Job Information
Bon Secours Mercy Health Licensed Social Worker (LSW) -Oncology Services- St Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio
At Bon Secours Mercy Health, we are dedicated to continually improving health care quality, safety and cost effectiveness. Our hospitals, care sites and clinicians are recognized for clinical and operational excellence.
Job Description
Mercy Health
Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position (2-3 sentences)
The Oncology Social Worker provides psychosocial support, resources, and counseling to patients, families, and caregivers dealing with cancer diagnoses and treatments. They play a critical role in helping patients navigate the emotional, social, and practical challenges associated with cancer care, working closely with the healthcare team to ensure holistic patient-centered care.
Essential Job Functions
Essential Functions (7-10) Statements - List the essential functions of the job. Essential functions are the reasons a job exists.
Provide Psychosocial Assessments : Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' emotional, social, and practical needs, identifying potential barriers to treatment and recovery.
Offer Counseling Services : Provide individual, family, and group counseling to help patients and their loved ones cope with the emotional impact of cancer, including anxiety, depression, and grief.
Coordinate Support Services : Assist patients in accessing community resources, support groups, financial assistance programs, and other services that can alleviate the burden of cancer treatment.
Collaborate with Multidisciplinary Teams : Work closely with oncologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans that address the full range of patient needs.
Educate Patients and Families : Provide education on the goals of care and advanced care planning decisions to assist patient and caregivers in making informed decisions, as appropriate
Advocate for Patients : Serve as a patient advocate, ensuring that their needs are communicated and met within the healthcare system, including navigating insurance and healthcare policies.
Facilitate in Care Planning : Assist in the development and navigation of the patient’s plan of care, including arranging for home care, rehabilitation services, palliative care or hospice care, as needed.
Crisis Intervention : Provide immediate support and intervention in crisis situations, such as a sudden change in prognosis or end-of-life issues, helping patients and families manage acute stress and emotions.
Maintain Accurate Documentation : Keep detailed records of patient interactions, assessments, and care plans, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
Participate in Professional Development : Engage in ongoing professional development, including attending workshops, conferences, and training to stay current with best practices in oncology social work.
This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Patient Population
The following must be included in all position descriptions that involve direct or indirect patient care. This is a Joint Commission requirement. Also, select the age of the patient population served:
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Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
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Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.
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Neonates (0-4 weeks)
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Adolescents (13-17 years)
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Infant (1-12 months)
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Adults (18-64 years).
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Pediatrics (1-12 years)
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Geriatrics (65 years and older)
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Not applicable to this position.
Employment Qualifications
Education Qualifications - List the minimum education, training, and experience required to perform the essential functions of the position.
Required Minimum Education:
4 year/ Bachelors Degree
Specialty/Major
Social Work, or related field
Preferred Education
Graduate Degree (Masters)
Specialty/Major
Social Work
Licensing/ Certification - If registration, certification or licensure is required, include the name of the accrediting or licensing body.
Licensure/Certification Required
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Licensure/Certification Preferred
License Independent Social Worker (LISW)
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Years and Type of Experience
<1 year eligible to apply
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Skill in assessing, planning, and managing patient care in Oncology or medical settings.
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred
Prior working experience with oncology patients
☐ Combination of post-secondary education and experience in lieu of a degree.
V.Working Conditions
This section addresses the physical environment in which the employee will perform the work.
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Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
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Long-distance or air travel as needed- not to exceed 10% travel.
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General office environment.
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May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
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May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.
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May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.*
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May be required to use physical restraints.
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May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.*
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May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.
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May have periods of constant interruptions.
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Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
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Prolonged periods of working alone.
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Other: Click or tap here to enter text.
* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
Many of our opportunities reward* your hard work with:
Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
Prescription drug coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Life insurance w/AD&D
Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible
Paid time off
Educational Assistance
And much more
*Benefits offerings vary according to employment status
All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com . If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com