Clinical Social Worker/Oncology and Intellectual Disability Support, 40 hours/week, LICSW Required, MPH preferred

Exciting opportunity as a dedicated ambulatory social worker providing clinical oncology social work services with an additional unique focus.  This role, in collaboration with other DFCI psychosocial and oncology clinicians, will provide consultation and supportive intervention for patients with intellectual disabilities (inclusive of autism spectrum disabilities and developmental disabilities whether from birth or acquired) and their primary supports.  

Through outreach to community programs and internal stakeholders, this role will aim to build education and training, and recommendations for systems improvements and integration, to meet the needs of this population and to improve the patient and family experience throughout the process of cancer care. This role is situated within the Division of Social Work at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care.

Clinical Social Worker responsibilities: Excellent position for a social worker with a background in intellectual disabilities and experience in working with adults with serious illness.  Position calls for best practice intervention, collaboration, and consultation related to this patient population. Experience in program development required. 

This ambulatory social work role provides in-person and telehealth services to patients and families (i.e., phone/Zoom video); modalities include individual, family, and group work. Candidate must be able to thrive in a fast paced, complex, academic medical environment where the social worker is a key, valued member of the multidisciplinary medical team.

Essential Functions

• Research and identify interventions and systems that support optimal cancer care  
• Work within the framework of an interdisciplinary care model
• Serve as coordinator and clinician on referral cases in collaboration with DFCI psychosocial clinicians
• Liaison with programs and agencies to determine best practices for resource and referral for patients with developmental/intellectual disabilities who may experience significant psychosocial barriers to continuity of care
• Address obstacles to accessing services for patients in coordination with referral sources and other staff
• Work on special projects/programs/committees reflecting the needs of patients with intellectual disabilities
• Develop and maintain resource database and detailed records regarding identified disability related community programs
• Develop and facilitate educational forums/trainings for staff/trainees and for community clinicians to enhance understanding of the broad impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment for patients with intellectual disabilities

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.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

• Master’s Degree in Social Work from accredited program
• Current Massachusetts license required
• Strong background with people who have intellectual/developmental disabilities
• Ability to provide education and training to providers and staff based on patients’ needs
• Knowledge of community resources such as DDS, residential and vocational settings
• Previous experience in hospital or healthcare setting.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Ability to respond to psychosocial needs and concerns across a broad spectrum of ages within the patient population
• Demonstrated understanding of systemic inequities, their impact on patients, families, and the community at large
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and equity efforts, including advocacy and self-education to advance knowledge base of the needs and concerns of underserved and marginalized populations
• Strong patient engagement and clinical assessment skills
• Crisis intervention and treatment skills
• Interdisciplinary team collaboration skills
• Excellent communication, oral and written
• Strong organizational skills; ability to set priorities; tolerance for ambiguity
• Analytical skills; computer proficiency

Schedule

M-F; 40 hours/week

If interested in this opportunity, please submit a resume and a cover letter detailing your experience, qualifications and skills for this position.