Social Worker-Outpatient Oncology

Purpose:

This position provides professional social work intervention to patients diagnosed with cancer. The Oncology Social Worker is a key member of the cancer care team, providing compassionate support and services to patients and families-in the outpatient setting-throughout the cancer journey. This role serves as a trusted consultant to physicians and clinical staff, offering expert guidance on psychosocial concerns, community resources, and financial support options.

Nature and Scope

This position provides services/intervention for patients and families referred to the Institute for Cancer; demonstrating the ability to work with patients' physical, cognitive, emotional and psychosocial needs specific to the population being served. This position provides psychosocial services to patients and families in an outpatient setting to lessen the stress experienced due to a cancer diagnosis and the treatment process, to enhance patient and family coping skills, and maximize patient outcomes. This position has the authority to make psychosocial assessments and involving patients and families; to make mental health recommendations and referrals; to initiate and follow through on referral plans; and to prioritize caseload needs. When possible, the family/caregiver or those having a significant impact on patient outcomes are considered part of the social worker's evaluation and intervention process. This position also provides comprehensive case management for cancer patients in the outpatient setting, including community resource referrals, contacts with cancer-related foundations and serving as liaison with medical and social service providers. Additionally, the incumbent will serve on the Cancer Committee and assist with accreditation guidelines with regard to measuring/monitoring patient distress and provide appropriate services to address this guidelineThe outpatient social worker will assume responsibility for documenting all significant patient contact in a progress note in the EHR. This position works independently, seeking out supervision and consultation as needed. This position is also available for consultation, providing oversight of a Social Worker I, and supervision of bachelor and master level social work interns.Additional responsibilities include planning/implementing psychoeducational programs, providing quarterly reports for Renown Cancer Committee, attending weekly Cancer Conferences, Cancer Support Services meetings, all applicable department staff meetings. This position also participates in community outreach efforts, actively supports community agencies and foundations with cancer-related events, and is available for public speaking engagements as authorized by Administration. The social worker performs all clerical duties associated with the essential functions of this position.The major challenges to this position is providing support to patients, families and staff in mentally and emotionally stressful situations, keeping abreast of relevant cutting edge developments, participating in continuing education to maintain a current knowledge base of social work practice, and demonstrating excellent time management skills to accommodate for varying caseloads. Other related duties may be required.This position has the authority to review and evaluate each case; establish work priorities; and differentiate between services the hospital can provide and those services, which can be provided more appropriately by the community. The Oncology Social Worker provides comprehensive services to include psychosocial assessments, community resource information, and referrals to oncology patients and their support system.Lead and participate in multidisciplinary patient centered meetings to create individualized, comprehensive care plans for patients with complex needs.Maintain accurate documentation of patient interactions, treatment plans, and progress notes in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements in the EHR.Educate patients' and families about available resources, support groups and community resources that can assist them throughout their cancer journey.Evaluate patient needs for grant funded transportation and/or lodging and coordinate logistics with all involved parties.Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team including oncologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic patient care.Advocate for patients to access necessary services and support, including financial assistance, transportation and psychological services.Assist patients and families experiencing severe emotional distress or imminent danger through crisis intervention. Also provides consultation and support to staff members navigating complex patient issues.Collaboration with community partners and state stakeholders to advance cancer care.This position provides support to patients, families and staff in emotionally stressful situations. Keeping abreast of relevant evidence-based research, participating in continuing education to maintain a current knowledge base of oncology social work practice. This position works independently, seeking out supervision and consultation as needed.This position does provide patient care

Minimum Qualifications

Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Disclaimer

The foregoing description is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.