Job overview
The Cancer Division at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust (UHSx) is looking to recruit two full time Breast Cancer Care Navigators for a newly funded project looking at treatment variations and delays in the Breast cancer pathway.
This role will offer the postholder an opportunity to be part of an innovative project, develop leadership & project management skills, deliver tangible recommendations and work across a variety of clinical specialities.
Main duties of the job
These roles will oversee and be a point of contact for patients to ensure that every step within their journey is being supported and they are being seen in a timely manner. Part of the project will be to deliver a standardised approach to pathways utilising digital techniques to safeguard against delays that patients are experiencing after their initial treatment.
The postholders will track and monitor all patients, ensuring that tests/procedures and service requests and appointments are moving through smoothly. It will be key to have the ability to identify opportunities and work these through with the multidisciplinary team. Therefore excellent communication both oral and written will be needed, and the ability to provide empathy and understanding to the patient group.
There will be an opportunity to work flexibly. This will be agreed with the Project Lead, to ensure that any working patterns support the need of the project.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This transformative/innovative role has been funded by Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance (SSCA). Our mission is to: • Reduce variation and inequalities in the delivery of cancer services across Surrey and Sussex • Improve accessibility of cancer services across Surrey and Sussex • Improve survivorship and outcomes for patients diagnosed with a cancer • Share best practice, innovation, and learning. As an alliance, we see these roles as a development opportunity and as such seek ambitious, passionate applicants who are looking to build on their clinical expertise by adding management and leadership skills to their portfolio. To enable you to be successful in this post, SSCA will support your professional growth by providing you with additional training and exposure to colleagues with varied skill sets to help develop your; • professional confidence • critical and strategic thinking • understanding and writing business cases • leadership skills – particularly around understanding performance and data and change management • understanding of organisational change as well as the wider context of the NHS. You will be given 6 days per year to attend development and training opportunities within SSCA including an induction covering many of the subjects outlined above Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants
Person specification
Experience/Qualifications/Knowledge
Essential criteria
1. Educated to degree level or equivalent through relevant work experience.
2. OCR Text Processing Level 3 Award (RSA 3) or equivalent qualification
3. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
4. Proven experience in a multidisciplinary and fast-paced environment.
5. Experience working directly with patients or clients on a one-to-one basis.
6. Familiarity with hospital-specific administration systems and data collection tools.
7. Demonstrated involvement in service improvement and process review initiatives.
8. Skilled in compiling data, conducting audits, and producing management reports.
9. Experience organising and managing meetings, including diary management.
10. Understanding of the NHS 10 Year Plan for England: fit for the future. July 2025
11. Knowledge of the NHS Cancer Waiting Times Framework and best practice timed diagnostic cancer pathways.
12. Awareness of administrative systems and procedures within healthcare settings
Desirable criteria
13. Evidence of on-going study relevant to this position
14. British Medical Secretary Qualification or similar which includes medical terminology or equivalent experience.
15. Previous NHS experience in an administrative or clinical support role.
16. Experience working collaboratively with clinicians, GPs, consultants, and managers.
17. Experience supervising, appraising, and training administrative and clerical staff.
18. Experience contributing to the development of policies, procedures, and process documentation.
19. Experience in a call centre or high-volume contact environment.
Skills
Essential criteria
20. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
21. Ability to communicate complex information clearly to patients, carers, and professionals.
22. Skilled in analysing performance data to identify areas for improvement.
23. Able to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
24. Demonstrated decision-making skills and ability to respond sensitively in crisis situations
25. Self-motivated with excellent time management independently.
26. Quick to learn and implement new processes.
27. Team-oriented with proven collaboration skills.
28. Competent in retrieving and synthesising information from various sources
Desirable criteria
29. Understanding of the patient pathway from primary care into an acute Trust setting.
30. Familiarity with the Cancer Waiting Times Framework, Cancer Outcomes and Services Dataset, and National Cancer Audit Datasets
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria
31. Demonstrated experience in a relevant administrative or healthcare field
32. Proven ability to manage a complex and varied workload independently.
33. Experience in compiling data, conducting audits, and retrieving information from various sources
34. Skilled in collecting and presenting information to produce management reports using a range of software tools.
35. Able to communicate effectively with patients and carers regarding appointments, diagnostic scheduling, and treatment-related matters.
36. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and sensitively.
37. Experience in working collaboratively within a team and across departments.
Desirable criteria
38. Understanding and practical experience with artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies within a healthcare setting, including their application to improve patient pathways, administrative efficiency, or clinical decision support
People management & development
Essential criteria
39. Proven ability to train and induct new team members effectively, supporting their integration and on-going development within the team.
Desirable criteria
40. Demonstrated experience in supervising and appraising administrative and clerical staff, ensuring performance standards are met and development needs are addressed.
Freedom to act
Essential criteria
41. Support everyone working in the Trust to feel safe and confident to speak up and support the service to welcome this opportunity to learn and improve.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
42. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
43. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications