk and discord. Learn more about how to put MI skills to use during challenging conversations.
Prerequisite: Basic MI course/familiar with Basic MI skills (open ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, summaries)
Register

June 14, 10-11:30 am: Exploring Values
Values are our principles—like being there for family, or wanting to be healthy. You can help your clients think about the values that guide their lives. If this exploration is done in a respectful and genuine way, it can lead to the motivation the client needs to move forward in creating change. But how do you do this? In this workshop, you will examine your own values as well as learn techniques for using values in your discussions with clients.
Basic Motivational Interviewing knowledge helpful but not required.
Spanish interpretation provided for the June 14 session.
Register

These trainings are presented by the Patient Navigation and CHW Training Program in partnership with Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Program (CPED) at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Spring 2024 Dates

• May 17 (in-person)
• May 18 (virtually)
• June 4 (in-person)
• June 6 (virtually)
• June 11 (in-person)
• June 14 (virtually)

To register for the assessment, individuals must have completed verified coursework from a state-recognized training program (Otero College, Patient Navigation and Community Health Worker Training program, Metro State University at Denver or the CU Multidisciplinary Center on Aging). Please complete the Colorado Health Navigator Registry Application to verify training prior to registration for the assessment. After completed training is verified, you will receive a link to register for the assessment. Registration must be completed 30 days prior to the date of the assessment.

As a reminder, the required coursework to qualify for the assessment under under PNCT is:

• Level 1 Health Navigation Fundamentals
• Basic Motivational Interviewing (if Level 1 taken online)
• Level 2 Care Coordination

PNCT will schedule a free review session prior to these spring assessments – details to come.

This webinar will help explain the CY2024 CMS physician fee schedule (aka “CMS rule”) as it pertains to Principal Illness Navigation, Community Health Integration, and Social Determinants of Health Risk Assessment codes. We will discuss what we know, what we don’t know, and how to comment on real-world implementation of these new codes. We will also discuss training and resources to position cancer patient navigators for success and provide examples from two states and their CHW trainings and certification processes.

Date & Time:
The webinar will take place 1-2 pm MT/3 – 4 pm ET on Tuesday, Feb 20, 2024.

Focus Groups on Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement 
We are looking for focus group participants to learn more about your experience, perspective, and knowledge regarding the new Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement streams and mechanisms. There are no correct answers! We just want to learn from you. The 1-hour focus groups will be held online via Zoom and scheduled in 2024.
Sign Up Here

Misinformation Course Development
Have you had to deal with misinformation at your work? We are looking for you to help us design a course on strategies for dealing with misinformation. The time commitment will 4 to 5 half-day, in person workshops in metro Denver. A stipend is provided for your time.
Sign Up Here 

Language Survey
We are conducting a survey to assess the language needs of diverse community health workers and patient navigators who serve multi-lingual community members and individuals in Colorado. PNCT is requesting your input on a brief survey that should take no more than 5 minutes. In 2024, we have funds to offer our trainings in a third language (other than English and Spanish). Your response will help us determine what languages navigators and CHWs would prefer to learn in.
Take Language Survey

Understanding Microaggressions: Why They Are Not Micro At All
April 24, 1-3 pm
What are “microaggressions” and how do they impact health equity? Microaggressions, or subtle acts of exclusion, are rooted in implicit bias and are more than just insults or insensitive comments. These everyday slights have a harmful cumulative effect. But you can make a difference! In this 2-hour workshop, you will learn how to examine your own perceptions, as well as what to do if you commit, experience or witness a microaggression. This training will feature small group discussion using breakout rooms.
Recording Coming Soon

Digital Readiness and Building Digital Health Literacy
May 2, 12-1 pm
In this 1-hour interactive webinar, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Foundation will provide an overview of digital health literacy and digital readiness in combating health inequities. Participants will learn how to go beyond basic definitions and examine new tools to evaluate digital readiness at the individual patient level for improved health outcomes. Those interested in the evolving role and impact of digital health navigation in healthcare settings are encouraged to attend.
Register

Addressing Structural Racism and Promoting Health Equity
June 2, 10 am-noon
In this 2-hour workshop, you will learn more about inclusion and why representation matters. You will leave with tools to address the impact of structural racism. Topics include the components and impact of structural racism, implicit bias and its impact on health outcomes, and intersectionality.
June 2, 10 am-noon
Register

Disability and Ableism 101
June 14, 12-1 pm
Over 20% of the U.S. population identifies has having one or more disabilities or impairments according to the 2010 U.S. Census, yet people with disabilities and those who identify as disabled are often left out of conversations around diversity and inclusion. This workshop will cover some of the history of language used by and about this community, what ableism is (as well as able-bodied/neurotpyical privilege), ways to dismantle these types of oppression so ingrained in various systems, and ways that to create more inclusive programs, conferences, classrooms, offices, and health care to ensure that all members of this community are able to engage.
Register

Andrea Dwyer, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Colorado School of Public Health, traveled to Washington, DC, to participate in the White House Cancer Moonshot Colorectal Cancer Forum on March 10. Dwyer directors the statewide Colorado Cancer Screening Program.

