Clinical Oncology Social Worker

Oregon Health & Science University•Tualatin, OR

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oncology Clinical Social Worker supports patients at OHSU’s Community Hematology Oncology (CHO) clinics who have experienced a cancer or hematology diagnosis. The CHO clinic social workers may support patients at one or more of the CHO locations located around the Portland Metro area (NW, Tualatin, Beaverton, East Portland, and Gresham). Social workers in this role will support adult cancer patients and their support people, under the care of a physician at the Knight Cancer Institute. The OCSW will complete assessments, provide resources, and emotional/behavioral support for patients receiving medical oncology services and may consult as part of the outpatient Palliative Care team. The OCSW may attend tumor boards, clinic staff meetings or care rounds as appropriate. Individuals will be expected to cross-cover for their CHO social work colleagues for planned and unplanned absences. Individuals may meet with patients in exam rooms, consult rooms, infusion spaces, virtually or by phone. Individuals may also provide support to patients hospitalized at partnering hospitals (Legacy and Adventist). Function/Duties of Position Psychosocial Assessment: Conducts psychosocial evaluations of patients/support person(s) to identify needs and areas of support, including but not limited to: adjustment to cancer diagnosis, care coordination, mental health status, barriers to treatment process, substance use, child or elder abuse/neglect, intimate partner violence concerns, financial concerns, and resource needs. The OCSW may participate in treatment team meetings or care conferences as the behavioral health clinician to support treatment planning. Patient Services – Refers patient/support person(s) to resources within and outside of the hospital for assistance (i.e. financial, housing, transportation, insurance, prescription assistance, etc.) Acts as an advocate for patients within the medical setting and the community Maintains knowledge of community resources for oncology patients May interact with the oncology social work specialist for assistance. Supportive Counseling – Provides brief short-term, evidence-based clinical behavioral health interventions to patients and/or their support person(s) in health care settings. Works to coordinate transition to long-term counseling support in the community for patients requiring long-term follow-up. Provides counseling to reinforce patients’ strengths and assist them in coping with a cancer diagnosis. Counsels patients to assist them in decisions related to treatment options and educates patients regarding anticipated social or emotional impacts of treatment. May participate in urgent situations by providing crisis intervention services to patients and/or their support person(s). May also conduct group work including support group facilitation to patients, caregivers, and/or staff. Other Duties as Assigned

Requirements

A Master’s Social Work (MSW) required.
Certificate of Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required for employees who practice clinical social work.
Experience in behavioral/mental health counseling and application of brief, short-term therapy strategies. This requirement may be waived in lieu of an applicant’s lived experience.
Clinical behavioral health skills including mental health assessment acumen and short-term counseling skills.
Crisis Intervention skills
Effective communication skills, including conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated understanding of Trauma informed and patient-centered care.
Ability to practice with minimal supervision using sound clinical judgement.
Demonstrated knowledge of anti-oppressive practices.

Nice To Haves

Health care experience preferred.
2 years Oncology Social Work Experience
Experience as a behavioral health clinician in a healthcare setting
Bilingual/Second language proficiency
Bicultural Experience working with diverse identity populations.
Licensed in Washington

Responsibilities

Conducts psychosocial evaluations of patients/support person(s) to identify needs and areas of support, including but not limited to: adjustment to cancer diagnosis, care coordination, mental health status, barriers to treatment process, substance use, child or elder abuse/neglect, intimate partner violence concerns, financial concerns, and resource needs.
Refers patient/support person(s) to resources within and outside of the hospital for assistance (i.e. financial, housing, transportation, insurance, prescription assistance, etc.)
Acts as an advocate for patients within the medical setting and the community
Maintains knowledge of community resources for oncology patients
Provides brief short-term, evidence-based clinical behavioral health interventions to patients and/or their support person(s) in health care settings.
Works to coordinate transition to long-term counseling support in the community for patients requiring long-term follow-up.
Provides counseling to reinforce patients’ strengths and assist them in coping with a cancer diagnosis.
Counsels patients to assist them in decisions related to treatment options and educates patients regarding anticipated social or emotional impacts of treatment.
May participate in urgent situations by providing crisis intervention services to patients and/or their support person(s).
May also conduct group work including support group facilitation to patients, caregivers, and/or staff.