LCSW/Medical Social Worker - ...

About the Role

The Medical Social Worker – Specialty Programs assists patients with biopsychosocial problems resulting from acute or chronic illness, disability, and/or trauma. This role involves completing comprehensive assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, providing support and resources, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The position reports to the Director of Hematology/Oncology Service Line and may require on-call duties.

Responsibilities

• Provides ongoing comprehensive psychosocial assessment and counseling services to chronic disease patients and their families to promote quality of life.
• Completes mental health evaluations, makes diagnoses, and provides recommendations as appropriate.
• Conducts biopsychosocial assessments to determine patient appropriateness for medical interventions.
• Delivers casework services, including counseling, crisis intervention, goal-directed counseling, and discharge planning.
• Maintains a small outpatient caseload focused on education, emotional support, self-help, and chronic illness management.
• Mediates between patients, families, and staff.
• Facilitates community agency referrals and collaborates with schools and employers for medical accommodations.
• Participates in interdisciplinary care planning and collaboration.
• Completes needs assessments and provides resources/interventions as appropriate.
• Advocates for patients within healthcare settings and with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Provides ongoing patient and family education throughout all phases of care.
• Collaborates with other hospitals and programs related to chronic illness to affirm best practices.
• Maintains social work records, statistics, and participates in quality improvement activities.
• Conducts annual patient satisfaction and quality-of-life surveys.
• Assists in transitioning patients to adult care in collaboration with the medical team.
• Provides travel, accommodations, and additional support to families traveling for medical care.
• Engages in community and hospital activities to promote chronic illness awareness.
• Participates in professional organizations and community activities serving specialty patient populations.
• Stays updated on research, literature, and developments in disease management social work.

Hematology/Oncology-Specific Responsibilities

• Addresses adjustment to chronic illness and treatment as it relates to quality of life.
• Manages physical, sexual, and emotional relationship problems.
• Assists with educational, vocational, and daily living challenges.
• Provides conflict resolution support.
• Addresses issues related to treatment options and setting transfers.
• Assesses resource needs, including finances, living arrangements, and transportation.
• Supports decision-making regarding advance directives and end-of-life care.

Additional Hospital Responsibilities

• Precepts and provides orientation support to new staff.
• Supports intern programs and supervises residents once certified as an LCSW supervisor.
• Provides coverage for specialty medical clinics, inpatient units, and crisis needs as directed.
• Completes billable mental health assessments, follow-ups, and ongoing care.
• Functions in an on-call capacity for the Hematology/Oncology Division.

Requirements

• Current Virginia license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
• Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university.
• Experience implementing evidence-based treatments with children and families.
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.

Working Conditions

Primarily based in an inpatient hospital setting with minimal exposure to environmental factors like dust or temperature variations.