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Information Specialist
Why LLS
Overview
This is a position within The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Information Resource Center (IRC); the individual in this role will work among a team of Information Specialists. Within prescribed protocols and following extensive training, an Information Specialist responds to phone and electronic inquiries received from patients and caregivers affected by blood cancer; he/she also offers current and accurate disease, treatment and coping information, as well as referrals to financial and psychosocial resources within and outside of LLS. For each inquiry, it is expected that an Information Specialist document the patients’ and caregivers’ demographic information, needs, and information/resources provided. The Information Specialist will also educate patients about clinical trials and conduct searches when appropriate. Additionally, an Information Specialist assists in the maintenance of the blood cancer resource directory and contributes to the monitoring of discussion forums on the LLS website. He/she is expected to keep current on blood cancer risk factors, diagnoses, treatments and coping strategies.
Responsibilities
- Using prescribed protocols, respond to phone and email blood-cancer related inquiries from patients, caregivers, and professionals; give accurate, current information on risks, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up care and medical facilities/providers.
- Provide blood cancer patients and caregivers referrals to needed financial and psycho-social resources that are available from LLS and other local and national organizations.
- Schedule and conduct proactive follow-up calls to patients and caregivers as appropriate to provide further navigation that will help them access care or services.
- Complete an electronic record documenting each interaction, specifically capturing the demographics of the individual receiving assistance and delineating all details of each inquiry, including action taken and information/resources provided. Maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Conduct internet searches to identify specific disease, treatment, and resource information for patients.
- Conduct clinical trials searches for IRC callers, as requested and based on information provided, to assist in finding appropriate blood cancer trials; refer to LLS’s clinical trial navigation lead as indicated.
- Keep current on developments and trends related to detection, treatment and research regarding blood cancers by reading peer-reviewed literature, materials from professional organizations, and attending professional symposia/conferences.
- Provide information and consultation to national and chapter staff on blood cancer diagnoses and treatments as requested.
- Represent IRC at professional meetings, conferences, and in partnership initiatives and as requested, both by phone and in person.
- Collaborate on the submission of abstracts to professional organizations for presentations as requested.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Thorough working knowledge of medical terminology
- Solid computer and data entry skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and follow through
- Proven ability to follow precise directions, to deal professionally and sympathetically with cancer (or other life threatening illness) patients and their families, and to be calm under pressure
- Passion for helping patients and their families
- Previous experience in the field of oncology preferred
- Must be able to navigate multiple sources of information
- Fluency in Spanish is a plus
- Option for remote location will be considered
- Occasional travel is necessary
- Masters in Social Work, Masters in Health Education, Masters in Library Science, Nursing degree (BSN or RN), or Masters in another related field.
- Three years of previous experience in a health care delivery setting working with patients and their families.
Disclaimer
Job Summary:
The AIS is a position within the Reeve Foundation’s Paralysis Resource Center (PRC). The Information Specialist service provides information and referral services to people with paralysis, their families and their caregivers. They answer a wide-range of inquiries from clients who have questions about paralysis and use resources including factsheets, our educational materials, and customized research to answer client questions and help the clients navigate through the complexities of paralysis. The AIS will work with the team during a three-month training phase before he or she engages directly with clients.
The AIS position involves contributing to information products and working towards becoming a subject matter expert in the area of paralysis. This position ensures that the PRC clients are aware of all the Reeve Foundation’s core programs and services as relevant to their personal circumstances. These programs and services include Peer and Family Support, Military and Veterans Program, Multicultural and Underrepresented Populations Outreach, Online Community, and Quality of Life Grants.
Responsibilities:
- Respond to inquiries by telephone, e-mail and mail, gathering and entering statistical information for the database
- Provide materials and guidance when answering questions and compile and send out information packets
- Exhibit at national conferences to promote and explain the PRC’s services to various audiences and clients.
- Perform literature searches to customize answers; forward any new resources to supervisor for inclusion in fact sheets
- Contribute to social media presence by posting information and responding to messages
- Write an occasional blog related to paralysis
- Attend webinars and in-services to expand knowledge base in paralysis and disability fields
- Participate in testing new features/functionality of client database as needed
- Obtain and maintain accreditation as a Community Resource Specialist
Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people. Excellent phone etiquette
- Compassionate, customer service oriented; Patience to assist individuals living with paralysis, their families and caregiver’s.
- Willing to go above and beyond to meet the clients’ needs
- Strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task and prioritize work
- Ability to enter records in a database in real time or close to it
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to empathize and be non-judgmental with others who are going through difficult and stressful times
- Excellent teamwork skills
- Demonstrated knowledge in the use of MS Office software and basic social media
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 1 year of related work experience
- Must travel 2-4 times per year to exhibit at conferences
Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Job Type: Full-time
Experience:
- Customer Service: 1 year (Required)
Education:
- Bachelor’s (Preferred)
Location:
- Short Hills, NJ (Required)
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