Clinical Social Worker, Oncology

Company Description

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) offers the residents of northeastern Maryland an unparalleled combination of clinical expertise, leading-edge technology, and an exceptional patient experience.
A community-based, integrated, non-profit health system, our vision is to become the preferred, integrated health system creating the healthiest community in Maryland. We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the health of the people in our community through an integrated health delivery system that provides high quality care to all. Our commitment to service excellence is evident through a broad range of health care services, technologies and facilities. We work collaboratively with our community and other health organizations to serve as a resource for health promotion and education.
Today, UM UCH is the leading health care system and second largest private employer in Harford County. Our 3,500 team members and over 650 medical staff physicians serve residents of Harford County, eastern Baltimore County, and western Cecil County.

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health owns and operates:
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center (UM UCMC), Bel Air, MD
The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, Bel Air, MD
The Patricia D. and M. Scot Kaufman Cancer Center, Bel Air, MD
The Senator Bob Hooper House, Forest Hill, MD

Job Description

Clinical Social Worker I, Oncology, full time, exempt, 8:00am-4:30pm

I.    General Summary

Independently practices social work and receives general consultation, functioning as a member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team at the Kaufman Cancer Center, Cancer LifeNet Program, to provide case management, crisis intervention, biopsychosocial assessment, psychotherapy, counseling, referral, treatment planning, and other clinical social work services within their practice area.  

II.    Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements describe the general work performed in this role.  It is not an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed.

1.    Completes biopsychosocial evaluations of patients with cancer across the disease trajectory from diagnosis to survivorship or end of life care. Provides clinical intervention to oncology patients experiencing adjustment to illness disorder, emotional, psychology, social, financial multi-factorial distress. Assesses for mental health disorders, substance use disorders and provide appropriate clinical care. 

2.    Develops treatment/care plans that are culturally sensitive and address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of care. Participates in tumor board conferences and other interdisciplinary patient related activities and rounding.  Recommends conversations about Advance Care Planning to healthcare team.

3.    Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of trauma-informed care and exhibits proficiency in the area of oncology and/or palliative care social work. Facilitates oncology support groups and patient educational classes. 

4.    Engages in on-going evaluation of patient care plans to evaluate health outcome measures. Participates in system-wide and departmental Performance Improvement projects to evaluate program and outcome effectiveness.   

5.    Utilizes best practice and evidenced based approaches to provide clinical and case management services. Follows NCCN Guidelines and AOSW Scope and Standards of Practice in Oncology Social Work. 
6.    Provides referral and linkage to services that are relevant to the patient’s clinical diagnosis including facilitating hospice and home care transitions. 
7.    Independently diagnoses and treats psychosocial and emotional conditions using evidence supported approaches. Collaborates with behavioral health partners to assure appropriate care of co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders.  
8.   Independently seeks feedback from others to evaluate own practice to assure ethical practice across the care continuum.

9.      Provides informal consultations to others regarding clinical recommendations for oncology patients.
10.    Provides education around clinical, psychosocial, emotional and behavioral health issues relevant to cancer patients.
11.    Utilizes system theory approaches when advocating for patients or practice area.
12.    May participate in a council and/or a committee within the healthcare system.
13.    Reviews compliance of clinical documentation within their practice area.
14.    Completes all specific job tasks within their assigned department as outlined by supervisor. 

Qualifications

III.     Education, Experience and Qualifications

1.    Master’s degree in Social Work accredited by Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

2.    LCSW-C (Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical) licensure from the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. OSW-C or APHSW-C preferred. May consider LMSW. 

3.    Minimum two (2) years of post-Master’s experience is required.

IV.    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1.    Demonstrate skill in a) clinical social work and/or case management practice areas; b) completing clinical social work functions such as clinical assessment, treatment planning, clinical intervention, case management, psychoeducation, referral, psychotherapy, counseling, diagnosis of mental health disorders, consultation, advocacy; c) effective critical thinking; d) communications both written and oral; and e) age appropriate interpersonal interactions (patients may range from young adult to geriatric adult).  

2.    Ability to a) communicate and collaborate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders (i.e. colleagues, medical staff, liaisons, patient, family); b) assess, adapt, and calmly respond to changing and/or crisis environment; c) make independent decisions consistent with current policies, procedures, and ethical standards; d) prioritize work assignments and manage time effectively to complete duties; e) assist in data analysis, f) demonstrate innovative thinking, integrity, and accountability; and g) act as a model for peers in regard to these skills.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation

• Pay Range: $33.4-$50.13
• Other Compensation (if applicable): 
• Review the 2025-2026 UMMS Benefits Guide

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