Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents (www.aku.edu). An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org), AKU provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact and access.
Reporting to the Director of Haematology-Oncology, the Oncology Social Worker will enhance, expand and implement a comprehensive counselling/social work/palliative care/ survivorship/services for oncology patients both in the out-patient and in-patient setting incorporating a multi-disciplinary holistic approach to patient care.
Responsibilities
- Incorporate the continuum of counselling, social service support, palliative care and survivorship as an integral component of the clinical management of oncology patients
- Support and augment existing institutional services for eligible oncology patients in the out-patient setting
- Assist and support the growth and development of counselling, social work, palliative care and survivorship services and relevant policies within the hospital.
- Contribute to the development of an academic program in oncology social services/ counselling/survivorship/palliative care
- To be part of a multi-disciplinary team in the care of the patient with cancer
- Assist patients/families to adjust to the diagnosis of cancer and impact it may have on all aspects of life beginning from the time of diagnosis, out-patient visits and in-patient stay
- Facilitate decision making on behalf of patients and families where appropriate.
- Promote communication and understanding of post-hospital care among patient, family, and health care team.
- Ensure timely availability of required support services in the process of treating patients, particularly when referred to other specialists.
- Liaise with other consultants on handling specialized cases in provision of patients’ health care.
- Organize and coordinate support groups/counselling for oncology patients/their families to assist them come to terms with the diagnoses, adjustment to possible role changes, understanding their role in dealing with, and supporting the patient.
- Refer patient, client, or family to community resources to assist in recovery and rehabilitation from emotional or physical disabilities.
- Contribute to the assessment of financial/socio-economic status of patients with financial challenges
- To be involved in the delivery and development of the Grief, loss and Bereavement Services.
- Be the key non-physician contact to the patient as he/she faces life with cancer, both in the setting of no evidence of disease or stable disease.
- Work with the clinical specialists to create a supportive environment that promotes quality of life of the patient and optimizes management of symptoms of illness.
- Provide the holistic, emotional and psycho-social support for patients going through end of life.
Qualifications:
- Applicants should have BA in Social Work with specialization in Medical Social Work.
MA Public Health/Social Work will be an added advantage. - S/he should have minimum 3 years’ experience with at least 1 years in medical social work and a member to relevant professional associations.
- The successful candidate should be proactive, analytical and detail-oriented.
- S/he should be able to prioritize, meet strict deadlines, and have excellent organizational and communication skills.
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