Full-Time
Licensed Social Services Specialist
Medical Oncology
St. Charles Health System
1,001-5,000 employees
Regional health system operating four hospitals
Compensation Overview
$40.75 - $61.14/hr
Bend, OR, USA
In Person
Master's
 Administrative & Executive Assistance (1) |
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- A Master's level degree in Social Work or Behavioral Sciences is required.
- Oregon licensure as a clinical social worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is required.
- A valid current Oregon driver's license and ability to meet St. Charles Health System driving requirements are required for Home Health, Hospice, and Behavioral Health departments.
- At least one year of experience in a healthcare or social work related field is required.
- The employee must be able to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment required to perform the job safely.
- The employee must be able to use a clear and audible speaking voice and hear normal speech levels.
- The employee must be able to sit and operate a keyboard frequently.
- The employee must be able to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, reach overhead, lift, carry, push or pull 1-10 pounds, grasp or squeeze, operate a motor vehicle, and hear whispered speech occasionally.
- The position requires occasional exposure to chemical solution for laboratory caregivers and rare exposure to wet or slippery areas.
- The position has a risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
- Assess the psychosocial needs of patients and their families and help patients utilize services to achieve an optimum level of function throughout the continuum of care.
- Provide supportive counseling, end-of-life support, care planning, and brief interventions, including assessment and treatment for patients experiencing coexisting medical concerns and social, behavioral, or mental health issues.
- Practice in compliance with the State of Oregon Board of Licensed Clinical Social Workers and/or Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists Code of Ethics.
- Function as a member of the interdisciplinary care team to ensure care is accomplished effectively and efficiently, and establish, review, and revise the plan of care for each patient.
- Coordinate care plans as a consultative service with interdisciplinary teams to address psychosocial needs related to injuries, accidents, and critical incidents.
- Advocate for patients' needs by ensuring they receive appropriate services and resources to support continuity of care and discharge planning.
- Facilitate patient and family learning, reinforce continued health care through teaching and referrals, advocate for patient rights, and address barriers to care.
- Provide biopsychosocial and trauma-informed interventions, support, and referrals to patients and families; collaborate to identify coping strategies and support mechanisms; and identify and communicate community resources.
- Provide brief, evidence-based interventions for emotional distress and assess threats of self-harm or harm to others.
- Provide education, support, community resources, and care planning for palliative care, hospice, and bereavement needs.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of economic, mental health, family dynamics, and social support systems; evaluate social determinants of health; and connect patients with appropriate resources.
- Provide substance abuse assessments and brief interventions using SBIRT and DAST, and refer patients to outpatient behavioral health for follow-up after positive Columbia Suicide Risk Assessments.
- Identify victims of child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse; make appropriate referrals; and notify the Department of Human Services and/or law enforcement when applicable.
- Provide information, education, and resource referrals related to advance directives, powers of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship, and long-term care services.
- Assist patients in navigating legal avenues for guardianship and pathways through local and state resources.
- Gather and document data promptly, maintain accurate records of patient interactions, assessments, and interventions, and document social work interventions in electronic health record systems.
- Conduct all activities professionally and confidentially, comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, report known or suspected violations, and cooperate with company investigations and proceedings.
- Deliver customer service and/or patient care in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner.
- Support Lean principles of continuous improvement and function as a champion of change.
- Provide and maintain a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.
- Perform additional duties of similar complexity as required or assigned.
- Two years of experience in a hospital setting.
- Accredited Case Manager Certification (ACMA:ACM-SW).
- Membership in the National Association of Social Workers or another national association.
St. Charles Health System operates four hospitals and employs over 220 medical providers to deliver medical care in Central Oregon. It offers a full range of health services—from routine treatments to specialized care—through its hospitals and clinics. Patients receive care across inpatient stays, outpatient procedures, and community health programs managed by the system. Revenue comes from charging for patient care services, and the organization funds ongoing operations plus capital projects to expand and upgrade facilities. Its edge over competitors comes from being the largest regional health care system in Central Oregon with an integrated network of hospitals and clinicians, enabling coordinated care across multiple sites. The goal is to improve community health and work toward America’s healthiest community by expanding access to care and partnering with local organizations.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Oregon
Founded
1918
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- June 2026 layoffs spared clinicians, preserving bedside capacity while management rightsized support functions.
- WovenX launched April 2025, added 900 patients, and cut GI wait times to 20 minutes.
- Juniper Ridge’s 24-7 medical distribution facility expands supply resilience and supports 30 jobs.
What critics are saying
- June 23, 2026 cuts removed 45 leadership roles, signaling structural strain after rapid growth.
- Outsourcing medical coding to Guidehouse exposes brittle back-office hiring and revenue-cycle dependence.
- Persistent specialist shortages can erode access, push patients to competitors, and weaken St. Charles’ regional moat.
What makes St. Charles Health System unique
- Feb. 24, 2025 integration made St. Charles the region’s orthopedic and neurosurgical anchor.
- Its four-hospital footprint in Bend, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville dominates Central Oregon care.
- WovenX GI and Juniper Ridge distribution show operational reach beyond standard hospital services.
