Job Details

Oncology Counseling Specialist (Clinical Social Worker)

The Oncology Counseling Specialist (Clinical Social Worker) provides therapeutic services to oncology patients and families at all levels of care within the scope of the therapist's license. Direct responsibility for program development and coordination of cancer counseling and education services within the oncology service.

Responsibilities include:

• Planning, developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive oncology psychosocial counseling program to meet the needs of oncology patients and families.
• Assisting patients with advanced care planning such as disability, advanced directives, and living wills.
• Fostering relationships with medical staff who care for cancer and other patients including primary care, surgeons, oncologists, and other specialists. Providing information, encouraging referrals, and maintaining communication with these providers. Attending and actively participating in weekly physician peer review.
• Providing initial assessment and short-term treatment to patients as they undergo cancer treatments.
• Responding to the need for crisis intervention.
• Providing initial screening for grant and Sunshine Fund recipients.
• Serving as a psychosocial expert. Conducting and documenting in EMR psychosocial issues which are accurate, thorough, and descriptive. Making referrals as appropriate.
• Participating as a member of the Oncology multi-disciplinary care team and collaborating to assist with patient's treatment, self-care, education, and support.
• Attending meetings and supporting the departmental QI program by tracking quality improvement initiatives focused on psychosocial and distress issues.
• Required coordinating and reporting member for the Commission on Cancer committee.
• Utilizing background and skills to work cooperatively with Oncology Services, other professionals, and external community organizations and agencies to provide leadership and expertise for oncology psychosocial care and the care of other medical patients.
• Acting as a patient advocate and being actively engaged in patient support groups and survivorship initiatives.
• Exercising leadership and professional expertise in the development and service provision of the Oncology Psychosocial Program.
• Providing quality patient and family care within the scope of license (education, training, and/or experience).
• Work is directed to outpatient needs and will include collaboration with IP, home care, hospice services, and community resources.
• Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.
• Serves patients of all ages.

Requirements include:

Education: Master's degree in social work (from a school of social work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education).

Experience: Must have met continuing education requirements from VA Board of Professional Health Regulatory Boards plus a minimum of two years post licensure experience required.

Licensure, certification, and/or registration: LCSW, OSW-C preferred, or must be obtained within 3 years.

Other Minimum Qualifications: Ability to work collaboratively with physicians, other health care providers, and management entities.

Carilion Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or veterans status. Carilion is a Drug-Free Workplace.