Mercy Health
Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position (2-3 sentences)
The Oncology Social Worker provides psychosocial support, resources, and counseling to patients, families, and caregivers dealing with cancer diagnoses and treatments. They play a critical role in helping patients navigate the emotional, social, and practical challenges associated with cancer care, working closely with the healthcare team to ensure holistic patient-centered care.
Essential Job Functions
Essential Functions (7-10) Statements - List the essential functions of the job. Essential functions are the reasons a job exists.
Provide Psychosocial Assessments: Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' emotional, social, and practical needs, identifying potential barriers to treatment and recovery.
Offer Counseling Services: Provide individual, family, and group counseling to help patients and their loved ones cope with the emotional impact of cancer, including anxiety, depression, and grief.
Coordinate Support Services: Assist patients in accessing community resources, support groups, financial assistance programs, and other services that can alleviate the burden of cancer treatment.
Collaborate with Multidisciplinary Teams: Work closely with oncologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans that address the full range of patient needs.
Educate Patients and Families: Provide education on the goals of care and advanced care planning decisions to assist patient and caregivers in making informed decisions, as appropriate
Advocate for Patients: Serve as a patient advocate, ensuring that their needs are communicated and met within the healthcare system, including navigating insurance and healthcare policies.
Facilitate in Care Planning: Assist in the development and navigation of the patient’s plan of care, including arranging for home care, rehabilitation services, palliative care or hospice care, as needed.
Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support and intervention in crisis situations, such as a sudden change in prognosis or end-of-life issues, helping patients and families manage acute stress and emotions.
Maintain Accurate Documentation: Keep detailed records of patient interactions, assessments, and care plans, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
Participate in Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development, including attending workshops, conferences, and training to stay current with best practices in oncology social work.
This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Patient Population
The following must be included in all position descriptions that involve direct or indirect patient care. This is a Joint Commission requirement. Also, select the age of the patient population served:
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Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
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Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets 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.
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Neonates (0-4 weeks)
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Adolescents (13-17 years)
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Infant (1-12 months)
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Adults (18-64 years).
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Pediatrics (1-12 years)
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Geriatrics (65 years and older)
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Not applicable to this position.
Employment Qualifications
Education Qualifications - List the minimum education, training, and experience required to perform the essential functions of the position.
Required Minimum Education:
4 year/ Bachelors Degree
Specialty/Major
Social Work, or related field
Preferred Education
Graduate Degree (Masters)
Specialty/Major
Social Work
Licensing/ Certification - If registration, certification or licensure is required, include the name of the accrediting or licensing body.
Licensure/Certification Required
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Licensure/Certification Preferred
License Independent Social Worker (LISW)
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Years and Type of Experience