Medical Social Worker

Our Mission: At The Cancer & Hematology Centers we are dedicated to help, healing and hope for cancer patients and their families.

We provide our patients with advanced treatments, innovative research and, above all else, compassionate care. Our patients receive the most comprehensive, contemporary cancer care balanced with the compassion of a dedicated nursing and support staff. Treating cancer requires a team of committed and caring health care professionals working together to understand and address your needs. In addition to caring physicians, we have a full range of support staff available to assist you and your family, such as oncology-certified nurses, social workers, experienced lab and pharmacy personnel and a psychologist. Our focus is not just on healing but also on helping and offering hope. We know that being diagnosed with cancer is a life-changing event, and it takes a lot of adjustment to accept the emotional and physical realities of this disease. Our staff understands what you’re going through and can offer compassion and resources to help. To us, it’s important that healing isn't just centered on your disease site. Our cutting-edge cancer care is available close to home. Our medical staff have close ties to prominent hospitals and ongoing cancer research, and we bring those breakthrough advances to our regional centers to progress the level of care that is offered right here at home. 

Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and high-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.

Job Description:

Position Overview:

The Medical Social Worker uses clinical knowledge to complete biopsychosocial assessments on all patients receiving treatment at The Cancer and Hematology Centers. Provides emotional support as needed and coordinates a plan of care to ensure the patient’s psychosocial needs are addressed. Facilitates advance care planning discussions and assists patients in completing advance directives. Assists with follow up for distress screenings and crisis intervention when needed. Coordinates referrals to outside agencies for financial and/or medical needs as directed. Provides financial screenings for patients and families facing the impact of potential or actual cancer or hematologic disorders. Assists in completing applications for foundations which assist with the cost of treatment, governmental assistance (SSI/SSDI, State Emergency Relief, Medicaid), or other financial assistance with household expenses.

Desired/Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Master’s degree in Social Work • Full license (LMSW) or Limited licensed (LLMSW)

Experience:

• Recent relevant clinical experience related to the medical field, community mental health, oncology support programs or Medicaid/Social Services preferred.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Completes biospsychosocial assessments on all patients receiving treatment at The Cancer and Hematology Centers. Makes referrals to appropriate support organizations based on findings.

2. Follows up on distress screenings, providing appropriate emotional support and referring to ancillary resources as needed.

3. Facilitates conversations surrounding advance care planning and advance directives, end of life issues, nursing home/assisted living transitions, and hospice care.

4. Screens patients at risk for financial toxicity. Provides and assists patients with required applications to apply for patient assistance programs as deemed appropriate.

5. Assists patients in navigating insurance options when there is a loss of coverage or patient is uninsured or underinsured.

6. Serve as a patient advocate to access federal, state, and local resources identified to address financial and/or medical needs.

7. Documents all financial assessments, interventions, outcomes, referrals, and services provided.

8. Communicates and collaborates with the pharmacy, reimbursement, and nursing departments to minimize duplication of effort/services and ensure a seamless coordination of services.

9. Communicates and interacts with patients, families, peers and other departments in a manner that is consistent with the CHC Standards of C.A.R.E.

10.Provides active listening and empathetic communication with patients/family members and demonstrates sensitivity regarding cultural diversity, age specific needs and confidentiality.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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