Social Worker, Radiation Oncology DV

Job Description - Social Worker, Radiation Oncology 1.0DV ) )

Oncology social workers provide psychosocial services to patients, families and caregivers facing the impact of a cancer diagnosis. Oncology social workers are compassionate, empathetic and are good listeners. They operate from a "Strengths Perspective" and build on those strengths to maximize optimal functioning. They are knowledgeable about the psychosocial, emotional and financial implications facing cancer patients. Oncology social workers are knowledgeable about community and government resources and are able to access for the patient/family.

They help facilitate patients’ adjustment to cancer.

• Maintains established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, performance improvement program, safety, environment of care, management of information, and infection control standards. (1,3,5)
• Complies with federal and state law and accrediting and licensing agencies at all times, to include but not limited to the Joint Commission and federal compliance regulations. (1,3,5)
• Utilizes excellent customer service skills at all times. (1,5)
• Works effectively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of the patient/family. (1,2,5)
• Evaluates and manages the practical problems such as housing, food, financial assistance, employment issues, language and cultural barriers. (2,5)
• Evaluates and assists patients/family with psychosocial issues including diagnosis, treatment decisions, quality of life issues, transitions in care, advanced directives and coping skills. (5)
• Knowledge of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan community and government resources and expertise in accessing these for patient and family. (5)
• Provide individual and family counseling, including brief therapy and crisis intervention. Facilitates cancer support groups. (1,5)
• Facilitates education regarding disease and any other information that helps to support and empower patients/family. (5)
• Collaborates with other community agencies to promote health, provide education and develop better programs in the community. (5)
• Documents patient interactions, interventions and services provided. (1,2,3,5)
• Demonstrates initiative and provides leadership in the development of new services and programs in response to patient needs. (1,2,3,4,5)
• Attends and participates on the Cancer Committee and attends the Cancer Conference when schedule permits. (1,2,5)
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills working daily with physicians and other healthcare professionals. (1,3,5)
• Participates in and leads patient/family care conferences and records and appropriately manages patient and family concerns as appropriate. (2,3,5)
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, inservice meetings and professional conferences. (5)
• Participates and attends meetings and in services as required and/or assigned. (3)
• Works independently or with minimal supervision to plan, implement and coordinate projects. (2,5)
• Maintains strict confidentiality of patient, employee and department data. (2,5)

* Comment or data needed to support this.

** Those activities that employees are required to and able to perform independently following procedure and/or criteria.

• Master’s Degree in Social Work

Preferred Experience:

• 2-3 years

Required Licensure:

• State of Michigan Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW)

Other

Skills:

• Excellent communication and human relation skills
• Use of Electronic Medical Record
• Use of Microsoft Office applications
• Understanding of family dynamics

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged, extensive or considerable standing/walking
• Able to lift 35 lbs.
• Manual dexterity and mobility

Working Conditions:

• May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases
• Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases
• Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment
• May be exposed to biohazardous, radioactive substances
• Exposed to odorous chemicals and specimens
• Exposed to housekeeping/cleaning agents and chemicals
• May be exposed to explosive chemicals, gases and low level radiation
• Contact with patients under wide variety of circumstances
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
• Handles emergency or crisis situations
• Subject to many interruptions
• Occasionally subjected to long irregular hours
• Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries