Oncology Social Worker - Willamette Valley Cancer Institute & Research Center

Oncology Social Worker

Navigating the cancer care continuum is a long and difficult process. Having skilled professionals acting as guides to light the path make the journey significantly easier. Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center is looking for a third licensed clinical Social Worker to help lead our patients to a more positive experience. As a Social Worker at WVCI, you will help patients in many areas of the treatment process. From helping them and their families find the right support systems, to counseling and supporting their psychological and emotional well-being, you will play a crucial role in positive patient outcomes. Come share your shining light with our patients, and help be part of a brighter future. 

The general pay scale for this position at WVCI is $62,483-$106.182. The actual hiring rate is dependent on many factors, including but not limited to: prior work experience, education, job/position responsibilities, location, work performance, etc.

Employment Type: Full time, 40 hrs (1.0 FTE)

Benefits: M/D/V, Life Ins., 401(k)

Location: Eugene, OR

• Meets with patients and their families for psychosocial needs assessment and examines social support, appropriate community resources, and coping mechanisms.
• Documents all communication accurately and appropriately. Completes all required billing forms for clinical services in a timely manner.
• Provides psychological support to patients and families. Provides support to clinic patients and their families during hospitalizations.
• Provides follow-up counseling on an ongoing basis. Acts as a patient/family advocate in negotiating the health care system.
• Participates in Team Meetings as part of the Support Services Team. Works collaboratively with all members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Develops and maintains support groups to enhance the quality of care to patients and their families. Provides information to patients and families regarding resources both in local communities and those geographically distant, i.e. those patients contemplating procedures in other cities, BMT, etc.
• Facilitates team support of identified patient and family needs through ongoing communication with clinic team members.
• Provides education to patients and clinic staff regarding skills and knowledge specific to the role of a mental health worker in a medical practice. Develops and maintains working relationships with community agencies, health care organizations, and other providers to promote a broad base of support for patients and families.
• Coordinates support groups with local agencies and health care providers to prevent duplication of services and to better address the needs of the patient population.
• Provides speaking services to groups and organizations to facilitate public understanding of the emotional component of the cancer experience. Facilitates employee support groups as needed.
• Completes patient disability forms when necessary. Maintains indigent patient drug program when necessary. Maintains knowledge of insurance reimbursement issues.
• Demonstrates knowledge of age-specific differences in the patient population that include late adolescence, adulthood, middle age, and the elderly. This includes physiological, psychological, and developmental differences unique to each group.
• Participates in quality improvement activities. May oversee the activities of staff providing coordination of Social Services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience and Education:

• Master's degree in social work from an accredited university.
• Minimum three to five (3-5) years’ experience as a licensed social worker
• Minimum one (1) year acute care, oncology, or hospice experience; Oncology experience preferred.

Licenses Required:

• Oregon State MSW/LCSW license required

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination. Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

The US Oncology Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.