About the Role
As a member of the multidisciplinary oncology team, the Clinical Social Worker, LICSW II, provides highly skilled patient- and family-centered care through clinical psychosocial assessment and intervention, including crisis response, individual, couples, family, and group interventions, and short-term bereavement support.
Responsibilities
- Provide biopsychosocial assessment and intervention, crisis intervention, coordinate psychosocial services, and consult to reduce cancer-related distress and improve quality of life for patients, families, and caregivers across the cancer continuum.
- Assess adaptation of families and caregivers to the patient’s illness and ensure maximum participation in care.
- Deliver evidence-based, goal-oriented, strengths-based, short-term interventions through individual, family, and group modalities.
- Identify and address high-risk psychosocial factors and strengths (e.g., suicidal/homicidal risk, domestic violence, abuse, disability, mental health conditions).
- Facilitate complex serious illness and goals-of-care conversations to promote shared decision-making and effective patient–physician communication.
- Identify and communicate systemic inequities and recommend changes to mitigate their impact on patients, families, caregivers, and the community.
- Advocate for diversity and equity, engaging in self-education and support for underserved and marginalized populations.
- Communicate clinical assessments, recommendations, and provide consultation and support to the interdisciplinary health‑care team.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to manage psychosocial barriers limiting patients’ and families’ access to or engagement with recommended medical care.
- Provide education and consultation to the community regarding the impact of cancer and develop support groups or psychoeducational programs in partnership with the interdisciplinary team.
- Facilitate patient and family/caregiver support programs or groups using evidence-based practices.
- Offer in-person and/or telehealth services (in person, phone, Zoom) based on clinical assessment.
- Provide clinical coverage during the absence of other social workers.
Qualifications
- Master of Social Work.
- Minimum four (4) years of social work practice, preferably in a health‑care setting with at least two (2) years in an oncology setting or with oncology patients.
- LICSW in Massachusetts (and state-specific licensing as required for the location).
- Strong knowledge of interdisciplinary teamwork and team dynamics across oncology care.
- Proficient in a wide range of behavioral health interventions addressing common issues and needs throughout the oncology continuum.
- Expertise in psychosocial care concepts, practices, and policies, applying them effectively in varied situations.
- Ability to facilitate understanding and resolution of patient/family/caregiver interpersonal conflicts and complex psychosocial or substance use concerns.
- Sound judgment in making clinical decisions guided by experience, practice policies, consultation, and evidence-based practice.
- Capacity for effective communication with the interdisciplinary team, patients, families, caregivers, and community partners.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with sensitivity to diverse identities and circumstances.
- Adaptability to a fast-paced, changeable work environment and role modeling for LCSW and LICSW I peers.
- Professional ethical competence, maintaining confidentiality, boundaries, and adherence to ethical, departmental, and organizational standards.
- Excellent written communication skills for clear documentation in the electronic medical record.
- Strong adherence to Division practice and administrative standards, including HIPAA and secure scheduling protocols.
Benefits and Compensation
Hybrid work schedule: 3 days onsite at the Longwood campus and 2 days remote. Pay range: $97,683.00 – $110,448.00, determined by market pay structures, business needs, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications. Union positions are covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Equal Employment Opportunity
Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.