Texas Oncology is looking for a Remote Statewide Social Work Intervention Specialist to join our team! This position is a remote position with travel necessary around the state of Texas.

Texas Oncology is the largest community oncology provider in the country and has approximately 600+ providers in 220+ sites across Texas and southeastern Oklahoma. Our founders pioneered community-based cancer care because they believed in making the best available cancer care accessible to all communities, allowing people to fight cancer at home with the critical support of family and friends nearby. Our mission is still the same today-at Texas Oncology, we use leading-edge technology and research to deliver high-quality, high-touch, evidence-based cancer care to help our patients achieve "More breakthroughs. More victories." in their fight against cancer. Today, Texas Oncology treats half of all Texans diagnosed with cancer on an annual basis.

Why work for us?

Come join our team that is responsible for helping lead Texas Oncology in treating more patient diagnosed with cancer than any other provider in Texas. We offer our employees a competitive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-term and Long-term disability coverage, a generous PTO program, a 401k plan that comes with a company match, a Wellness program that rewards you practicing a healthy lifestyle, and lots of other great perks such as Tuition Reimbursement, an Employee Assistance program and discounts on some of your favorite retailers.

What does the Social Work Intervention Specialist do? (including but not limited to)

As a crisis counselor, the Social Work Intervention Specialist plays a crucial role in providing immediate support during critical moments for oncology patients and staff. This function will aid in support to the large number of sites with limited or no social work access. Utilization and access to telemedicine improves the ability to serve patients where they are including home and clinics. Access to Telemedicine also improves the viability of this function and integrate into centralized care if needed to successfully serve the practice as necessary. Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

The essential duties and responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Immediate Availability:

A crisis counselor is trained to be available on short notice, ensuring that they can respond promptly to patients in crisis. This availability can be in person, over the phone, or through digital means, depending on the patient's preferences and the resources available. Currently our SW leaders respond in this manner, which can impede ability to operate in their required function.

• Crisis Assessment:

When a critical moment arises, a crisis counselor assesses the situation to understand the nature and severity of the crisis. They listen attentively to the patient's concerns, ask appropriate questions, and gather relevant information to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation. This reduces patient risks and ensures that the practices legal and ethical risks are mitigated as well.

• Emotional Support:

During critical moments, patients often experience intense emotions such as panic, despair, or hopelessness. The crisis counselor provides immediate emotional support by offering a safe and non-judgmental space for patients to express their feelings. They employ active listening skills, empathy, and validation to help patients feel understood and supported. They are trained to quickly establish rapport.

• Safety Planning:

In situations where a patient may be at risk of harm to themselves or others, a crisis counselor helps develop a safety plan. This plan may include identifying supports, implementing coping strategies, or connecting the patient with appropriate resources, such as emergency services or mental health professionals.

• Crisis Intervention Techniques:

Crisis counselors are trained in various intervention techniques to help patients manage critical situations effectively. They may employ techniques such as grounding exercises, deep breathing exercises, or guided relaxation to help patients regulate their emotions and reduce distress.

• Referral and Follow-up:

Depending on the severity and complexity of the crisis, a crisis counselor may refer the patient to other healthcare professionals or resources for further support. They ensure that patients receive appropriate follow-up care to address their ongoing needs.

• Collaborating with the Care Team:

A crisis counselor works collaboratively with the patient's healthcare team to ensure a coordinated approach to care. They communicate pertinent information, share observations and assessments, and make recommendations to support the patient's well-being.

In addition to the primary functions, the crisis counselor will:

• Address Coverage Gaps: The crisis counselor will aid in addressing coverage gaps with SWs resign or there is over capacity. Currently SW leadership fill those gaps.

• Provide CSSR Training: The crisis counselor will continue to support the CSSR training rollout across the practice as well as facilitate for staff onboarding and orientation.

• By providing immediate support during critical moments, a crisis counselor will help patients regain a sense of stability, cope with their emotions, and navigate the challenges they are facing. This immediate intervention can be vital in preventing the escalation of crises, promoting patient safety, and improving staff work perception while reducing staff burnout.

• Assist with clinical supervision needs of team, including providing documentation support as needed.

The ideal candidate will have the following background and experience:

• Master's degree in social work from a school or program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Minimum three (3) years of experience required, working as a licensed, masters-prepared social worker required, with licensure as clinical social worker preferred; oncology, hospice, and/or palliative care experience desired.
• Valid and current state master's-level license required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be offered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to be present at the employee site during regularly scheduled business hours and regularly required to sit or stand and talk or hear. Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination. Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment may include exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medical preparations, and other conditions common to an oncology/hematology clinic environment. Work will involve in-person interaction with co-workers and management and/or clients. Work may require minimal 10% of travel work week.

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