The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA), located in Seattle, Washington, is part of a dynamic collaboration among three organizations known nationally and internationally for their patient care and research: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, and Seattle Children's. Over the past 25 years, these institutions have worked together to support their mission of adult and pediatric oncology patient care services, research and education.

The Social Worker I is responsible for providing professional social work services (i.e., screening, motivational interviewing, brief interventions, counseling, resource identification and navigation) to adult patients and families. The incumbent collaborates with SCCA partner institutions to ensure continuity of care across systems. The incumbent uses clinical judgment and problem-solving skills to address patient and family emotional/psychological, social and developmental issues. The social worker facilitates referrals to internal and community resources, and assists and advocates for patients, with concrete needs. They strive to achieve the highest in patient (customer) satisfaction, support the mission of SCCA and its affiliates, and provide consultation to staff at SCCA, Northwest Hospital, UW Medical Center, and to community resources as needed.

• Provides screening and psychosocial assessments to determine patient needs and priorities. Assessment includes: distress screening (including coping/adjustment to diagnosis), mental health screening/evaluation including alcohol/drug use, understanding support systems and financial, housing and legal issues.
• Develops care plans with patients (and family/significant other, as appropriate) based on patient needs and readiness/motivation for change to promote optimal psychological, emotional and social functioning throughout the course of treatment
• Provides brief intervention or counseling as needed
• Provides crisis intervention as needed
• Assist patients/family w/ navigating the healthcare delivery system and advocates for the patient during this process
• Identifies and maintains up to date information on SCCA and community resources in collaboration with other SW staff and patient navigators
• Shares knowledge of specialized resources
• Is able to effectively work with referral sources to address/respond to patient/family needs

Required:

• Masters degree in Social Work from an accredited graduate School of Social Work
• WA State Department of Health registration/certification/licensure
• Experience with counseling individuals and families in a clinical setting
• Strong assessment and crisis intervention skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients/families from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Basic computer skills required, including Outlook, Word, and Excel

Preferred:

• 3 years of health care experience
• Experience working with oncology patients and family members/significant others
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and DBT training
• Skills in screening for distress and mental health conditions, including substance use disorders
• Brief interventions training
• Motivational interviewing training
• Grief and loss training
• Suicide Assessment skills
• Experience with electronic medical records

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to our Employee Services Center at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.