In recognition of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, the White House Cancer Moonshot convened leaders from the colorectal cancer community, including patients, survivors, private sector companies, foundations, academic institutions, and health care providers focused on accelerating efforts to reduce the deadly impact of colorectal cancer.

From Dwyer:

“I was excited to join Swati Patel, MD, my Colorado colleague, and about 50 others to join in the Colorectal Cancer Forum at the White House on March 10. 2023.  It is my hope that the Biden team and all of our elected officials will truly take this opportunity to embrace the power of cancer early detection, outreach and seize opportunities to develop new and cutting edge treatments.  The brain trust, passion and energy at the White House is what it will take to achieve a Moonshot, the time is now. 

“I enjoyed the time at the White House but the conversations leading up to the walk to the White House to talk about a real plan to get us to achieve great success in equitable roads to care. I thank Fight Colorectal Cancers President Anjee Davis about opportunities to convene for real discussions and I am thrilled to be part of the initiative to move forward with other academic agencies, clinical teams, industry partners, insurers, data gurus, our federal agencies and cancer survivors. 

“Patient navigation was routinely mentioned as an area to propel our work in cancer prevention and control and after nearly 20 years in the field, I am hopeful for the opportunity at the state and federal level, we will truly see sustainability of navigation and be one step closer to providing equitable cancer care.  The Moonshot is an initiative of the White House but to get there, we need all of us.”

Qualifications

• EDUCATION – High School Diploma or equivalent.
• EXPERIENCE – Minimum 3 years of experience assisting patients and families or other related healthcare/community experience. Knowledge of State social service agencies and community resources.
• EQUIVALENCY – An Associate degree, in a related field, may substitute for the experience requirements on a year for year basis.
• Experience working medically complex young adults preferred
• Bilingual Spanish preferred

To learn more and apply, please visit the CHC careers page or the direct link to posting can be found here.

The Colorado Cancer Screening Program (CCSP) was named an honoree in the state-based screening program category.

Founded in 2006, CCSP is a statewide program of the University of Colorado Cancer Center, fueled by the academic and public health expertise of The Colorado School of Public Health and funding from the Cancer, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disease (CCPD) Grant Program. CCSP partners with Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural health clinics, and other safety net clinic systems to use evidence-based approaches to reduce disparities in CRC screening, lung cancer screening, and hereditary cancer risk assessment. Patient navigators and healthcare teams support low-income patients with overcoming barriers and increasing access to care through patient education, care coordination, client reminders and addressing social determinants to health. CCSP clinics have navigated average-risk and high-risk patients into 9,582 colonoscopies during the current grant cycle to-date (July 2018-June 2022) and >36,800 total colonoscopies since 2006. CCSP supports several clinic systems with strengthening their stool-based testing approaches and will soon be expanding the program to additional evidence-based interventions to further support efforts to reach 80% screening rates.

“Screenings and early detection are crucial to saving lives from colorectal cancer,” said Steven Itzkowitz, MD, gastroenterologist with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and NCCRT chair. “The work being done by each of our award honorees to expand access to these life-saving screenings is exemplary, and we’re thrilled to recognize their efforts.”

According to Colorectal Cancer Statistics 2023, a new report by the American Cancer Society, an estimated 153,020 people will be diagnosed with colorectal in the U.S. in 2023. The report also found that the proportion of those diagnosed with advanced-stage colorectal cancer increased from 52% in the mid-2000s to 60% in 2019.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen a shift toward more advance disease, while screening rates continue to remain low,” said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society. “While we must continue investing in research to discover new treatments for advanced-stage colorectal cancer, we must also work to increase screening rates. We applaud these organizations for their work to do just that.”

The 80% in Every Community National Achievement Awards is a program designed to recognize individuals and organizations who are dedicating their time, talent and expertise to advancing needed initiatives that support the shared goal to reach colorectal screening rates of 80% and higher in communities across the nation. The awards include one grand prize winner and four other honorees, each of whom receives a monetary award to support continued efforts to increase colorectal cancer screenings.

Source: American Cancer Society

The Patient Navigation and Community Health Worker Program Coordinator will be responsible for maximizing the enrollment and completion of PNCT courses, coordination of projects and evaluation, provide support during training sessions, and assist with grant reporting efforts. This position will specifically support enrollment of trainees into a community health worker training program.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Work closely with Community Health Worker trainees to assess their needs and provide guidance on a training plan.
• Collaborate with program partners to successfully enroll trainees into the program.
• Maintain regular communication with trainees and keep records up to date.
• Respond to phone and email inquiries as needed.
• Provide technology support during Zoom training sessions.
• Support grant reporting efforts, including compiling data and information, and supporting writing teams.
• Coordinate program evaluation efforts, including sending evaluation emails, certificates, and email reminders.
• Review program curriculum and assist with ongoing quality improvement efforts.

