Summary: The role of the MSW, Clinical Oncology is to assist patients and family members to effectively access healthcare services. The MSW, Clinical Oncology will help individuals overcome obstacles ranging from financial and insurance difficulties to communication and information challenges; medical system barriers such as missed appointments; and emotional concerns. Functions as a liaison between the physician, patient/significant other, and third party payers to coordinate necessary services to facilitate care. The Cancer Center includes the following disciplines: Hematology/Oncology, Surgical/Oncology, Bone Marrow transplant, and Palliative Care.

Education: In addition to the skills normally obtained through completion of a High School education, must also have a Masters of Social Work and hold a current Rhode Island licensure.

Experience: Substantial knowledge of healthcare system, Federal and State Regulations, social work principles of crisis intervention, counseling and discharge planning.

Skills and Abilities: Ability to provide psychosocial are for patients, caregivers, and families throughout their treatment and recovery process.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Masters Degree in Social Work, Licensed in RI, and adheres to National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics.

Working Conditions, Physical Environment and/or Safety Requirements:

Normal office environment that affords privacy for family interview. Frequent patient contact. Subject to long, irregular hours. Handles emergency or crisis situations. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. Moderate physical effort including some lifting and prolonged standing and walking. Also, attends related required Safety Training programs; communicates and implements measures to ensure a safe workplace; audits and rectifies through appropriate measures any specific job-related hazards for all areas of responsibility. Subject to situations involving grief processes and related issues.

Interrelationships:

Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, adaptability, and tact creating a favorable image in relationship to the supported department or service and the Medical Center as a whole. The MSW Clinical Oncology develops and maintains positive relationships across all areas of responsibility. The MSW demonstrates commitment to the “Team Spirit,” customer relations and all of the basic concepts of total quality atmosphere. Considerable discretion, resourcefulness, and persuasiveness may be required to achieve desired objectives through negotiations or influencing the decisions of others. Provides service, support, and courtesy to patients and their families, visitors, hospital staff, and the neighboring community is an essential component in fulfilling the MSW Clinical Oncology role.