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: