Job Summary:
Responsible for the outpatient delivery of psychosocial services to patients, families, and significant others facing the impact of a potential or actual diagnosis of cancer. The continuum of care includes prevention, diagnosis, survivorship, terminal care and bereavement. Links patients with a variety of services necessary to meet the person's multiple needs. Addresses the organizational and community needs through professional practices with the overall aim of promoting health and improving the delivery of care to individuals at risk for or affected by cancer.
Job Responsibilities:
- Serve as a point of contact to guide patients and their families through the healthcare system by providing education and support on issues related to a potential or actual diagnosis of cancer.
- Provide psychosocial services and education to patient and family to include areas such as: a.
Coping skills and supports; b Stress management; c. Work issues; d. Family problems; e.
Changes in body image; f. Depression / anxiety issues; g. Financial concerns; h. Spiritual, cultural and ethnic concerns. - Link patients and families with needed community resources such as: a. Social Security disability; b. Wigs /Prosthesis; c. Transportation; d. Home equipment needs; e. Meals on Wheels; f. Drug assistance programs.
- Develop and coordinate cancer support groups as needed: a. General cancer support group; b.
Caregiver support group / class; c. Grief support group. - Work with other existing support groups as needed: American Cancer Society programs such as
"Look Good . . . Feel Better", and others as applicable. - Collaborates with other professional disciplines in the planning and provision of services to cancer patients and their families.
- Serves as Patient Navigator: a. Assist patients navigating the services needed for timely oncology services; b. Works with physicians, in-house services, and outside services to coordinate services for patients.
- Serves as advocate for protection of patients' dignity, confidentiality, rights and access to care.
- Coordinate Cancer Patient Benevolence Fund: a. Interview patients referred to fund for assistance; b. Determine eligibility of request; c. Make recommendations for assistance based on guidelines.
- Coordinate Cancer Center Volunteers: a. Assist ACS in the selection process for volunteers; b.
Coordinate volunteer orientation; c. In service volunteers on an “as needed basis” - Provide education and consultation to other disciplines and staff regarding psychosocial, environmental, spiritual and cultural factors that affect oncology care.
- Utilize clinical documentation, statistical reporting, and evaluation to improve services, assure quality and develop programs.
- Provide consultation and volunteer services to institutions, and community agencies to promote health, to provide education, and to develop programs to better serve the community.
- Market and promote the Anderson Oncology Program in Meridian and surrounding areas by working with groups such as service clubs, church groups, medical staff meetings, physician referrals, and health fairs.
- Assist in providing services to at-risk populations, including assistance with access to cancer information, screenings and treatment.
- Participate in performance improvement activities for department.
- Participate in age specific competency process.
- Participate in appropriate professional associations that bring education and value to the department
Minimum Required:
- Masters Degree in Social Work required