We are particularly looking for a bilingual (English/Spanish) applicant.

This is a full-time position located in Aurora, CO, on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado School of Public Health. This role is eligible to work a hybrid schedule with at least two days of the week that can be worked from home.

Priority application deadline is March 1, 2023.

Rates and fee structure for the proposed work is $28 – 35/hour, including transportation costs.

The regions are:

• Lower Arkansas Valley (Lamar, La Junta, Las Animas) area
• Greeley/Weld and Morgan area

Asthma Navigators will build off of work completed with school nurses and schools in the fall and spring of 2022. Asthma Navigators will play a central role in the research project and delivering/implementing SAA. Asthma Navigators will work closely with school nurses and their teams to identify students with asthma, complete asthma assessments, recruit families into the program and project, provide the SAA program (at least 3 sessions with children and families providing asthma education, counseling, case management and care coordination) and work with school nurses and schools to create asthma-friendly and supportive environments. Asthma Navigators work is intended to improve health outcomes for students with asthma and their families by supporting school nurse-led teams and families through health navigation and care coordination.

Navigators must be willing and able to travel independently throughout the assigned region using own method of transportation. Bilingual Spanish/English strongly preferred or ability to work with translation and interpretation services.

Click here for full job announcement and how to apply.

For questions, email ANOWARA.BEGUM@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU.

The site is now back online. If you continue to have problems accessing the site, please email us at admin@patientnavigatortraining.org.

-The Patient Navigation and Community Health Worker Training Team

The Student Assistant will coordinate tasks for the implementation of activities conducted by the Patient Navigation and Community Health Worker Training program. The Student Assistant is responsible for working with the PNCT manager and director to maximize the enrollment of and completion of the PNCT courses. This is a part-time (up to 20 hours per week) position dependent on grant and private funding.

PNCT conducts interactive, skills-based training for the growing workforce of patient navigators and community health workers. This position would focus on supporting the logistics of several virtual and in-person trainings per month.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide support during virtual courses, including running Zoom sessions, taking attendance and providing tech support for Canvas
• Provide support during in-person courses, including organizing supplies, ordering food and providing logistical support
• Coordinate program projects including collaborating with partners, communication with participants and record-keeping
• Coordinate program evaluation efforts including sending evaluation emails, certificates and email reminders as needed
• Respond to phone and email inquiries as needed

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently
• Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Experience with survey software (Qualtrics preferred)
• Ability to enter data into a database or excel spreadsheet
• Demonstrates attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Maintains effective working relationships with project staff and PNCT partners
• Excellent written, verbal and customer service skills
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed
• Experience with Zoom, Canvas, social media and video editing a plus
• Able to read, write and speak in Spanish a plus

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or 1-2 years related work experience

Compensation: $20/hour

Colorado Cancer Coalition Winter Cancer Partner Meeting
January 24, 11am-1pm MT
Burlington, CO (In-Person Registration)
Zoom (Remote Registration)

Agenda Topics:

• Colorado Cancer Coalition Updates
• Cancer Legislations on the 2023 Agenda
• Community Health Worker and Patient Navigation Landscape and Opportunities in Colorado – Andrea (Andi) Dwyer, The Alliance and Dr. Patricia (Patti) Valverde, PNCT
• Task Force, Regional Cancer Network, and Partner Updates
  Networking

Transportation from Denver to join in person in Burlington:

The Coalition has spots for 22 people for transportation from the Metro Denver area. The bus will leave at 7:30 am and arrive back in Denver at 7:00 pm. We will be setting up additional meetings in the afternoon with partners from the Eastern Regional Cancer Network and other partners from the region. You can also find space to work and network throughout the day with other attendees. We will have some fun networking on the bus on the way back to Denver when the day is done. If you have questions about the transportation option, please email christi@coloradocancercoalition.org. Fill in the in person registration form if you would like to utilize the free transportation option.

I

Susan G Komen is looking for two bilingual patient navigators to join their team.

• Bilingual patient navigator (remote, can live anywhere in US) Full job description and apply here (job ID 2297)
• Bilingual patient navigator (remote but must live in Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana or Arkansas to be considered) Full job description and apply here (Job ID 2294)

What You’ll Be Doing in the role of Patient Navigator
The Patient Navigator is responsible for providing direct patient assistance to help individuals obtain necessary breast services and breast cancer support throughout the continuum of care. Navigator will provide direct assistance to individuals and communities that results in (1) access and adherence to screening, diagnosis, and/or treatment services, (2) culturally competent breast health and breast cancer education (3) culturally competent navigation, including patient-provider communication, managing cancer-related distress, focus on quality of life and financial barriers. and (4) reduction of financial barriers for uninsured and underinsured individuals.

