Social Work Associate

As a member of the Oncology team, provides clinical psychosocial assessment and intervention, including crisis intervention, individual, couples and family consultation, therapy, counseling, support groups, and short‑term bereavement therapy. Collaborates in patient and family centered care through the continuum, facilitating optimal quality outcomes in relation to clinical care and cost‑effectiveness, and coordinates psychosocial services with other staff and providers in relevant settings of care. Collaborates with and provides consultation to the interdisciplinary health care team regarding psychosocial issues confronting patients and families. Identifies high‑risk psychosocial factors and provides recommendations, consultation, and support to staff and providers to manage the influence of those factors upon the course of medical care. Assumes responsibility for patients with complex psychosocial risk such as domestic violence, protective services, frail elderly, disabled, co‑morbid mental health conditions, etc. Assesses adaptation of families and caregivers to patients’ illnesses, provides crisis intervention, consultation, and short‑term therapy as needed, and ensures maximum participation of patients, families, and caregivers in the continuum of care process. Provides education and consultation regarding the impact of cancer on patients and families to the community, and develops programs such as support groups and psychoeducational forums within the disease‑based or service‑based team in collaboration with other care providers. Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life‑changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases, and we strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds and promote public health particularly among high‑risk and underserved populations.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Works under supervision of a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Performs psychosocial assessment and formulates appropriate plans for addressing patient and family issues. Forms empathic relationships with patients and families, using self‑in‑differential therapy to achieve optimal functioning. Provides social work intervention to assist patients and families, maintaining knowledge of individual, couples, family, and group therapeutic modalities. Addresses quality of life and end‑of‑life concerns. Provides clinical coverage. Applies critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments and decisions. Assesses patient and family understanding of diagnosis and treatment, identifying barriers and providing age‑specific education. Serves as liaison and collaborates with community and governmental agencies, advocating for resources. Assists the health care team with integration of psychosocial factors into care management and planning, and provides recommendations for challenging situations. Formulates, coordinates, and implements the psychosocial component of patient and family care, clarifying short‑ and long‑term goals. Demonstrates continuum‑based collaboration. Makes judicious use of professional time amid multiple competing needs. Pursues continuous improvement in care, effectiveness, and efficiency. Maintains flexibility, open‑mindedness, and positivity toward change and brainstorming. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and competence with diverse populations. Documents clinical work, writing clear psychosocial assessments, intervention plans, and goal statements, adhering to institutional documentation standards. Maintains statistical record keeping through the EMR as required. Participates in committee work, projects, and meetings. Delivers presentations, seminars, or forums to the community, organizing psychosocial issues for patients, families, caregivers, staff, and providers. Attends clinical educational conferences, trainings, or other forums to expand knowledge of social work principles and practice. Initiates interdisciplinary meetings to discuss and implement psychosocial treatment plans, communicating effectively with multidisciplinary providers. Complies with division practice standards and policies, including HIPAA, high‑risk sign‑out, scheduling, and daily coverage calendar. Maintains confidentiality and adheres to professional, departmental, division, and organizational ethical standards. Seeks consultation as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Crisis intervention and treatment skills. Strong clinical assessment and judgment, including interdisciplinary teaming skills. Excellent oral and written communication. Strong organizational skills with the ability to set priorities; tolerance for ambiguity. Analytical skills, computer literacy, and keyboarding ability. Ability to be culturally sensitive.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Masters’ Degree in Social Work from an accredited program. Massachusetts licensure application in process. Previous experience in a hospital or health care setting. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. At Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. We are committed to hiring dedicated and compassionate professionals who share our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all. Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is an equal‑opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. EEO Poster Pay Transparency Statement: The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Pay Range: $66,500.00 – $72,800.00 #J-18808-Ljbffr Dana-Farber Cancer Institute