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Cancer Patient Advocate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patient Advocate

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

The Patient Advocate serves as a Sentara direct representative to patients/families that have ... cancer care, advanced imaging, and behavioral health. Sentara Health is an equal opportunity ...

The Patient Advocate serves as a Sentara direct representative to patients/families that have ... cancer care, advanced imaging, and behavioral health. Sentara Health is an equal opportunity ...

Patient Advocate

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

The Patient Advocate serves as a Sentara direct representative to patients/families that have ... cancer care, advanced imaging, and behavioral health. Sentara Health is an equal opportunity ...

Cancer Patient Navigator

Somerville, MA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Patient Navigators play a pivotal role in facilitating access to cancer screening services for the ... Advocate for and support patient access to community-based and hospital-based programs. Foster ...

New

A successful advocate will communicate with patients, families, case managers, and providers to ... Obtain detailed patient insurance benefit information for all aspects of cancer care, including ...

Patient Advocate

Mitchell, SD · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

A successful advocate will communicate with patients, families, case managers, and providers to ... Obtain detailed patient insurance benefit information for all aspects of cancer care, including ...

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Cancer Patient Advocate information

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How much do cancer patient advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cancer patient advocate in the United States is $20.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cancer advocate do?

A cancer patient advocate supports individuals diagnosed with cancer by providing information, emotional support, and assistance navigating healthcare systems. They may work with medical teams, help patients understand treatment options, and connect them to resources or support services, often requiring strong communication skills and knowledge of cancer care. The role can involve advocacy, education, and ensuring patient rights are upheld throughout treatment.

What are Cancer Patient Advocates?

Cancer Patient Advocates are professionals or volunteers who support cancer patients and their families by helping them navigate the healthcare system, understand their treatment options, and access resources. They provide emotional support, assist with communication between patients and medical teams, and may help with insurance or financial issues. Their goal is to ensure that patients' voices are heard and that they receive the best possible care throughout their cancer journey.

What is the difference between Cancer Patient Advocate vs Oncology Social Worker?

AspectCancer Patient AdvocateOncology Social Worker
CredentialsMay have certifications like Certified Patient Advocate; no strict licensing requiredLicensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or equivalent required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, non-profits, patient support groupsHospitals, cancer centers, healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryHealthcare organizations, advocacy groups, non-profitsHospitals, healthcare institutions, mental health agencies
Primary FocusAdvocating for patient rights, navigating healthcare, emotional supportProviding counseling, emotional support, and resource coordination

While both roles support cancer patients, Cancer Patient Advocates focus on navigating healthcare systems and advocating for patient rights, often without formal licensing. Oncology Social Workers are licensed mental health professionals providing counseling and emotional support within healthcare settings. Understanding these differences helps patients choose the right support for their needs.

What qualifications do you need to be a patient advocate?

To become a cancer patient advocate, relevant qualifications often include a background in healthcare, social work, or counseling, along with strong communication and empathy skills. Certification programs in patient advocacy or related fields can enhance credibility, and experience working with cancer patients is beneficial.

How to get hired as a patient advocate?

To become a cancer patient advocate, candidates should have strong communication skills, empathy, and knowledge of cancer care and patient rights. Relevant experience can include healthcare, social work, or volunteering, and obtaining certifications such as the Patient Advocate Certification can enhance prospects. Building a network within healthcare organizations and demonstrating a commitment to patient support are also important steps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cancer Patient Advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cancer Patient Advocate, you need a solid understanding of cancer care, patient rights, and healthcare systems, often supported by a background in health sciences, social work, or patient advocacy training. Familiarity with healthcare regulations, electronic health records, and patient advocacy certifications such as those from the Patient Advocate Certification Board are often required. Excellent communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills help advocates build trust and effectively support patients through complex medical journeys. These skills are crucial to ensuring patients receive comprehensive care, clear information, and emotional support during challenging times.

What are some typical challenges faced by Cancer Patient Advocates when supporting patients throughout their treatment journey?

Cancer Patient Advocates often encounter challenges such as navigating complex healthcare systems, addressing patients’ emotional and informational needs, and coordinating care among multiple providers. They must balance empathy with professionalism while ensuring patients' voices are heard in medical decisions. Additionally, advocates frequently work with diverse individuals, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills to effectively support patients and families through difficult times.

How to become an advocate for cancer?

To become a cancer patient advocate, gain knowledge about cancer through education or experience, develop strong communication and empathy skills, and consider volunteering or working with cancer organizations. Some advocates pursue certifications or training in patient advocacy to enhance credibility and effectiveness.
More about Cancer Patient Advocate jobs
What cities are hiring for Cancer Patient Advocate jobs? Cities with the most Cancer Patient Advocate job openings:
What states have the most Cancer Patient Advocate jobs? States with the most job openings for Cancer Patient Advocate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cancer Patient Advocate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 98% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,997 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Patient Advocate

Patient Advocate

Sentara

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Sentara Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 384 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description

City/State

Virginia Beach, VA

Work Shift

First (Days)

Overview:

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is hiring a Part-time, Day Shift, Patient Advocate

Shift/Hours:

  • Part-time, 20 hours a week, working Day Shift from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and every other weekend.

The Patient Advocate serves as a Sentara direct representative to patients/families that have concerns or questions regarding services.

Facilitates and promotes continuous quality improvements in the delivery of patient care by maintaining active interfaces between internal and external customers (patients, family, visitors, medical staff, risk management, etc.), maintaining data system of customer issues for use in identifying areas for improvement. Protects the patient's rights; speaking out on the patient's family's behalf when necessary. Staff education to improve patient satisfaction is also expected.

Education

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)

  • Bachelor's Degree (Preferred)

Experience

  • 2 years of customer service experience (Required)

  • Mediation Experience (Preferred)

  • Microsoft Office Experience (Preferred)

  • Patient Advocate Experience (Preferred)

  • Proficiency in Drafting Business Letters (Preferred)

  • Strong Documentation Experience (Preferred)

Keywords: Patient Advocate, Customer Service, Mediation, Advocate

.

Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career

Medical, Dental, Vision plans
Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to 10,000
Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
Emergency Backup Care
Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
Life Insurance
401k/403B with Employer Match
Tuition Assistance - 5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
Student Debt Pay Down - 10,000
Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
Pet Insurance
Legal Resources Plan
Colleagues may have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, located in Virginia Beach, VA, is home to the region's only Level III Trauma Center. Our 273-bed facility has a long history of commitment to our communities of Virginia Beach, Eastern Shore, and Northeastern North Carolina, offering specialized tertiary services as well as many advanced clinical services. We are located just 15 minutes from VA Beach Town Center and just a few minutes to the Oceanfront.

As a recognized accredited Primary Stroke Center, and Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, our hospital specializes in heart, vascular, neuroscience, neurosurgery, orthopedics and spine care, cancer care, advanced imaging, and behavioral health.

Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.


In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.

For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:

Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.


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