The primary objective of the Patient Navigator is to support Susan G. Komen in achieving our overall Vision and Mission by:

• Assisting clients with various breast health and breast cancer-related needs to eliminate barriers to care within the scope of a patient navigator:
• Identifying barriers to care and strategies to address and resolve them
• Researching and facilitating access to community resources
• Providing evidence-based information
• Supporting provider communication and shared decision-making
• Making referrals to clinical providers for services outside their scope

We Already Know You Will Also Have:

• Experience as a breast cancer patient navigator.
• Ability to guide individuals in high-stress situations to the care they need with a calm, culturally competent, non-judgmental demeanor both over the phone and in-person.
• Comfortable discussing breast health, cancer and related topics.
• Strong problem-solving and organization skills with the ability to prioritize and make decisions to deliver multiple objectives simultaneously.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency in MS Office Products and ability to learn new software.
• Experience in palliative and/or hospice care, including psychosocial or spiritual support, end of life planning.
• Ability to work collectively with other team members.
• Ability to cope with change and innovation.
• Work Experience 2 – 5 years
• Bilingual Proficiency – English and Spanish
• Associate Degree: (Medical and health professions, Psychology, Human Behavior, Social Work)

Preferred experience includes:

• Proven experience as a community health worker or patient navigator working with vulnerable populations.
• Licensed Community Health Worker or Certified Patient Navigator.
• Travel requirements required outside of your home office will be approximately 25% or less, depending on our business needs.

Role Summary
The Patient Navigator will provide support to patients, their families, and caregivers facing cancer to overcome healthcare systems and related barriers so patients can access timely and quality medical and psychosocial care through all phases of the cancer continuum. The Patient Navigator will report to the Director of Programs and will be accountable for collaborating on and implementing operational plans with the Programs department on our newly developed United States Patient Navigation Program. The US Patient Navigation Program will be piloted in Washington state in 2023 to support patients with cancer from medically underserved communities. The program is planned to expand beyond Washington state with the guidance and operational planning of the Patient Navigator and Programs department.

Responsibilities

• Fields incoming requests received through the Patient Navigation Program’s helpline and email inbox
• Performs non-clinical intake assessments to determine each patient’s needs and develops an individualized care coordination plan
• Provides support and coordination of services for cancer patients and their families to overcome barriers to treatment including appointment scheduling and transportation or housing needs
• Assists patients with health insurance navigation and other financial assistance programs
• Coordinates translation services as needed and ensures patients receive culturally appropriate care and emotional support services
• Provides educational resources to patients, their families, and caregivers through the continuum of care
• Tracks patient inquiries and assistance provided in Patient Access Tracking System (PATS)
• Networks and partners with other organizations and facilitates a transfer of care when appropriate
• Contributes to the development of the Patient Navigation Program and process improvement, including new and innovative approaches or methods in patient navigation
• Collaborates with global team members that can contribute to patient care based on the non-clinical needs assessment, where applicable
• Sensitively handles confidential patient information and requests for data, in compliance with HIPAA
• Leads community-based outreach initiatives to promote the program and establish or grow partnerships with physicians and community leaders.
• Participates in in-person meetings and outreach initiatives as needed
• Ability to travel in the Seattle metro area regularly and additional parts of Washington state as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Social Work or a relevant field, certification preferred
• At least 2 years of professional experience in a broad range of Patient Navigation or Patient Services role
• Experience working in a global and multicultural capacity across time zones among diverse partners and patients
• Current Driver’s License and insurance with the ability to travel in Washington state up to 25% of work schedule
• Available to work occasional evenings and weekends

Skills

• Strong attention to detail and a high standard for quality work products
• Passion for superior customer service and flexibility to do what it takes to ensure successful patient support
• Skilled in managing multiple patient cases and tracking follow-up calls to patients and community partners
• Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with patients and their families from diverse cultural backgrounds, written and verbal fluency in another language a plus
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and problem-solve daily
• Proven ability to assess programmatic needs and growth areas and implement changes based on data and patient or team experience
• Brings thought leadership and takes ownership of efforts to solidify processes to an evolving program
• Ability to use organizational and program mission as a driver and align program growth to meet strategic goals of the organization
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook)

Compensation
We offer compensation commensurate with experience. This is a grant-funded position secured to the end of 2023 with the expectation of additional funding for continuation. No relocation provided.

To Apply: Visit our website at www.themaxfoundation.org/careers to apply. Please include a résumé and cover letter.

The Max Foundation is dedicated to diversity in staff and is an equal-opportunity employer.