Oncology Social Worker

Job Description:

VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

Cancer Services Job Description

Oncology Social Worker

The position description is a guide to the critical duties and essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands and work environment conditions. Position descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization.

TITLE: Oncology Social Worker

ROLE: See job description for Clinical Partner for generic job duties.

AREA OF ASSIGNMENT: Outpatient Cancer Services - all patient care areas

RESPONSIBLE TO: Manager Oncology Outreach

PREREQUISITES:

• Minimum of one-year health care experience in oncology setting or equivalent.

QUALIFICATIONS;

• Effective communication/interpersonal skills in a diverse population.

• Interpersonal skills necessary to interact with an interdisciplinary team and assist in coordinating care to patients and families from a variety of backgrounds and with varied emotional and medical needs.

• Able to communicate and work effectively with the physical and emotional developments of all age groups.

• Able to set priorities, produce accurate work, and meet deadlines.

• Able to function in a setting with a wide variety of duties and numerous interruptions.

• Knowledge of community resources and how to access them effectively and efficiently.

• Neat and well groomed appearance.

UNIQUE PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENT, AND WORKING CONDITIONS:See Generic Job Description for Clinical Partner

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Generic Job Functions: See Generic Job Description for Clinical Partner

• Unique Job Functions:

• Interview patients and their families to assess psychosocial needs relevant to medical issues and planning.

• Provide one to one casework counseling and crisis intervention as needed.

• Contact relevant community agencies to increase knowledge of services available for patients and families.

• Provide information to patients/families regarding community resources.

• Make referrals to community agencies and assure appropriate care and support for patients and families.

• Conduct screenings of high-risk patients referred by staff to determine services needed.

• Provide consultation to physicians and multidisciplinary staff regarding patient care needs and disposition.

• Work collaboratively with Medical Center Social Workers and Case Managers to assure timely, successful, and safe discharges.

• Provide direct patient care and coordination as required/appropriate.

• Collect and report statistics as requested.

• Maintains confidentiality of all accessible patient financial or medical records information.

• Demonstrates the awareness of the importance of cost containment for the department. Provide suggestions regarding process or quality improvement opportunities to department manager.

• Actively participate in the Medical Center's Cancer Committee and other committees, as appropriate.

• Perform all job functions in a manner consistent with VMC's cultural expectations defined as Valley Values. These characteristics include quality performance, demonstrating compassion, respect, teamwork, community-centered awareness and innovation.

• Other duties as assigned to facilitate accurate, timely patient account management.

Date rev: 2/16

Grade: NC09

FLSA: E

Cost Center:

Job Qualifications:

PREREQUISITES:

• Minimum of one-year health care experience in oncology setting or equivalent.

QUALIFICATIONS;

• Effective communication/interpersonal skills in a diverse population.

• Interpersonal skills necessary to interact with an interdisciplinary team and assist in coordinating care to patients and families from a variety of backgrounds and with varied emotional and medical needs.

• Able to communicate and work effectively with the physical and emotional developments of all age groups.

• Able to set priorities, produce accurate work, and meet deadlines.

• Able to function in a setting with a wide variety of duties and numerous interruptions.

• Knowledge of community resources and how to access them effectively and efficiently.

• Neat and well groomed appearance.