Clinical Oncology Social Worker

Oregon Health & Science University; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

Two pension plans

Vacation up to 200 hours/year

Sick leave 96 hours/year

8 paid holidays

Job summary

Oregon Health & Science University is seeking an Oncology Clinical Social Worker to support adult cancer patients and families across inpatient and outpatient settings. The role involves psychosocial assessments, resource coordination, and collaboration with the Knight Cancer Institute and treatment teams.

Candidates should hold an MSW and a clinical license (CSWA or LCSW). Experience in oncology and crisis intervention are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Master’s in Social Work (MSW) required.
• CSWA or LCSW required for employees who practice clinical social work.

Responsibilities

• Refer patients and families to financial, housing, transportation, insurance, and other resources.
• Advocate for patients within hospital and community settings.
• Maintain knowledge of oncology resources and coordinate care with teams.
• Complete psychosocial assessments identifying needs and support areas.
• Participate in care rounds, conferences, and team meetings as behavioral health clinician.
• Maintain up-to-date licensure and continuing education requirements.

Skills

Healthcare experience

Behavioral health counseling

Mental health assessment

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Trauma-informed care

Clinical judgment

Anti-oppressive practices

Education

MSW

CSWA or LCSW (clinical practice)

Job description

Department Overview

The Oncology Clinical Social Worker may support patients who have experienced a hematologic malignancy or blood cancer diagnosis and their support people both inpatient at OHSU Hospital or outpatient at the Center for Health and Healing, Building 2. Social workers in this role will support adult cancer patients under the care of a physician at the Knight Cancer Institute and may fluctuate between inpatient and outpatient services. The OCSW will complete assessments, provide resources, and offer emotional/behavioral support for patients receiving medical oncology services or proceeding to bone marrow transplant or CAR-T Cell Therapy and their support people. The OCSW may attend care rounds, care conferences, or other disease-specific team meetings as appropriate. Additionally, this role may require BMT or CAR-T evaluations. Individuals will be expected to cross-cover for each other for planned and unplanned absences within work unit. Individuals may meet with patients and their support people in hospital rooms, exam rooms, consult rooms, infusion spaces, virtually, or by telephone.

Function/Duties of Position

Patient Services –

• Refers patient/support person(s) to resources within and outside of the hospital for assistance (i.e. financial, housing, transportation, insurance, prescription assistance, etc.)
• Acts as an advocate for patients within the medical setting and the community
• Maintains knowledge of community resources for oncology patients
• May interact with the oncology social work specialist for assistance.

Psychosocial Assessment

• Conducts psychosocial evaluations of patients/support person(s) to identify needs and areas of support, including but not limited to: adjustment to cancer diagnosis, care coordination, mental health status, barriers to treatment process, substance use, child or elder abuse/neglect, intimate partner violence concerns, financial concerns, and resource needs.
• The OCSW may participate in treatment team meetings or care conferences as the behavioral health clinician to support treatment planning.

Departmental Functions –

• Participates in Patient and Family Services department meetings/huddles and other assigned service meetings as a representative of the department and field of oncology social work.
• Contributes to the development and evaluation of new programs to meet department or patient needs, including participation in department committees or workgroups.
• Meets requirements to maintain Oregon SW licensure, including attending scheduled supervision sessions, conferences, and continuing education events.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of social work practices and principles.
• Participates in patient care rounds and care conferences as appropriate.
• Completes all OHSU/DNV mandatory education requirements and activities within established timelines.
• Maintain technology fluency and accessibility via department standard means (pager, phone, email, Teams, etc.).
• May provide support to patient care staff as needed.
• May also provide coverage within work unit

Documentation

• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of patient care activities in an efficient manner per department policies and workflows to ensure continuity of care.

Required Qualifications

• A Master’s Social Work (MSW) required.
• Certificate of Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required for employees who practice clinical social work.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (Competencies)

• Healthcare experience
• Experience in behavioral/mental health counseling and application of brief, short-term therapy strategies.
• Clinical behavioral health skills including mental health assessment acumen and short-term counseling skills.
• Crisis Intervention skills
• Effective communication skills, including conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated understanding of Trauma informed and patient-centered care.
• Ability to practice with minimal supervision using sound clinical judgement.
• Demonstrated knowledge of anti-oppressive practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years Oncology Social Work Experience
• Licensed in Washington
• Experience as a behavioral health clinician in a healthcare setting
• Bilingual/Second language proficiency
• Bicultural
• Experience working with diverse identity populations.

Additional Details

Routine office:

Frequent interruptions in an environment of frequent change and fluctuations May be exposed to body fluids, tissue, possible radiation exposure, and infectious processes Subject to computer work for several hours, as needed Able to utilize office equipment within work area, including computer, smartphone, and pager in-clinic and remote. Comfortable working in a shared office environment.

For outpatient positions:

Some opportunities for flexible remote work. Remote work at OHSU is a work arrangement under which an employee performs the duties and responsibilities of their position, and other authorized activities, from a non-OHSU location as part of their approved, regular schedule. The OCSW is expected to be in-person all but one day of the work week, unless FTE is 0.5 or less which requires on-site presence each day. Some specialty clinic positions may differ. The OCSW is expected to follow the terms outlined in the department Telehealth work agreement and may be required to come to the hospital/clinic at short notice on a remote day. For

CHO locations:

Some travel may be required.

Benefits

• Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
• Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
• 8 paid holidays per year
• Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
• Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

All are welcome.

OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.

To request reasonable accommodation, contact [e-mail]