About Social Work Services

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Social Work Services provide:

Support Through All Phases of Cancer

We provide social work support to patients and their loved ones throughout all phases of cancer, including:

These social work services help cancer patients:

• Cope with their illness.
• Access community resources to support optimal functioning.
• Enhance their usage of the health care system.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Social Work Programs and Services

Oncology social workers provide the following clinical and program-related services:

• Psychosocial assessment of patients' and families' responses to the cancer diagnosis.
• Treatment plan based on shared goals of patients and their loved ones.
• Use of high-risk screening criteria for case-finding and outreach programs.
• A range of clinical methods to address current or future problems as the patient's medical and psychosocial needs evolve.
• Advocacy for protecting patients' dignity, privacy, rights, and access to care.
• Knowledge of community resources and government programs from local and national health and welfare agencies.
• Organization and access to patient and family education and cancer support groups.
• Collaboration with health experts in other fields to plan and provide programs to cancer patients and their loved ones.

The focus of care may relate to:

• Adjusting to changes in self-image and sexuality.
• Adjusting to the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.
• Talking with children about cancer.
• Coping with grief and loss.
• Coping with chronic illness.
• Learning to negotiate the complex health care system.
• Managing financial and insurance concerns.
• Planning for care after hospitalization.
• Realigning family roles.
• Returning to the workplace.
• Managing stress.

Community Social Work Services and Programs

Other social work duties and activities outside the realm of direct patient care include:

• Providing cancer education and guidance to other health care fields, students, and volunteers.
• Coordinating and presenting professional and community education programs.
• Designing and conducting quality improvement studies.
• Serving as consultants to both local and national organizations.
• Providing consultation and volunteer services to voluntary health organizations and community agencies.

Contact UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Social Work Services

Call 412-623-4000 to speak with a social worker.

Our address:

UPMC Shadyside
5230 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232