Oncology Counselor/Youth & Adult
POSITION: Oncology Counselor/Youth & Adult
DEPARTMENT: Psychosocial Services
SUPERVISOR: Youth & Family Services Manager
JOB TITLES SUPERVISED: MSW & MEd Student Interns, Psychosocial Volunteer Staff
LOCATION: Lewiston & South Portland
FLSA STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt
You are a clinician with a passion for fostering coping in clients of all ages. As the Dempsey Center’s Oncology Counselor/Youth & Adult, you will be responsible for providing counseling services that help further the Dempsey Center’s mission of making life better for people managing the impact of cancer.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
The clinician in this full-time position will provide counseling, information, referrals and education to people of all ages whose lives are affected by cancer, including cancer patients/survivors, loved ones, caregivers, parents/guardians and bereaved individuals. The primary clinical focus of the clinician includes fostering coping and adaptation to cancer and its effects in order to help maintain or improve quality of life. The role will also involve leading cancer and bereavement support groups and skill building workshops. The clinician will also provide education and consultation to professionals and staff regarding the biopsychosocial, environmental, spiritual, and cultural factors affecting cancer care. This position will be shared between our Lewiston and South Portland locations, will require evening hours one evening/week and an occasional Saturday.
DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- Performs a psychosocial assessment to determine survivor and family’s strengths and needs relative to coping effectively with cancer diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care.
- Develops a care plan with client/family input, based on mutual goals.
- Uses a range of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Contemplative Psychotherapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and,as well as Psycho-Educational techniques such as Assertive Communication, Guided Imagery, Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Mindfulness.
- Actively facilitates cancer and bereavement support group(s) in a manner that:
- Fosters a sense of safety for participants through the use of active listening techniques (reflection, probing questions, etc.).
- Consistently encourages discussions by individuals and the group at the level of core emotions (fear, anger, hope, etc.) through the use of advanced empathy techniques (reflection, genuineness, clarification, etc.).
- Adjusts according to the level of each group’s maturity (more directive/active in less mature groups and vice versa; activity-based model vs. talk format, etc).
- Establishes/maintains group culture by acting on and addressing guidelines (punctuality, attendance, respectful communication, etc.).
- Encourages growth and/or behavioral changes in groups and individuals through the use of advanced empathy techniques.
- Effectively employs group-specific techniques to foster connectedness, honesty, and self-reliance.
- Maintains current knowledge of cancer-related information and local and national service organizations and refers clients as appropriate.
- Maintains current knowledge of services and resources available within the Dempsey Center and refers clients as appropriate.
- Contributes to the multidisciplinary effort to provide quality psychosocial care to clients.
- Routinely evaluates efficacy of interventions.
- Plans, implements and evaluates community and professional education and outreach activities related to the psychosocial needs of those affected by a cancer diagnosis.
- Collaborates with other internal and external psychosocial oncology professionals in the delivery of quality psychosocial care, education, and research.
- Assists in training staff, student interns, and volunteers, including serving as a field instructor for contracted graduate Schools of Social Work and/or Counselor Education.
- Documents relevant information from client sessions, including evaluation, interventions and outcomes of work with individuals/families/systems
- Models excellent customer service and makes client service and focus a priority.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of two years’ clinical experience, preferably in oncology, palliative care, and/or hospice. Individual and group counseling experience are required. For Oncology Counselor positions that include working with youth, a minimum of at least one year experience working with youth and families is required.
EDUCATION:
Master’s of Social Work degree
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
State of Maine LMSW-CC license; LCSW strongly preferred. OSW-C strongly preferred.
SKILLS:
Strong clinical skills, including individual and group counseling experience, and ability to work with issues surrounding chronic and life-threatening illness, end-of-life and bereavement
- Ability to develop and present psychosocial programs
- Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision
- Commitment to working as a team member in a therapeutic community
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Good command of basic computer skills, including ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)