Senior Social Worker (Oncology)

Quick Facts

• Role: Senior Social Worker (Oncology)

• Setting: Medical and Radiation Oncology Clinics for Veterans evaluated for or actively receiving oncology care

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30am–4:00pm (Telework: ad-hoc; not a virtual position)

Description

The Oncology Senior Social Worker provides specialized social work services to Veterans who are being evaluated by or actively treated in the Medical and Radiation Oncology Clinics. The role requires specialized knowledge of cancer and the ability to conduct complex psychosocial and psychiatric assessment and diagnosis within the approved scope of practice. The position includes screening for mental health concerns, supportive counseling, crisis intervention, care coordination, advocacy, and program development/evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessment and education for newly diagnosed patients and for Veterans beginning cancer treatment or considering changes in treatment modalities (including bone marrow transplantation) and end-of-life planning

• Interview Veterans and family members/significant others to establish presenting problems, causes, and impact on functioning as part of a comprehensive psychosocial assessment

• Review subjective and objective information to make clinical assessments identifying needs and strengths; interpret data to identify viable treatment options

• Develop psychosocial treatment plans with the interdisciplinary treatment team; provide case management for high-risk patients

• Deliver time-limited supportive counseling to Veterans and caregivers to address coping with chronic/disabling illness, catastrophic illness onset, end-of-life, and bereavement

• Screen for depression, military sexual trauma, PTSD, substance abuse, and suicidality; refer to appropriate VA or community resources and ensure needed follow-up

• Facilitate educational/support groups when indicated by patient needs

• Provide crisis intervention, coordinate family conferences, act as liaison to family members, and help develop crisis management and safety plans

• Coordinate care by identifying barriers to treatment and completing referrals; collaborate with Cancer Care Coordinators to coordinate oncology services in a timely manner

• Serve as liaison among family, VA/community providers, service coordinators, insurance, community agencies, and staff

• Advocate for Veterans to ensure access to required care and resources; educate and encourage self-advocacy and independence

• Monitor resource availability and unmet needs; communicate with stakeholders to support new and innovative resources

• Develop and implement methods for measuring effectiveness of social work practice using outcome evaluations; provide specialized consultation, leadership, and staff development

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school of social work

• Advanced-practice level state licensure/certification based on an advanced generalist or clinical examination (unless grandfathered); ability to provide supervision for licensure

• Subject to background/security investigation

• Successful completion of required online onboarding and pre-employment requirements

Benefits

A comprehensive federal employee benefits package (eligibility depends on the position type). Whole Health is emphasized in the work environment.