Financial Navigator

Overview

Employment Type : Full-Time

In-Office Position

Chicago Ridge and/or Orland Park

Join the Affiliated Oncologists team as a Financial Navigator!

Affiliated Oncologists has been a trusted leader in cancer care for over 50 years in Chicago’s Southland. Our team focuses on each patient’s needs, guiding them through their journey from diagnosis to survivorship. We offer personalized treatment plans using the latest cancer treatments, including access to clinical research trials. Our multidisciplinary team includes doctors and advanced practice providers specializing in medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, gynecologic oncology, and gynecologic surgery.

The Oncology Financial Navigator serves as a dedicated patient advocate embedded within the oncology care team. This role is responsible for proactively identifying, pursuing, and securing every available financial resource to ensure that no patient delays or forgoes cancer treatment due to cost. Unlike a traditional financial counselor, the Oncology Financial Navigator takes direct action - submitting applications, enrolling patients in assistance programs, coordinating with manufacturers and foundations, and following through from intake to approval. This is not a passive advisory role. The Oncology Financial Navigator owns the financial support process from the moment an order is placed through the patient’s first infusion and beyond.

Responsibilities

Financial Intake & Research

• Conduct thorough insurance benefits investigations for all new oncology patients
• Calculate individualized out-of-pocket cost estimates prior to treatment initiation
• Screen patients for financial need using standardized assessment tools
• Research and identify all applicable assistance programs for each patient
• Prepare comprehensive patient financial profiles to inform counseling sessions

Patient-Facing Responsibilities

• Conduct financial counseling meetings at Chemo Teach and treatment start
• Provide patient financial education - insurance benefits, billing, and payment options
• Facilitate payment plan discussions and negotiate manageable arrangements
• Collect all required documentation needed for assistance program submissions
• Income verification, tax returns, insurance cards, photo ID, household size documentation
• Conduct charity care screenings and complete application intake with the patient

Assistance Program Management

• Identify and enroll eligible patients in copay assistance programs
• Research and apply to disease-specific foundation grants on behalf of patients
• Coordinate manufacturer assistance programs (PAP) and bridge programs
• Submit and manage free drug applications directly with manufacturers
• Screen patients for Medicaid eligibility; manage applications, renewals, and redeterminations
• Apply for hospital charity care on behalf of qualifying patients
• Complete and submit financial hardship waivers with appropriate supporting documentation
• Maintain accurate internal financial tracking and documentation in EMR
• Ensure all patient documentation complies with HIPAA and privacy regulations
• Generate timely reports on assistance secured, approvals, and year-to-date program performance

Qualifications

Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or GED required

Experience

• 2–3 years of experience in a healthcare business office, revenue cycle, or financial counseling role strongly preferred
• Direct experience with insurance verification and benefits investigation required
• Experience with medical billing, accounts receivable, or collections preferred
• Prior exposure to oncology, specialty pharmacy, or patient assistance programs strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance required
• Oncology setting experience strongly preferred

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Proficiency in ICD-10 and CPT coding preferred
• Thorough understanding of medical terminology and cancer treatment workflows required
• Knowledge of CMS guidelines and third-party payer rules and regulations required
• Familiarity with copay assistance portals, PAP platforms, and foundation grant programs required
• EMR proficiency required
• Microsoft Office proficiency required (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Professional Competencies

• Patient-first mindset - genuinely motivated by patient outcomes, not just task completion
• Tenacious problem solver - does not accept the first “no” from an insurer or foundation
• Clear, compassionate communicator - able to translate complex financial concepts to anxious patients
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail - manages multiple active cases with overlapping deadlines
• Proactive, not reactive - reviews schedules, identifies need early, and initiates contact before treatment begins
• Collaborative team member - works effectively across oncology, nursing, pharmacy, social work, and billing

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Requires vision and hearing corrected to normal ranges. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office environment and involves frequent interaction with patients, clinical and business office staff and payors.

Benefits Included in this Position

• Medical
• Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts (HRCA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HAS)
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability (STD)
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Commuter Benefits
• 401(k)
• Wellness Program
• Paid Time Off

Salary Range:

$20.00 - $30.00 per hour based on candidate's experience, education, and skills