Medical Social Worker - Pediatric Neuro Oncology

The Pediatric Neuro Oncology Social Worker maintains an active caseload of approximately 50-60 patients who are engaging in active therapy. The socail worker also supports a much larger inactive caseload that require intermittent, as needed assistance. The social worker will provide counseling for issues of coping with life-threatening illness, along with grief and loss counseling for transition to end-of-life care, which may entail short term and/or long term psychotherapy. This position is located within the larger Pediatric Hematology/Oncology division, working closely with three other Hematology/Oncology Social Workers, including cross covering those positions as needed. Primary clinic days are Wednesdays and Friday mornings, with some additional times throughout the week. The Neuro Oncology medical team is comprised of two attendings, a nurse coordinator and a clinic nurse, who work closely with this position. This role requires an advanced level of clinical social work skills alongside the ability to work independently.

 

This position is a flexible work position, which allows some 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 work schedule. The Social Worker generally is expected to be in person at least half of their work time, depending on the expectations of their specific position. The social worker should have a private space at home, dedicated to work, and no Protected Health Information should be printed. Social Workers are expected to see patients in person, when at all possible, which may require coming to the hospital at short notice on a remote day. 

• Conducts psychosocial evaluations of patients/families and significant others including but not limited to the following: adjustment to medical or health condition; care coordination; mental health status; adjustment/compliance to treatment process; substance usage; child and elder abuse/neglect assessments; domestic violence issues; cognitive status (including potential guardian issues); and patient/family resources. 
• Provides crisis intervention and supportive short-term counseling to patients/families and significant others as necessary to meet immediate psycho-social needs including but not limited to: CODE Response (family intervention); unanticipated change in health conditions/suicidal ideation; domestic violence, child and elder abuse/neglect. 
• Provides grief/loss counseling and education regarding actual/pending death of patient/family member; chronic/acute stress associated with life circumstances; loss of independence associated with illness or disability. 
• Provides brief psychotherapy including individual short-term psychotherapy; group work including information/support groups, family support, patient therapy. 
• Provides patient advocacy and associated services to patient/family and other involved agencies/parties regarding decision-making; advance directives; ethics consultations; court holds; guardianship/conservatorship; citizenship cases; and social cultural factors. 
• Assess patient/family support needs regarding transportation, housing, clothing and refer to appropriate resources. 

• 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.

• Health care experience preferred.
• At least 1 year hospital experience, preferably within an adult or pediatric hematology/oncology/bone marrow transplant program or a palliative care program. 

• Able to implement assessments, short term counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy.
• Excellent task prioritization, time management, and communication skills. 

 

Requires prioritization.

Frequent interruptions in an evironment of frequent change and fluctuations.

For inpatient units accepts accountability and responsibility.

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.

 

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 askhr@ohsu.edu