Job Description – Social Worker (Oncology Department) Position Title
Medical Social Worker – Oncology
Department
Oncology Services
Reporting To
Head of Oncology Services / Medical Director / Hospital Administrator
Location
Hospital-Based Oncology Department
Job Summary
The Medical Social Worker (Oncology) is responsible for providing psychosocial support, counseling, patient advocacy, financial guidance, and community resource coordination for cancer patients and their families. The role involves helping patients cope with the emotional, social, financial, and practical challenges associated with cancer diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, and end-of-life care. The Social Worker collaborates closely with oncologists, nurses, psychologists, palliative care specialists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient-centered care.
Key ResponsibilitiesPatient Assessment & Counseling
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of oncology patients and their families.
- Evaluate emotional, social, financial, cultural, and environmental factors affecting patient care.
- Provide individual, family, and group counseling sessions to help patients cope with cancer-related stress and anxiety.
- Assist patients in understanding treatment plans and adapting to lifestyle changes.
- Support patients through diagnosis, treatment, remission, recurrence, and end-of-life stages.
Psychosocial Support
- Address emotional concerns such as fear, depression, anxiety, grief, and treatment-related distress.
- Provide crisis intervention and emotional support during difficult phases of treatment.
- Facilitate support groups for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
- Promote resilience, coping strategies, and mental well-being.
Patient Advocacy
- Advocate for patient rights, dignity, confidentiality, and informed decision-making.
- Act as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Ensure patients have access to appropriate hospital services and community resources.
- Assist patients in overcoming barriers to treatment adherence and follow-up care.
Financial Assistance & Resource Coordination
- Assess financial needs and guide patients regarding available assistance programs.
- Coordinate with government schemes, insurance providers, NGOs, charitable trusts, and donor organizations.
- Assist patients in obtaining financial aid for treatment, medications, investigations, and supportive care.
- Maintain updated information on cancer support programs and welfare schemes.
Discharge Planning & Continuity of Care
- Participate in multidisciplinary care planning and discharge planning.
- Coordinate referrals to rehabilitation centers, home healthcare services, hospices, and palliative care facilities.
- Ensure continuity of psychosocial support after discharge.
- Facilitate community reintegration and survivorship support.
Palliative & End-of-Life Care Support
- Provide emotional and practical support to patients receiving palliative care.
- Assist families in understanding disease progression and available support services.
- Support advance care planning discussions where appropriate.
- Offer bereavement counseling and grief support to families.
Community Outreach & Awareness
- Participate in cancer awareness programs, screening camps, and community education initiatives.
- Promote early detection and preventive healthcare measures.
- Collaborate with community organizations and support groups to improve patient access to services.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate and confidential patient records and counseling notes.
- Document assessments, interventions, referrals, and outcomes.
- Prepare reports and statistics as required by hospital administration.
- Ensure compliance with hospital policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
QualificationsEducation
- Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a recognized institution.
- Specialization in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience as a Medical Social Worker in a hospital setting.
- Prior experience in an Oncology Department is mandatory/preferred.
- Experience in palliative care, hospice care, or cancer support services will be an added advantage.
Required Skills & CompetenciesTechnical Skills
- Knowledge of oncology care pathways and cancer treatment modalities.
- Understanding of psychosocial oncology principles.
- Familiarity with healthcare systems, insurance processes, and welfare schemes.
- Strong documentation and case management skills.
Behavioral Skills
- Excellent counseling and communication abilities.
- High level of empathy, compassion, and emotional intelligence.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to handle emotionally challenging situations professionally.
- Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Number of psychosocial assessments completed.
- Patient and family satisfaction scores.
- Successful coordination of financial assistance cases.
- Timely discharge planning and referral completion.
- Participation in multidisciplinary care meetings.
- Support group and awareness program effectiveness.
- Documentation accuracy and compliance standards.
- Improvement in patient treatment adherence and follow-up compliance.
Working Conditions
- Hospital-based oncology and palliative care environment.
- Regular interaction with critically ill patients and families.
- May involve participation in outreach programs, support groups, and community visits.
- Requires emotional resilience and the ability to manage sensitive situations professionally.
Pay: ₹25,000.00 - ₹40,000.00 per month
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
