Social Worker - Oncology

Who We Are:

St. John’s Episcopal Hospital is the only hospital providing emergency and ambulatory care to the densely populated, culturally and economically diverse, and medically underserved populations of the Rockaways and Five Towns in southern Queens County and southwestern Nassau County, New York. Celebrating over 110 years of community care, the 257-bed facility provides people of all faiths with comprehensive preventive, diagnostic treatment and rehabilitative services, regardless of ability to pay.

Come Grow With Us!

Type: Full-Time (75 biweekly hours)

Shift: Days

Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Pay: $47.57 - $58.80 per hour, depending upon experience

Job Summary:

The Outpatient Oncology Social Worker is a key member of the multidisciplinary oncology care team, providing comprehensive psychosocial support to patients and families receiving treatment in Medical Oncology and radiation Oncology. This role addresses the emotional, social, financial, and practical challenges associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients receive compassionate, coordinated, and patient-centered care across the continuum.

The Social Worker works collaboratively with oncologists, radiation oncologists, advanced practice providers, nursing, navigation, financial counseling, palliative care, and community partners to optimize outcomes and enhance the overall care experience.

Responsibilities:

• Clinical & Psychosocial Support
  • Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for oncology patients
  • Develop individualized care plans addressing emotional distress, coping strategies, and social determinants of health
  • Provide short-term counseling and crisis intervention
  • Support patients and families with adjustment to diagnosis, treatment side effects, recurrence, and end-of-life issues
  • Facilitate advance care planning discussions in collaboration with clinical providers
• Care Coordination & Resource Management
  • Identify barriers to care including transportation, financial hardship, housing insecurity, and caregiver limitations
  • Coordinate referrals to community resources, support groups, home care, hospice, behavioral health, and specialty services
  • Collaborate with financial counseling to assist patients navigating insurance and coverage concerns
  • Assist with disability applications, FMLA documentation, and related employment issues
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration
  • Participate in tumor boards and interdisciplinary case conferences
  • Partner with nurse navigators to ensure seamless transitions across the care continuum
  • Support survivorship planning and transitions from active treatment
  • Collaborate with palliative care teams when appropriate
• Program Development & Quality
  • Contribute to oncology quality initiatives and patient experience improvement efforts
  • Support distress screening programs and ensure timely follow-up
  • Maintain accurate documentation in the electronic health record
  • Track key psychosocial metrics to support regulatory and accreditation standards
• Core Competencies
  • Patient-Centered and compassionate approach to care
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to manage complex emotional and social dynamics
  • Cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed practice
  • Organizational skills and ability to manage a diverse caseload
  • Collaborative team member with a systems-based perspective
• Work Environment
  • Outpatient oncology setting (Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology)
  • Direct patient contact daily
  • Participation in interdisciplinary oncology meetings

Requirements:

• Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited program
• Current MYS LMSW or LCSW license required
• Minimum 2-3 years of clinical experience: oncology experience preferred
• Oncology Social Work Certification (OSW-C) required within 12 months of hire date
• Experience in distress screening programs and survivorship care preferred
• Strong knowledge of oncology treatment modalities (medical and radiation)
• Experience in crisis intervention and short-term therapeutic counseling
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced outpatient clinical environment