Social Worker I - Cancer Support Services

The Social Worker I is responsible for coordinating outpatient support services for cancer patients and works in conjunction with the inpatient oncology social worker as needed in providing support. This position is responsible for providing a full range of psychosocial services including psychosocial assessment, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, and resource referral. In addition, this position is responsible for assessment and monitoring of the oncology distress screening program, identifying and facilitating appropriate support groups as well as providing financial assistance and guidance to patients in relation to their medication needs and guidance for completing grant and pharmaceutical applications for assistance. This position participates as a hospital member in cancer related outreach activities and screenings and is responsible for assisting in meeting the American College of Surgeons standards as they deal with issues psychosocial care of the cancer patient and outreach.

• Provides comprehensive psychosocial assessment, counseling, support, and care coordination services to oncology patients and their families throughout the continuum of care.


• Administers and monitors the oncology distress screening program, ensuring timely follow-up, intervention, referral, and documentation in accordance with organizational and accreditation standards.


• Provides crisis intervention, coping support, patient and family education, and therapeutic counseling related to cancer diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, recurrence, and end-of-life issues.


• Assists patients and families in navigating financial resources, including medication assistance programs, grants, charitable funding, insurance resources, and other community support services.


• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, navigators, rehabilitation services, financial counselors, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.


• Serves as the Cancer Committee Psychosocial Services Coordinator and supports compliance with accreditation standards related to psychosocial distress screening, support services, and patient-centered care.


• Serves as a resource to physicians, staff, and hospital departments regarding psychosocial oncology concerns, community resources, and supportive care best practices.


• Participates in multidisciplinary cancer conferences, cancer program activities, quality improvement initiatives, and Cancer Committee meetings as appropriate.


• Supports community outreach, cancer awareness, prevention, education, and screening initiatives to promote access to care and address community needs.


• Maintains accurate, timely, and complete documentation of assessments, interventions, referrals, and outcomes in accordance with departmental, regulatory, and professional standards.


• Maintains professional licensure, competencies, and continuing education requirements while remaining current on developments in oncology social work and psychosocial care.

Minimum Education

 

• Bachelor's Degree Social Work Required

Minimum Work Experience

 

• 0-1 year Experience in health care setting Preferred

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

 

• Possesses skills and knowledge base congruent with the Social Work Code of Ethics.


• Demonstrated skills in the areas of communication, conflict resolution, interdisciplinary collaboration, and critical thinking.


• Demonstrates a clear understanding of quality improvement and patient satisfaction.


• Provides patient-centered care with sensitivity, respect and understanding.


• Assess patient needs, prioritize care, and makes sound clinical decisions.


• Ability to provide excellent customer service.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.


• Must have the ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, when in contact with co-workers, management, providers, patients and internal/external customers.


• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously while ensuring quality patient care and operational efficiency.


• Skilled and competent with use of computers and related software applications.


• Ability to function in a fast paced, often stressful environment while maintaining a respectful, caring, calm, professional manner at all times.