Oncology Social Worker

Under general supervision, provides psycho-social services to oncology patients and family members/caregivers, including psychosocial assessment, coordination of services, resource referral and support group referral. Assists with adjustment to illness and treatment, addressing personal, financial, and environmental difficulties that impact cancer care. Demonstrates advanced clinical skills and administrative responsibilities. Participates in multidisciplinary collaboration with staff in the surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology departments, and on various units. Other duties include assessing knowledge deficits, educating patients and family members about community resources, rights and responsibilities, advanced directives, end-of-life care issues, health insurance, and navigating the healthcare system. The Social Worker coordinates complex care plans involving a wide range of internal and external services including home health, social services, and mental health providers; advocates for patients to receive needed resources and services.

Education

Masters’ in Social Work; equivalent experience or certification considered

Experience

1-3 years prior social work experience in a hospital, nursing care facility or other health care setting preferably doing discharge planning work

Skills

• Cultural competency and willingness to work with patients of many different racial, national, ethnic, and religious backgrounds as well as different age groups and socioeconomic statuses.

• Basic computer skills (electronic medical record training is provided)

• Interview skills including active listening, open-ended questioning, and empathy

• Assessment skills to quickly develop thorough assessments and care plans

• Skill in, or willingness to learn, counseling and motivational interviewing techniques

• Willingness to engage with difficult or noncompliant patients or family members; willingness to discuss topics such as end of life care or substance abuse

• Ability to self-direct and negotiate competing priorities

• Ability to develop a wide-ranging working knowledge of services, referral processes and criteria, medical terms and needs, etc. (training is provided)

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; desire to engage with change processes and work closely with multi-disciplinary teams

Licensures, Certifications

• Licensed in Maryland as an LCSW-C.

• OSW-C preferred.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administrative responsibilities include tracking and maintenance of social worker statistics; including, but not limited to: community referrals, mental health provider referrals, etc. Satisfies clinical productivity requirements.

• Attends all multidisciplinary group meetings. Is assigned to the Tumor Boards and Cancer Committee. Participates in other committees as needed.

• Interviews patients, family members and significant others to obtain a relevant psychosocial assessment. Assesses current/potential needs and intervenes as appropriate.

• Develops and implements a plan of care appropriate to the identified barriers of care. Coordinates with multidisciplinary team members to implement a plan of care.

• Provides complex social work services including individual, family and group counseling modalities and other recognized psychosocial therapies in assisting oncology patients and family members in adjustment to illness. Recommends appropriate resources.

• Collaborates with Integrative and Palliative Medicine to provide a holistic approach to symptom management, care coordination, mental health provider referrals and discussions around goals of care and end-of-life.

• Assists Oncology Support Services team members on an as-needed basis during unforeseen staffing shortages; ability to cross cover as needed in certain circumstances.

• Provides an advocacy role for patients and their family members to help communicate their concerns to the medical team.

• Provides field placement/practicum student supervision to interns on the role of social work in the oncology setting and assists them in completing initial psychosocial assessments and providing counseling support to oncology patients and family members.

•  Attends educational in-services related to oncology and social work topics as appropriate for continued licensure and effective ongoing performance.

• Provides and facilitates completion of appropriate documentation for patient records in a timely manner.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move quickly about the hospital to all units as needed.

• Able to concentrate on details in a hectic environment.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed inside the organization’s offices, patient care units, or in-patient rooms.

•  Job attendance is required during all types of weather conditions. 

Conditions of Employment

• Must speak, write, and understand English fluently both in person and on the phone.

All Roles Must Demonstrate GBMC Values:

GBMC Values

Value Description

Respect

I will treat everyone with courtesy. I will foster a healing environment.

• Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy

• Listens and responds appropriately to others’ needs, feelings, and capabilities

Excellence

I will strive for superior performance in every aspect of my work. I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.

• Meets and/or exceeds customer expectations

• Actively pursues learning and self-development

• Pays attention to detail; follows through

Accountability

I will be professional in the way I act, look and speak. I will take ownership to solve problems.

• Sets a positive, professional example for others

• Takes ownership of problems and does what is needed to solve them

• Appropriately plans and utilizes required resources for various job duties

• Reports to work regularly and on time

Teamwork

I will be engaged and collaborative. I will keep people informed.

• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others for the success of the team

• Addresses and resolves conflict in a positive way

• Seeks out the ideas of others to reach the best solutions

• Acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of others

Ethical Behavior

I will always act with honesty and integrity. I will protect the patient.

• Demonstrates honesty, integrity and good judgment

• Respects the cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients/families/coworkers

Results

I will set goals and measure outcomes that support organizational goals. I will give and accept help to achieve goals.

• Embraces change and improvement in the work environment

• Continuously seeks to improve the quality of products/services

• Displays flexibility in dealing with new situations or obstacles

• Achieves results on time by focusing on priorities and manages time efficiently

Pay Range

$56,785.43 - $90,856.69

Final salary offer will be based on the candidate's qualifications, education, experience and alignment with our organizational needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

GBMC HealthCare and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.