Overview Social Worker (LCSW), Cancer Center, Javon Bea Hospital - Rockton Avenue Campus - 80 hours / 2 weeks - Monday to Friday Day Shift Hours (8:00A - 4:30P) The Oncology LCSW plays a vital role as a member of the multidisciplinary team. The Oncology LCSW focuses on the psychosocial effects of cancer and cancer treatment, as well as, the effectiveness of various coping strategies. The LCSW is uniquely qualified to help the multidisciplinary team address the patient’s psychosocial and social well-being in relation to his/her illness. The Oncology Social Worker understands that sources of illness are not exclusively biological; recovery and resumption of function are impacted by social factors. The Oncology Social Worker assists the multidisciplinary team in moving beyond the disease process and addressing practical matters that may affect the patient’s quality of life. The oncology social worker possesses a broad knowledge base and skill level related to advocacy, education, research, and assessment. Responsibilities Operates in close collaboration with Oncologists and other members of the multidisciplinary team in patient evaluation and treatment to further their understanding of significant social and emotional factors underlying the patient's recovery and resumption of function. Works directly in therapeutic relationship with patient/families, individually or in groups, in consultation with the multidisciplinary team. Identifies and refers patients/families to resources with-in the Oncology department, as well as, other community resources. Identifies patients at increased risk for distress due to factors such as addiction, history of mental illness, abuse history, safety issues, inadequate social support, family/caregiver conflicts, financial problems, cognitive impairment etc. Identifies periods of increased vulnerability such as initial diagnosis, awaiting treatment, reoccurrence/progression, treatment failure, end of life etc. Provides appropriate emotional/psychosocial support and active listening. Reviews and responds to Distress Thermometer Screening Tools in a timely/efficient manner. Identifies the level of urgency of psychosocial need, facilitates appropriate intervention(s). Participates in department or unit improvement activities including staff meetings, Chart Rounds, Tumor Board, Breast Conference, Cancer Committee and Morbidity and Mortality Conference Utilizes Therapeutic Alternative in Crisis Training techniques when dealing with agitated patients. Maintains pertinent patient data in accordance with HIPPA guidelines provides psychosocial assessment, intervention and facilitates referrals to community resources to clinic patients in a variety of care settings. Provides psychosocial assessment, intervention and facilitates referrals to community resources to clinic patients in a variety of care settings. Facilitates various support groups such as Cancer Support Group and Caregiver Support Group. Educates patient/families on healthy coping mechanisms and the importance of good self- care. Provides education regarding the importance of Advanced Directives and assists in completing these documents with patient/families. Participates in the development and selection of patient educational materials and services. Serve as an advocate to patient/families, communicating patient wishes, quality of life issues to treatment team throughout continuum of care process. Practices under the guidelines of the National Association of Social Workers Ethic and Boundaries guidelines. Reviews and responds to Best Practice Alerts in a timely/efficient manner. Performs in-depth assessment of patient/family needs when meeting new patients in chemotherapy teaching appointments and consultations. Develops individualized, patient-focused plan for meeting continuing care needs. Provides education and resource options available to patients and families. Facilitates and assists with legal issues within scope of practice (POAHC, Guardianship) Reviews advance directives and helps patients to complete new documents. Communicates effectively with physicians, patients, families and multidisciplinary team to ensure that the patient’s right to self-determination is met. Provides education and support to patients/families in regards to issues related to adaptation to the patient’s diagnosis/illness/treatment and/or life situation. Maintains detailed knowledge of community resources to effectively address patient needs and help to strengthen patient’s network of support. Documents plan of care, interventions, and progress toward goals in the medical record in a timely and concise manner. Facilitates crisis intervention services in the clinic setting as determined by scope of practice. Identifies and reports child and/or elder abuse to local authorities according to law. Acts as a liaison with county officials for patients involved with protective services, aging, developmental disabilities, domestic violence, mental health services and economic support. Maintains current knowledge and awareness of payer/reimbursement practice and regulations impacting the patient’s plan of care. Negotiates care issues as appropriate (indigent issues and availability of resources). Promotes customer satisfaction and intervenes at critical moments of service. Provides follow-up with patients as needed. Education and Experience Master's degree in Social Work from accredited college or university required. One to two years related experience and/or training in acute care setting is desirable. Certification/Licensure Current IL LCSW License Approved CPR / BLS required with 90 days of start date Special Physical Demands While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, handle, finger, feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include frequent close vision and occasional distance vision and ability to adjust focus. Specific fine motor abilities required include writing, keyboard entry and mouse use. Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations: Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals. Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions. Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals. Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue. Benefits Mercyhealth offers a generous total rewards package to eligible employees including, but not limited to: · Comprehensive Benefits Package: Mercyhealth offers a retirement plan with competitive matching contribution, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options, life and disability coverage, access to flexible spending plans, and a variety of other discounted voluntary benefit options. · Competitive Compensation: Mercyhealth offers market competitive rates of pay and participates in various shift differential and special pay incentive programs. · Paid Time Off: Mercyhealth offers a generous paid time off plan, which increases with milestone anniversaries, to allow employees the opportunity for a great work-life balance. · Career Advancement: Mercyhealth offers a number of educational assistance programs and career ladders to support employees in their educational journey and advancement within Mercyhealth. · Employee Wellbeing: Mercyhealth has a focus on wellbeing for employees across the organization and offers a number of tools and resources, such as an employer-sponsored health risk assessment and a Wellbeing mobile application, to assist employees on their wellbeing journey. · Additional Benefits: Mercyhealth employees have access to our internal and external employee assistance programs, employee-only discount packages, paid parental and caregiver leaves, on-demand pay, special payment programs for patient services, and financial education to help with retirement planning.