Oncology Social Worker

Basic Function and Scope of Responsibilities

The Oncology Social Worker provides comprehensive psychosocial support to patients and families affected by cancer. This position focuses on helping patients navigate the emotional, financial, and social challenges of diagnosis and treatment, coordinating resources, and promoting patient-centered care in collaboration with the oncology team.

• Provides counseling and support to oncology and hematology patients and their families to help them navigate through the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of their diagnosis.
• Provide Individual and/or group counseling to patients and their families.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments identify needs related to coping, support systems, financial stress, and resource access.
• Screening and evaluating patients for individual needs.
• Guiding patients and their families to resources and options for their diagnosis in partnership with physician care team.
• Assisting patients with applying and securing insurance and other assistance.
• Connecting patients to resources and necessary services including but not limited to, financial assistance, support groups, transportation, home health services, food support, and other community agencies.
• Advocate patients’ needs and help them navigate through the healthcare system.
• Maintain thorough documentation in the electronic health record in accordance with professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with program development, quality improvement initiatives, and patient education projects within the oncology department

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
• State Licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• 2-5 years of experience in healthcare and/or oncology
• Oncology Social Work Certification (OSW-C) preferred or willingness to obtain.

• Knowledge of various billing practice management systems, electronic medical records (EMR) systems, third party vendors, and new billing technology.
• Empathetic and compassionate patient care.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of the psychosocial impact of cancer and its treatments.
• Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally sensitive care.
• Knowledge of community resources, insurance systems, and patient assistance programs.
• Excellent communication, crisis intervention, and advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of healthcare systems and medical terminology.
• Previous experience in oncology or a healthcare setting is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with different teams within and outside of the organization. Specialized training in oncology social work or palliative care.
• An understanding of oncology and hematology diagnosis and treatment options.

Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this role including bending, reaching and sitting.

Medical office

Work may be stressful due to continual interaction with others, long hours required and nature of the medical specialty.

Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this role including walking, bending, standing, reaching, and sitting. Lifting up to 10 pounds of technology equipment.

Occasional, within city limits only

None

Varies due to need

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions. Mission Cancer + Blood, part of University of Iowa Health Care reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position titles as it deems necessary to meet the needs of the business.

Mission Cancer + Blood, part of University of Iowa Health Care is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff… We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

In the interest of ensuring the safety of our employees, patients and community, Mission Cancer + Blood, part of University of Iowa Health Care has adopted a mandatory vaccination policy for COVID-19. All employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless granted a reasonable accommodation for disability, religious or other extenuating circumstances. New employees will be granted a reasonable time to come into compliance with the policy, if necessary.