Job Category

Social Work

Position

MSW/Oncology

Req Code

23391

Location

Skagit Valley Hospital

Job Summary

This position provides psychosocial evaluation, counseling, and resource referral services to cancer patients and their support systems. Works in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team to incorporate psychosocial needs/concerns in planning care, assists in developing resources to meet patient needs; may facilitate support groups and provide patient/family/staff education and in-service activities to promote understanding of the psychosocial impact of cancer.

Essential Functions

Performs comprehensive assessments on patients, which includes medical, psychosocial, functional, vocational and financial information, through interviews with appropriately involved parties. Collaborates with patient/family, oncologist and health care team to determine social work plan of action. As a mandated reporter, demonstrates knowledge of family violence, child/elder/disabled abuse and neglect so as to identify those at risk and refer them to appropriate agencies. Schedules and prioritizes visits based on the acuity level of the patient/family and as determined by the health care team and/or oncologist. Advocates for services and funding necessary to meet patient care needs. Assists patient/family in accessing supplementary financial resources and planning for financial coverage for services. Demonstrates knowledge of community resources and facilitates patient/family access to those resources. Maintains liaison relationships with other SVH social workers and other hospital social workers as needed. Maintains collaborative relationships with community and social service agencies. Participates in Cancer Committee meetings, all-staff meetings, and departmental meetings as requested by center Director. Demonstrates knowledge of group dynamics, stress management, caregiver burnout and team building. Assists with facilitation/education of advanced directives. Provides training and oversight for Patient Navigator role at RCCC. Documents all assessment and care plan information thoroughly, accurately, and timely, in all appropriate venues. Facilitates or co-facilitates support groups for oncology department. Maintains awareness of current criteria and regulations of regulatory agencies as related to changes affecting provisions of health care services. Participates in performance, process and quality improvement initiatives as requested. Complies with all SVH and RCCC policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned by Director.

Education

Master of Social Work degree required.

Experience/Training

Minimum three years of practical medical social work required. Experience within hospital or outpatient clinic setting strongly preferred; oncology social work experience preferred.

License/Certification

Current Washington State Social Worker Associate license is required. Current Washington State LICSW license strongly preferred. Oncology Social Work Certification (OSW-C) preferred.

Other Qualifications

Knowledge of regulatory and compliance issues, including mandatory reporting of abuse cases. Understanding of HIPAA and confidentially guidelines. Demonstrated competency in the assessment, coordination, evaluation & documentation of patients? psychosocial health care needs. Must have thorough knowledge of health care systems and medical terminology, community and social service resources for cancer patients. Must have very strong communication (oral and written), interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to document intervention techniques in a timely and consistent manner. Ability to create sensitive and accepting climate for patients and their families and to cooperate with other health professionals. Must have strong computer proficiency and experience working with paper and electronic medical records desired. Must have good relationship-building and advocacy skills. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.