Counselor/Social Worker,Sr

The Pediatrics Hematology Oncology Senior Social Worker is an integral, leadership-level member of the interdisciplinary care team responsible for supporting pediatric and adult patients with cancer and bleeding disorders, as well as their families, as they adjust to diagnosis, treatment, and long-term survivorship or chronic disease management across the lifespan. This position provides advanced clinical social work services while directly overseeing two (2) Social Work staff and one (1) Case Manager and/or Volunteer Student, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and patient-centered care delivery.

The social work team provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient psychosocial support, including assessment, intervention, crisis counseling, resource development and referral, community outreach, education, quality improvement, and research-related support. The Senior Social Worker focuses on identifying bio-psycho-social concerns related to pediatric and adult diagnoses and treatments, and connecting patients and families to appropriate interventions, supports, and resources.

This role helps families leverage strengths and access local, state, and national resources to support overall well-being. Interagency collaboration with healthcare systems, community organizations, advocacy groups, and non-profits is essential to providing comprehensive patient services. A strong willingness to learn and problem-solve insurance-related issues, including coverage updates, payer nuances, financial assistance programs, and treatment- or medication-related expenditures, is critical to effective patient advocacy.

Throughout the disease trajectory, the Senior Social Worker assesses patient and family understanding of diagnosis, treatment plans, and anticipated outcomes. This position supports families around chronic and inherited illness, pain management, medication adherence, advocacy within healthcare, education, and employment systems, utilization of community supports, and transition from pediatric to adult care—particularly within the bleeding disorders program.

In addition to clinical and supervisory responsibilities, the Senior Social Worker coordinates and leads fundraising initiatives, patient support programs, and community engagement efforts, working closely with internal teams, foundations, donors, and community partners to enhance patient access, education, and support services. The position also coordinates and supports staff and patient/family participation in annual oncology and hematology camps, regional and national conferences, educational programs, quality improvement initiatives, and grant-related efforts, including staffing a week-long hematology summer camp each year.

As families travel from across New Mexico for treatment, the social work team assists with travel, lodging, and logistical support. This position ensures appropriate oversight and continuity of these services.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of and ability to apply social work theories, principles, and techniques
• As the Senior Social Worker, responsible for supervising, mentoring, evaluating, and providing feedback to two (2) social work staff and one (1) case manager and/or volunteer student
• Ability to provide leadership, guidance, and support to staff when navigating complex psychosocial cases, including involvement with CYFD, legal systems, or mandated reporting as needed
• Oversight of workforce operations including LoboTime review, approval/denial of leave requests, performance evaluations, and workflow coordination for direct reports
• Ability to apply effective assessment, interviewing, counseling, and crisis intervention techniques
• Ability to gather and analyze data needed to assess patient and family needs
• Ability to communicate effectively with the interdisciplinary treatment team regarding bio-psycho-social, cultural, and economic factors impacting patient care
• Ability to identify, coordinate, and utilize appropriate resources for patients and families
• Practices and promotes patient- and family-centered care
• Ability to build strong rapport with patients, families, medical teams, and community/non-profit partners
• Demonstrates strong communication skills with internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and independent decision-making skills
• Knowledge of mandated reporting requirements and appropriate documentation standards
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare written and oral reports related to patient care
• Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment
• Demonstrates knowledge of de-escalation techniques and ability to apply them effectively
• Knowledge of hospital, medical center, and community resources to advocate on behalf of patient and family needs
• Practices cultural awareness, humility, and trauma-informed care principles