The Pediatric Hematology Oncology Social Worker is an integral member of the interdisciplinary team responsible for supporting patients and their families as they adjust to the impact of a cancer diagnosis or blood disorder over time, from diagnosis throughout the course of their treatment. The social work team provides inpatient and outpatient psychosocial support including assessment, intervention, crisis counseling, resource development and referral, community outreach, education and research. The focus of our Social Worker is in identifying bio- psycho-social concerns related to the patient’s diagnosis and treatment, and connecting the family to interventions and resources to address these.  The Social Worker helps families utilize strengths and connect with local and national resources to support their well-being. Interagency collaboration with local and national resources is core to providing comprehensive patient services. A willingness to learn and problem solve insurance related issues is essential, in addition to an understanding of types of treatment and medication expenditures. 

Throughout the disease trajectory, the Social Worker assesses the patient and family’s understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, and anticipated outcomes. This position supports families around topics of chronic and inherited illness, pain management, medication adherence, advocacy within systems (health, education, employment), utilizing community supports, and transition to adult care. As families travel from all corners of New Mexico for treatment, the social work team is available to assist with travel and lodging options. This position has the opportunity to attend community and educational events as well as annual camps for oncology and hematology

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and ability to apply social work theories, principles and techniques
• Ability to apply effective assessment, interviewing, and counseling techniques
• Ability to gather data needed to assess needs of patients and families
• Ability to communicate with the treatment team about the effects of bio-psycho-social, cultural and economic issues on the management of patient/client health needs.
• Identify and utilize appropriate resources for family/child
• Practices and promotes patient/family centered care
• Ability to build positive rapport with families, children, medical team, and community non-profits
• Demonstrates strong communication skills with internal and external entities
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Demonstrate knowledge and ability to meet requirements of mandated reporting and the necessary documentation
• Ability to maintain records and make written and oral reports to document case activity concerning patient care
• Ability to prioritize various tasks/responsibilities to meet daily requests
• Demonstrates knowledge of de-escalation techniques and the ability to utilize those techniques with families.
• Knowledge of hospital and medical center resources to access and provide for patient care needs, and act on behalf of client needs to obtain necessary services
• Practices cultural awareness and humility

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• May be subject to credentialing process; must maintain credentialed status, if applicable.
• Must maintain certification status.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• CPR and Basic First Aid Certificate may be a requirement for some positions in this classification.

Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or directly related field; at least 6 months of directly related experience which may include internship and/or practicum. Certification/Licensure NM licensure as LPCC, LPC, LMHC, LMSW, LCSW, or equivalent level, OR licensed out of state and eligible for NM licensure.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Experience as a social worker in healthcare environment for pediatric patients
• Experience as a social worker on an interdisciplinary medical team
• Experience with insurance coordination for patients
• Experience in presenting educational information to patients and health care workers
• Experience providing social work services in the community (i.e. at schools, in patient homes)
• Experience collaborating with other healthcare organizations on a regional and/or national level
• Experience with medical charting in a hospital setting

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.