Job Summary & Requirements The Hudson Regional Cancer Program is one of fourteen Regional Cancer Programs in Ontario.

Reporting to the Manager, Outpatient Oncology, the Drug & Special Access Navigator (DSAN) facilitates, coordinates, and evaluates access to medication funding, reimbursement, and financial assistance programs for oncology outpatients.

Working collaboratively with Medical Oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, social workers, patients, families, healthcare providers, and external partners, the DSAN serves as a centralized resource regarding publicly funded programs, private insurance coverage, compassionate access programs, special access mechanisms, and other financial supports that enable patients to access prescribed therapies.

The incumbent supports patients, families, and healthcare providers by identifying funding options, coordinating reimbursement processes, reducing treatment delays, and helping patients navigate complex medication funding pathways within the Regional Cancer Centre or their local community throughout the cancer care continuum.

Key Responsibilities Funding and Reimbursement Coordination

- Assess patient eligibility for public, private, manufacturer-sponsored, and other reimbursement or financial assistance programs.
- Coordinate and submit applications for funding programs, including the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB), Trillium Drug Program, Exceptional Access Program (EAP), Cancer Care Ontario funding mechanisms, private and third-party insurance providers, compassionate access programs, special access pathways, and other available funding sources.
- Identify alternative funding pathways when prescribed therapies are not routinely funded.
- Monitor application status and proactively follow up with insurers, government agencies, manufacturers, and other funding partners to support timely decisions.
- Communicate funding outcomes, requirements, and next steps to patients, families, and members of the healthcare team.

Patient Navigation and Support

- Provide guidance and support to patients and families regarding available funding options,



reimbursement requirements, and application processes.
- Assist patients and families in understanding funding decisions and available alternatives.
- Support patients in overcoming financial barriers to treatment.
- Promote equitable access to cancer therapies through patient-centred navigation and advocacy.

Interprofessional Collaboration

- Act as a liaison among patients, families, healthcare providers, government agencies, private insurers, pharmaceutical companies, community organisations, and other external partners.
- Collaborate with the Systemic Therapy Program Team and other interdisciplinary teams to support continuity of care and timely treatment access.
- Participate in case discussions involving complex reimbursement or funding challenges.
- Establish and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

Reporting and Program Support

- Maintain accurate records and documentation relating to reimbursement applications, funding decisions, and patient outcomes.
- Maintain and analyse reimbursement activity data, including patients requiring assistance, application outcomes, funding success rates, and emerging trends.
- Prepare monthly and other reports to support program monitoring, planning, and evaluation activities.
- Contribute to quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving patient access and reducing delays to treatment.

Education and Continuous Improvement

- Remain current on changes to drug funding programs, reimbursement policies, insurance practices, pharmaceutical assistance programs, and related requirements.
- Develop and maintain educational resources for patients and healthcare providers.




- Provide guidance to staff regarding reimbursement processes and available funding programs.
- Participate in program initiatives and activities that support service excellence and continuous improvement.

Qualifications Education

- Secondary School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Diploma in Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Healthcare Administration, Pharmacy Assistant studies, or a related field required.
- Bachelor's degree in a health-related or social science discipline preferred.
- Regulated Health Professional designation considered an asset.

Experience And Knowledge

- Minimum one to two years of related clinical or healthcare experience required.
- Experience in oncology, patient navigation, healthcare funding, reimbursement programs, insurance coordination, case management, ambulatory care, or related healthcare support roles preferred.
- Experience working with interdisciplinary healthcare teams preferred.
- Knowledge of the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB), Trillium Drug Program, Exceptional Access Program (EAP), Cancer Care Ontario funding mechanisms, and private insurance processes considered an asset.
- General knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry and manufacturer-sponsored patient support programs considered an asset.
- Experience with data collection, statistical reporting, and program evaluation preferred.

Competencies

- Advanced organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Robust interpersonal, relationship-building, and customer service skills.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to exercise discretion, tact, maintain confidentiality, and use sound judgement.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as databases and electronic information systems.
- Ability to collect, interpret, compile, and report data effectively.

📌 Drug&Special Access Navigator (Barrie)
🏢 Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
📍 Barrie