Job Description:

This position will be based in our New Brunswick location and may require travel to our neighboring NJ locations. The Social Worker will be an integral member of a multidisciplinary hematology/oncology/ primary care team, providing psychosocial screening and comprehensive clinical services to optimize patient outcomes.

Astera is a growing medical practice and has expended services to include primary care and specialists; Social Worker will also provide mental health support and case management services to these patients as needed.

The Social Worker will be highly knowledgeable about the psychosocial impact of disease on individuals and families at different stages of development, as well as strategies to address pre-existing complex trauma, psychosocial determinants of health and psychosocial barriers to treatment. This is a continuity of care position; the Social Worker will assist and counsel patients newly diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders through the complex diagnostic and treatment option phase, and as indicated through chemotherapy/radiation treatment and through to survivorship concerns. Patients diagnosed with metastatic disease may require ongoing care management and education around chronic/terminal illness, end-of-life care, and reconciliation of past traumatic experiences. The Social Worker will also be responsible to provide support and bereavement counseling for family caregivers. There is an expectation that the Social Worker will be involved in developing and implementing quality programs to support patients, such as facilitation of support groups and coordinating wellness classes.

The Social Worker is responsible for providing emotional support to oncology and hematology patients and families/caregivers. The Social Worker conducts assessments and develops plans of care, which may include counseling around specific presenting problems, education about oncology services and philosophy, grief counseling, coping strategies, referrals to needed resources, discharge planning when needed, long term care coordination, and survivorship support.

The Social Worker is also responsible for scheduling wraparound programs i.e. caregiver burnout, suicide prevention, etc. The Social Worker works under the direction of the department manager and in a manner consistent with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics.

Responsibilities:

• Comprehensive Assessments: Will provide psychosocial assessments and treatment to patients and their families related to illness adjustment, coping mechanisms and discharge planning. Provide age, cultural and spiritual specific care to their clients. Identify each patient's unique treatment, self-management and discharge planning needs. Use screening tools to formulate accurate diagnostic impressions that are used to facilitate treatment plans.
• Coordination of Care: Maintain effective communications with health care providers related to the patient's psychosocial and medical needs. Work closely with physicians, nurses, advanced practice practitioners, and treatment teams to develop and deliver optimal patient care.
• Education: Promote patient and family education to promote best treatment outcomes. Develop and facilitate monthly educational activities and programs for patients and their families. Participate in local presentations, workshops, health fairs, fundraising, walks and community events.
• Case Management: Provide information and referral services to patients, caretakers and families related to community resources and state agencies. Manage a caseload of patients, which requires constant follow-up and communication. Stay up to date with knowledge of the current eligibility criteria for a wide range of community services and resources. Act as patient advocates by recommending resources for patient's needs, such as social support, transportation, and financial assistance. Build positive working relationships with community agencies and initiate contact with private, county and state resources to facilitate coordination or transitions. Case management duties also include service utilization review, quality improvement and community resource development activities.
• Support Groups: Facilitate 2-3 closed support groups per year including in-person and via telehealth virtual platform. Groups may include: by gender, age, diagnosis, language-specific, and/or stage of disease/treatment.
• Documentation: Provide clear, concise, accurate and timely documentation in patient's electronic medical records according to departmental policies and state regulations. Maintain clear and consistent documentation of their daily assessments of patient care in order to help physicians provide proper medical care. Must document a variety of activities, such as the initial psychosocial assessment, the proposed care plan, all collateral contacts, and billing/insurance reviews.
• Professionalism: Participate in departmental, committee and community meetings. Uphold the Astera Cancer Care brand and philosophy. Demonstrate a commitment and passion about the organization's mission and goals.

Qualifications:

• NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker license (LCSW) required.
• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE program required.
• OSW-C certification preferred.
• SIFI certification preferred for management of graduate student interns.
• Applicants who are also Spanish speaking are preferred.
• One-year experience in a medical setting (health, hospice, or mental health) preferred, delivering intervention to clients coping with chronic and acute life-threatening illness. Internship experience will be considered for entry into the position.
• One-year experience assisting individuals with trauma, end-of-life issues and bereavement support. Previous oncology experience preferred. Internship experience will be considered for entry into the position.

Requirements:

• Computer proficiency for the purpose of documentation and continuing education
• Excellent clinical, communication, collaborative, organizational, analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal/communication skills, with the ability to write quickly, clearly and compellingly.
• Experience providing psychosocial services to patients with chronic illness.
• Skills in conducting in-depth psychosocial assessment and focused, short and term treatment.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement psychosocial services.
• An interest and willingness to work with clients who are experiencing stress and trauma in their lives as a result of coping with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

Pay Range: $80,000 - $90,000 annually

Pay Transparency: The above reflects the anticipated pay range for this position. The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefit package and paid time off. The health benefits include immediate eligibility for medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA, FSA and other ancillary benefits. We also offer a 401(k) plan with company contribution, profit sharing, tuition assistance and employee referral bonus.

INDHP