SOCIAL WORKER / MSW

Job Description

General Purpose of Job:  

Provide psychosocial services and healthcare navigation functions to patients, families and significant others facing the impact of a potential or actual diagnosis of cancer.  Provides individualized assistance offered to patients, families, and caregivers to help overcome health system barriers and facilitate timely access to quality medical and psychosocial care.  The scope of practice includes clinical practice, education, advocacy, administration, policy, and research.

Essential Duties:

This job description is intended to cover the minimum essential duties assigned on a regular basis.  Team members may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by their leader.  Leadership has the right to alter or modify the duties of the position.

• Assessment and Evaluation - 1. Screens cases to identify needed services and interventions for utilization review and insurance requirements, 2. Screens medical record & performs comprehensive assessment of patient's medical condition, adjustment, support systems, finances, housing, behavior, cognition, abuse factors, function and abilities, and legal or substance abuse factors to identify issues and translate into expected medical outcomes & social work needs 3. Provides or arranges education for patients, families, physicians or other members of the health care team, to enhance patient care or improve cancer outcomes and operations
• Social Work Services - 1. Develops and maintains a professional working relationship with all patients, families, the health care team, physicians and providers, 2. Helps the patient/family face and prioritize problems & develops long and short-term plans for intervention, 3. Provides individual counseling & emotional support to help patients adapt to the emotional impact of lifestyle changes related to their illness 4. Observes patient's right to self-determination and confidentiality, 4. Intervenes as needed, with problems of child abuse, adult abuse, substance dependency, suicide, guardianship, conservatorship, durable power of attorney, mental illness, voluntary and involuntary committals, 5. Provides consultation services for other department staff
• Care Coordination/Survivorship - 1. Keeps up to date on community resources and makes appropriate referrals to best meet the patient's immediate and ongoing needs, 2. Advocates for patient/family needs, including negotiation with internal/external resources and payers for needed services, 3. Actively facilitates information and feedback to appropriate parties, including patients/families regarding available resources and discharge planning options, allowing patients to make informed decisions.
• Communication - 1. Provides clear, concise, timely written documentation, 2. Communicates with patients, families, members of the health care team and others in a professional, diplomatic and empathetic manner. 
• Hospital/Department Operational Improvement - 1. Participates in Cancer Center activities which support and advance the Health System's mission, vision and goals 2. Attends mandatory department and Health System meetings or training sessions and community committees and activities.
• Demonstrates knowledge and maintains and respects patients’ right to privacy by following the HIPAA Privacy and Security policies and procedures.
• Adheres to BASE+ values and standards of behavior (Belonging and Inclusion, Access, Safety and Quality, Experience).
• Role model behaviors that value the diversity of our team members, patients, and customers and supports creating an environment that is inclusive, welcoming, and respectful.
• Works in safe manner and promptly reports any hazards identified in the work environment or related to assigned responsibilities.
• Adheres to policies and procedures designed to avoid, prevent and reduce the spread of communicable diseases. 

Job Requirements

General Requirements	• Social Worker Licensure in Michigan
Work Experience	• Minimum 3 years of Pediatric and Oncology Social Work experience required
Education	• Masters in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
Specialized Knowledge and Skills	• Knowledge of Pediatric population, oncology, health care financial environment, preferred.