Oncology Team Lead Social Work

Phoebe Putney Health System•Albany, GA

About The Position

The Oncology Social Work Team Leader is responsible for clinical, professional, and administrative management of the Oncology/Hematology Social Work Service and psychosocial program development. The role oversees psychosocial service delivery, program operations, and compliance with cancer-program standards related to Distress Management, Navigation, Survivorship, and Palliative Care. The Team Leader also provides direct patient care to patients, families, and caregivers affected by cancer diagnosis and treatment throughout the cancer continuum as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. The position supervises social work staff, develops and oversees policies and procedures, supports staff development and quality initiatives, and represents the Psychosocial Department in leadership activities and at the Cancer Committee. It provides oversight of patient assistance programs funded through the Phoebe Foundation and ensures staff compliance with relevant accreditation requirements, regulations, and laws. The Team Leader maintains a patient caseload and provides psychosocial assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, case management, therapy, education, referrals, and care planning. The role collaborates with patients, caregivers, medical providers, cancer navigation, community resources, and the broader healthcare team to address psychosocial and economic needs and support patient safety and treatment.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work.
Seven or more years of social work experience after the MSW.
At least one year of prior experience supervising Medical Social Work staff in an acute or non-acute setting.
Current state licensure as an LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker) or LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker).

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of experience practicing in Outpatient/Inpatient Oncology Social Work and/or Hospice.

Responsibilities

Document and submit required information and data accurately and in a timely fashion, tailoring documentation to its readers and required terminology, style, and format.
Supervise social workers performing at the MSW level and below, including social work program coordinators.
Plan, establish, implement, monitor, evaluate, and oversee psychosocial policies, procedures, goals, objectives, programs, and staff.
Schedule staff, prepare work instructions, evaluate staff, counsel or discipline according to policy, resolve complaints and conflicts, and develop performance improvement plans and quality initiatives.
Coach and mentor staff, help them anticipate needs and prioritize tasks, and assist with difficult or complex cases; intervene as appropriate on MSW/BSW-related tasks.
Participate in hiring and training new staff and arrange ongoing staff development; ensure staff competency meets expected standards of practice.
Attend leadership meetings, represent the Psychosocial Department in workgroups and other activities, and serve as the required Psychosocial Representative at Cancer Committee.
Ensure staff compliance with Commission on Cancer and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers requirements, stay current on relevant regulations and laws, and provide ongoing education to staff, physicians, and others as appropriate.
Oversee patient assistance programs funded through the Phoebe Foundation, including medication, travel, lodging, and crisis funding.
Work with nursing leadership, other department leaders, and staff to foster teamwork and accountability within the Psychosocial Team.
Prepare reports, summaries, and written materials related to social work functions, performance improvement outcomes, or requests from oncology leadership.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team by contributing social work expertise and insight.
Develop and oversee standard operating procedures for mental health social work and social work case management in the Outpatient Oncology/Hematology setting.
Provide direct patient care and maintain a patient caseload.
Assess psychosocial needs and provide brief crisis intervention and counseling to cancer patients and families, including distress screenings, psychosocial assessments, illness-adjustment counseling, individual, family, and group therapy, case management, concrete services, and psychoeducational groups.
Develop treatment plans with patients and caregivers to support optimal psychosocial functioning and the ability to participate in cancer treatment.
Provide crisis intervention, determine whether hospitalization is appropriate, and assess potential lethality.
Provide therapeutic intervention to patients requesting mental health services.
Consult with medical providers regarding psychiatric medication and initiate referrals for psychiatric consultation.
Collaborate with cancer navigation and the healthcare team on complex cancer cases.
Manage stress, crisis, conflict, time, and job frustration effectively.
Address complex psychosocial and economic comorbidities to create outcomes for patients and families.
Educate and consult on resources, collaborate on discharge plans, and facilitate and monitor plan implementation.
Mobilize resources through advanced practice skills, serve as a liaison between the hospital and community, and use appropriate community resources and systems to implement plans.
Remain accountable for individual practice and delegation to provide optimum care; practice with compassion and respect and advocate for patients, families, and the community.
Promote patient safety through competency and personal and staff growth, contribute to a healthy work environment through shared decision-making, and collaborate with other health professionals to meet healthcare needs.