OverviewThe Oncology Counselor and Social Worker is a core member of the oncology navigation and supportive care team, providing comprehensive psychosocial assessment, clinical counseling, and resource navigation for adult cancer patients, survivors, families, and caregivers. This role delivers therapeutic counseling, crisis intervention, and practical support throughout the cancer journey, addressing emotional, social, financial, and psychosocial barriers that may affect the quality of life of cancer patients and their families. The position collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care and supports transitions across the continuum, including diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care.
ResponsibilitiesClinical Counseling & Psychosocial Support
- Conducts comprehensive psychosocial assessments, identifying emotional, social, and behavioral needs.
- Provides individual, family, and group counseling (in-person and via telehealth) to support coping, resilience, and adherence to treatment plans.
- Delivers crisis intervention and supportive counseling for oncology-related issues, including non-pharmacologic support for pain, sleep, and distress.
- Develops and implements goal-directed care plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
- Utilizes evidence-based interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy and brief therapies.
- Documents all assessments, interventions, and referrals in the health record according to standards.
- Participates in distress and depression screening, assessment, evaluation, and follow-up.
- Engages in advance care planning and end-of-life conversations.
- Identifies and addresses risk management issues, involving appropriate hospital and community agencies as needed.
- Ensures timely, thorough, and concise documentation that meets payor and regulatory requirements.
Resource Navigation & Case Management
- Assists patients in accessing resources for transportation, lodging, financial assistance, and insurance.
- Maintains comprehensive knowledge of community, hospital, and national resources; acts as a liaison to connect patients/families to appropriate services.
- Provides education and assistance with Advance Directives, end-of-life planning, and legal documentation.
- Advocates for patient rights, confidentiality, autonomy, and informed consent.
- Supports patients and families with transitions to survivorship and end-of-life care.
- Active member of the medical interdisciplinary team, ensuring ongoing communication to facilitate understanding and support of patient/family needs.
- Works collaboratively to develop and implement coordinated care plans.
- Participates in team meetings, family conferences, and quality improvement activities.
Program Outreach & Quality Improvement
- Promotes oncology support programs and services within the organization and community.
- Organizes and facilitates psychosocial programming for youth and families (e.g., Kids Konnected).
- Participates in public relations, educational events, and professional associations.
- Engages in ongoing professional development and maintains knowledge of regulatory standards and best practices.
Qualifications
Certifications:
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR);
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR),
- Driver's License - Illinois Secretary of state (ILSOC)
Education: Master's Degree: Counseling, Social Work; Clinical Psychology.
Work Experience: Social worker in healthcare setting; Clinical healthcare
Other Requirements
Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English Ability to handle multiple interruptions and changing priorities Demonstrate basic knowledge of medical and cancer terminology Demonstrate basic knowledge of health system operations Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office Advanced reading skills Advanced writing skills Advanced oral skills Professionalism Relationship management
Salary RangeThe compensation range for this position is $29.29per hour - $50.38per hour. This represents a good faith minimum and maximum range for the role at the time of posting by Carle Health. The actual compensation offered a candidate will be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, location, training, licenses, shifts worked and compensation model. Carle Health offers a comprehensive benefits package for team members and providers. To learn more visit careers.carlehealth.org/benefits.
