A Family, School, or General Social Worker provides specialized assistance to vulnerable families and children. Intervenes in crisis situations; evaluates individual and family needs, helps clients get access to health care, mental health care or social services such as housing assistance. Advocates for clients and provides follow up visits. May work with teachers, parents and school administrators to help students improve academically and deal with social issues such as bullying.
The Psychiatric Social Worker is a member of the oncology navigation team with the primary responsibility of providing direct patient care in the form of psychotherapeutic services, group psychotherapy, family meetings, assessments and treatment as it relates to psychotherapy for oncology patients and their family members. This role involves the identification, assessment and clinical management of biopsychosocial, spiritual, financial, developmental and cultural issues post diagnosis and across the continuum of care. Provides optimal patient care by utilizing professional mental health counseling skills, crisis intervention, support programs, financial resource information, patient advocacy, and referrals to appropriate community resources to minimize patient stress, and maximize patients' coping skills in managing their cancer diagnosis and treatment process. Works within a multi-disciplinary team and serves as liaison for oncology patients/families with medical personnel and community/financial resources.
Education & Experience Requirements:
A Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) and Licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is required. If not yet licensed, successful passing of the licensure examination within six months of hire is required. Five years of experience in healthcare preferred. Two years post-graduate experience in providing services to patients who have chronic and acute illness in a health care setting, preferably oncology. Data entry experience or related office experience preferred. Ability to work independently on assigned responsibilities and manage stressful or crisis situations. Ability to multi-task and adjust priorities as needed. Knowledge of community resources and support organizations preferred, especially pertaining to oncologic disease processes. Ability to provide psychosocial assessment and evaluations for patient and their family members, individual group and family counseling, coordination of available services, referrals to community resources and financial assistance. Ability to interact with physicians, social service providers, clerical and other member of the healthcare team in addition to various community agencies to address ongoing patient needs.
