Oncology Social Worker

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The UW Medical Center-Montlake Social Work Department has an outstanding opportunity for an Oncology Social Worker. WORK SCHEDULE • Part-Time / 24 hours per week • Day Shifts (Monday, Tuesday, Friday) POSITION HIGHLIGHTS • The Social Worker will cover for Oncology Social Workers on scheduled days off for 3 different service line assignments • Assist oncology services by providing discharge planning, resource coordination, loss and grief support and crisis intervention services to patients and families, while also serving as support for the interdisciplinary team • The ideal candidate will have experience in a hospital setting providing direct service to patients and their support systems and will possess excellent assessment and clinical intervention skills • Ideally, they will have experience in discharge planning and experience connecting clients with community services and demonstrate strong organizational and customer service skills • The Social Worker is assigned to oncology service teams to assist with discharge planning, behavioral health issues affecting LOS and treatment adherence, support for patients and family members, and crisis intervention.

Requirements

A Master of Social Work Degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education AND one year of full-time social work experience in a health care setting or equivalent. Experience can include a practicum placement as part of a social work training program and/or employment experience.
Within 90 days of hire must hold one of the following credentials issued by the state of Washington: • Agency Affiliated Counselor • Licensed Social Work Associate -Advanced • Licensed Social Work Associate - Independent Clinical • Licensed Advance Social Worker • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Responsibilities

Assess patient/families for goals of treatment, psychosocial factors impacting healthcare, preferences for post-acute care, barriers to discharge, available resources.
Collaborate with agencies/providers/payors that currently are engaged with patient, to ensure coordination of care.
Identify and assist in transitioning patient to post–acute care resources and options (Home Health, Hospice, SNF/AFH placement).
Partner with primary team to set expectations for patients/families about timelines for choosing specific post-acute care options.
Recommend and help organize care conferences, engaging & facilitating family participation as needed.
Bridge communication between care team and patient/family with focus on patient’s goals, incorporating cultural or family issues impeding progression of patient care and discharge.
Provide assessment/intervention/referrals for mental health and substance use disorder.
Intervene by reporting of child and vulnerable adult abuse or neglect. Assess and intervening with victims of domestic violence and/or assault
Maintain knowledge of government entitlement programs and how to access such programs.
Identify and address financial insurance barriers to provision of care via linkage to appropriate resources.
Provide counseling and support during emergent issues and/or changes in status that may impact patient’s outcome.
Provide assistance in situations requiring identification of LNOK, advance directives, and facilitation of guardianships.