Oncology Palliative Care Social Worker - Cuyuna Regional Medical Center

• The focus of care management is identifying and managing patient outcomes across the continuum. A Social Worker manifests a high level of expertise in the assessment of complex responses of individuals, families, or communities to actual or potential health problems. The Social Worker works collaboratively with the Care Team to assist the patient/family in coping with illness, optimizes the patient’s self-care abilities, and supports patient’s rights to make choices. The Social Worker implements best practice related to mental health and behavior health interventions, addiction and substance abuse interventions, legal holds, discharge planning, patient placement, support for vulnerable populations, interactions with law enforcement and county officials, and Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services patient rights.

• Education and Experience:
  • Graduate of an accredited program of Social Work or a Baccalaureate degree in Social Work from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university. MSW preferred. Three years experience as a social worker in the acute care setting is preferred.
• License/Certificates:
  • Current Minnesota Social Workers license preferred. If not licensed, must obtain within 90 days of hire. Prefer OSW-C: Oncology Social Worker certified by the Board of Oncology Social Work.
• Special Skills and Aptitudes:
  • • High level of knowledge and competency related to palliative care, hematology, and oncology care and services.
    • Demonstrate commitment to philosophy, mission, and objectives of Palliative Care.
    • Must possess strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
    • Exceptional interpersonal relationship skills-demonstrated ability to be CRMC ambassador in all interactions and effectively develop relationships with various stakeholders.
    • Ability to develop and implement plans for program/department operations.
    • Good understanding of the regulatory environment surrounding health care.
    • Ability to handle confidential information discreetly and appropriately.
    • Ability to adapt resources to meet the needs of the situation.
    • Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of settings and with a variety of people at different organization levels.
    • Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of settings and with a wide variety of people and different organizational levels.
    • Ability to develop effective relationships with various stakeholders.
    • Ability to handle confidential information discreetly and appropriately.
    • Ability to develop and implement plans for program/department operations.
    • Ability to adapt resources to meet the needs of the situation.
    • Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments within workload.
    • Ability to function independently and take independent action within the scope of job responsibilities.
    • High level of competency in personal computer skills including the Microsoft Office Suite and internet use.
    • Ability to deal with change and ambiguity.
    • Ability to work with Microsoft office programs, PowerPoint, etc.
    • Ability to properly operate all equipment needed for this position.

• Complete a comprehensive health assessment of the patient's physical, psychological, social, environmental, financial, and functional status.
• Assess community, institutional, and family support systems and resources.
• Coordinate care for medical services, mental health needs, long term care, substance abuse, and other services.
• Support a culture of continuous improvement through quality monitoring, regulatory compliance, risk management and performance improvement activities.
• Monitor patient progress toward goal achievement and patient outcomes. Facilitate appropriate exchange of information between team members and/or community agencies.
• Provide data to insurance representatives to advocate for necessary treatment of patients and update the insurance review process.
• Maintain communication with payers regarding assessments, outcomes and projected length of stay needs.
• Act as a resource for patient/families, interdisciplinary teams, and direct care providers.
• Effectively document and communicate care plans to patients, families, healthcare team members, and community resources as needed.
• Responsible for timely and comprehensive chart reviews, documentation, and consultation needed to meet the needs of patients, families, and the facility.
• Utilize multiple criteria sets, internal policies and procedures, Medical Directors, leadership team, and other resources in decision making process.
• Support individuals and their families in difficult times and ensures that vulnerable populations, including adults and children, are safeguarded from harm.
• Serve as a patient advocate and remain available to respond to patient and staff questions or refer to appropriate resources.
• Consistently demonstrate putting the patient at the center of their care. Involve patients in decisions regarding their individual preferences and review medical options in an easy-to-understand vocabulary.
• Effectively facilitate group meetings and discussions as needed.
• Develop, revise, and maintain patient education materials.
• Support patients in the hospital through coordinated care, discharge planning, and post hospital follow up as needed.
• Demonstrate Standards of Excellence when other duties are assigned.
• Support the development and implementation of policies/procedures/standards of care to meet Joint Commission, Commission on Cancer, state and federal rules and regulations.
• Demonstrates Standards of Excellence when other duties are assigned.

PI250357100