Phelps Health is a 2000-employee-strong hospital and healthcare system serving the heart of small-town Missouri.

No matter where you start with us, we’re committed to taking our team to the top. If you’re ready for the challenge of providing life-saving care or supporting those who do, read on to find your fit in the Phelps Health family.

General Summary

• The Oncology Social Worker evaluates and addresses the psychosocial, spiritual, emotional, and economic needs of patients, families, and caregivers impacted by a cancer diagnosis. This role provides compassionate support, connecting individuals with appropriate resources, and assisting them in navigating the challenges associated with their diagnosis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Works effectively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of the patient/family.
• Evaluates and manages the social drivers of health such as housing, food, financial assistance, employment issues, language, cultural barriers, etc.
• Evaluates and assists patient/family with psychosocial issues including diagnosis, treatment decisions, quality of life issues, transitions in care, advance directives and coping skills.
• Communicates effectively and documents information accurately, deals efficiently with a wide variety of individuals, works independently and prioritizes activities.
• Assesses the social, emotional, spiritual, financial, legal and mental factors impacting the patient/family system and the capacity and potential to cope with the illness.
• Connects patients, family, and staff to the appropriate community resources for their situation, providing follow-up as appropriate to patient needs.
• Educates staff and community on psychosocial issues social determinants of health, and resources.
• Documents patient interactions, interventions and services provided.
• Attends and participates on the Cancer Committee, Cancer Conference, and other meetings/committees as needed/assigned.
• Maintains productivity standards by performing duties in an efficient and effective manner. Attends required in-services.
• Provides assessment, intervention, and follow-up on all patients referred to social worker, regardless of diagnosis.
• Provides safe, competent, age-appropriate care. Completes documentation within established time frames. Reports all accidents or unusual symptoms of patients to the department manager.

Education

• Bachelor degree in social work (BSW)required. Master of Social Work (MSW) preferred

Work Experience

• One year of clinical experience in multidisciplinary settings preferred.

Certification/License

• Licensed social worker preferred

Mental/Physical Requirements

• Considerable mental concentration. Ability to receive and express detailed information through oral and written communications. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Approximately eighty percent of the time spent communicating with patients, families, visitors, employees, and physicians. Requires standing and walking for prolonged periods of time using appropriate body mechanics.

Working Conditions

• Minimal physical discomfort. Frequent exposure to communicable disease via blood and body fluids. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, radiation, anti-neoplastic agents and hostile persons at times. Ability to function under stress.

At Phelps Health, we think we have a better team, benefits, and opportunities for growth than anyone else around, and we invite you to see for yourself! Apply now to join us on our mission in health care.