Careers

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is an internationally recognised independent, not-for-profit cancer hospital leading the way in delivering patient-centred cancer care. We seek passionate, caring, and dedicated staff who align with our Founder’s vision of creating a collaborative environment in which, respect, discovery, empowerment, and nurture, thrive in the interests of our patients.

About the role:

The Inpatient Palliative Care Social Worker provides psychosocial support, advocacy, and counselling to patients and their families navigating serious illness, focusing on improving quality of life. This role involves working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary palliative care team and helps manage the social and practical impacts of illness. The social worker will also guide patients and families through grief, bereavement, and transition to end-of-life care. There is a role for the Social Worker in discharge planning and support with referrals for care and assistance in the community.

The role will commence in July 2025

Key Responsibilities:

1. Psychosocial Assessment and Support:
• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for patients and families to identify emotional, social, and environmental concerns.
• Provide individual and family counseling to help patients and families cope with serious illness, emotional distress, and challenges related to decision-making, prognosis, and end-of-life care.
• Facilitate communication between patients, families, and the healthcare team to ensure that care goals align with the patient’s values and preferences.
2. Care Planning and Coordination:
• Collaborate with the palliative care team, including physicians, nurses and other allied health, to create and implement individualised care plans.
• Assist patients and families with advance care planning.
• Support discussions about goals of care, including discharge planning
3. Crisis Intervention and Advocacy:
• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to patients and families.
• Advocate for the emotional, social, and practical needs of patients and families within the healthcare system.
• Connect patients and families with community resources, financial assistance programs, and legal services as needed.
4. Grief and Bereavement Support:
• Offer grief counseling and support to families during the end-of-life process and in the aftermath of a loss.
• Facilitate bereavement services and referrals to community resources for ongoing support.
5. Education and Collaboration:
• Educate patients, families, and healthcare team members about palliative care services, advanced care planning, and end-of-life issues.
• Lead or participate in interdisciplinary meetings to ensure the delivery of holistic and compassionate care.
• Stay current on best practices, ethical considerations, and legal requirements related to palliative care and end-of-life issues.
6. Documentation and Compliance:
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the patient’s medical record, ensuring that all psychosocial interventions and assessments are properly recorded.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, ethical guidelines, and legal regulations regarding patient confidentiality, consent, and advanced care directives.

Essential Criteria: 

• Education: Degree in Social Work (BSW or MSW) from an accredited institution. Eligible for AASW.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience in healthcare, with at least 1 year of experience in palliative care or hospice social work preferred.
• Skills:
• Strong knowledge of palliative care principles and the biopsychosocial model of care.
• Excellent communication, counselling, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of community resources, financial assistance programs, and legal aspects of healthcare.
• Compassionate, empathetic, and culturally sensitive approach to patient care.
• Understanding of current NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation and willingness to support the VAD liaison officer with facilitation of assessments and access.

Benefits

• Market competitive remuneration and benefits
• Fitness passport for you and your family
• Access to e-Learning programs
• Social and wellbeing events
• CBHS Corporate Health
• Workplace banking benefits
• Access EAP

Culture

We are committed to providing a working environment where everyone is valued, respected, and supported to progress. Our priority is to ensure culture, policies, and processes are truly inclusive and that no one is disadvantaged because of their Indigenous identity, gender, culture, disability, LGBTIQA+ identities, family and caring responsibilities, age, or religion.

We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria and shares Chris O`Brien Lifehouse values to apply.