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Company News
St. Charles lays off 22 employees. Published 11:26 am Tuesday, June 23, 2026 St. Charles Health System laid off 22 people in leadership roles throughout the nonprofit on Tuesday. According to St. Charles, the layoffs were a result of the health care provider "reassessing" leadership roles and responsibilities. In addition, 23 vacant positions throughout the organization will be left unfilled. According to St. Charles CEO Michael Hartke, the positions were eliminated at the same time the health system has experienced "rapid growth in the service and amount of care provided throughout Central Oregon in recent years." The layoffs came after an evaluation of top leadership titles in the organization. "Changes are being made to fairly balance responsibilities for those in leadership positions across the health system and to structure the system for continued growth," Hartke said. The decision to eliminate the roles was not an easy one, said Hartke. "I want to sincerely thank those impacted by these changes for their time and dedication to St. Charles, our patients and to each other," he said. No one laid off Tuesday was providing direct patient care, according to a release from Alandra Johnson, St. Charles spokesperson. St. Charles did not answer any follow up questions about the layoffs. St. Charles is the largest employer in Central Oregon with over 4,900 employees across hospitals in Bend, Redmond, Madras and Prineville. This is not the first time the hospital has issued layoffs. In 2022 the health system laid off 107 people, including two executives, and eliminated 76 vacant positions due to skyrocketing supply and equipment costs.
St. Charles restructures to support ongoing growth. June 23, 2026 St. Charles Health System has experienced rapid growth in the services and amount of care provided throughout Central Oregon in recent years. The growth is aligned with increases in population and demand for care in the region and has mostly occurred in the outpatient and specialty services areas of the organization. "We have been in a position to step in and support maintaining some key services in the region in recent years including orthopedics and neurosurgery, pharmacy, urology, gastroenterology and specialized cancer care, just to name a few," said Michael Hartke, incoming president and CEO. "As a nonprofit, local health care organization, we have the responsibility and the privilege of ensuring our patients have access to the care they need and we are proud to be able to provide it." To maintain this growth and ensure the organization is set up for success over the long term, St. Charles recently completed an evaluation of leader spans of control, titles and market alignment - for all supervisors and above - throughout the health system. Changes are being made to fairly balance responsibilities for those in leadership positions across the health system and to structure the system for continued growth. As a result, a small number of leadership positions in support services areas of the organization will be eliminated. This includes 22 positions that are currently filled and 23 positions that are vacant. In addition, ongoing work will occur to bring titles into alignment over time. No direct patient care positions are impacted by these changes, which affect less than 1% of the St. Charles workforce. "I want to sincerely thank the people being impacted by today's hard news for their incredible contributions to St. Charles and wish them nothing but the best going forward," Hartke said. "The changes we are making today are about setting ourselves up for a more sustainable and scalable structure for the future and I want to reassure our community that St. Charles is strong, stable and committed to meeting community needs."
St. Charles begins outsourcing medical coding program. BEND, ORE. - St. Charles Health System has begun outsourcing its medical coding program to Guidehouse, a Virginia based company. The health system said Guidehouse has offered all affected employees similar positions at its company. St. Charles said it made the decision to outsource after years of struggling to retain enough qualified medical coders. A spokesperson for the health system said in part, "We are so grateful to our dedicated team of coders for their many years of contributions to St. Charles and the Central Oregon community and wish all of them the best in their new roles with Guidehouse. While this has been a difficult decision, we believe it is in the best interest of the health system as it continues to focus on keeping as much care local as possible."
Retiring to Redmond: why "The Hub" is outpacing Bend in 2026. For decades, Bend was the undisputed retirement destination of the High Desert. However, as Bend Relo move through 2026, a significant shift has occurred. While Bend remains a world-class vacation spot, retirees are increasingly choosing its northern neighbor, Redmond, as their permanent home base. Affectionately known as "The Hub" of Central Oregon, Redmond is winning over the 55+ demographic by offering a more practical, accessible, and budget-friendly alternative to the climbing costs and steep terrain of Bend. Key takeaways. * Flat Topography: Unlike Bend's hilly Westside, Redmond's "flat lot" inventory is ideal for aging-in-place and walkability. * Medical Expansion: The new $65 million St. Charles Cancer Center in Redmond has eliminated the need for frequent commutes to Bend for specialty care. * Financial Arbitrage: With median home prices roughly 30% lower than Bend, retirees can preserve more of their nest egg for travel and leisure. * Arid Advantage: Redmond sits at a lower elevation, meaning less snow shoveling and a slightly warmer year-round climate. * Travel Convenience: Proximity to Roberts Field (RDM) makes "lock-and-leave" travel effortless for those with global retirement plans. The "flat lot" Advantage for aging in place. One of the most overlooked aspects of the Redmond retirement guide is the city's geography. Bend is famously hilly, which can make simple tasks like walking the dog or driveway maintenance challenging as mobility changes. In contrast, Redmond is remarkably flat. Most newer subdivisions are designed with wide, level sidewalks and single-level ranch homes. This "flat lot" inventory allows retirees to stay in their homes longer, reducing the immediate need for assisted living transitions. World-Class healthcare without the commute. For years, the one "con" of living in Redmond was the 17-mile trek to Bend for specialty medical appointments. That changed in April 2026 with the opening of the new St. Charles Cancer Center on the Redmond campus. This 53,000-square-foot facility is nine times the size of the previous local clinic. Because it offers everything from radiation oncology to chemotherapy infusion, retirees can now access top-tier care right in their own backyard. More home for your retirement dollar. The financial math of 2026 clearly favors "The Hub." While Bend's median home price hovers near $725,000, Redmond remains significantly more attainable at approximately **$510,000 to $530,000**. This $200k+ gap represents a massive amount of liquidity for retirees. Consequently, many are choosing to buy a brand-new, high-efficiency home in Redmond and using the leftover equity to fund their "adventure tax" for skiing, golfing, and travel. A quieter, community-focused pace. While Bend has become a bustling tourist epicenter with high-density traffic, Redmond has maintained its "small-town" charm even as it grows. The downtown core has seen a vibrant revitalization, but it lacks the hour-long wait times found in Bend's restaurant scene. For retirees, this means a higher quality of daily life. You can enjoy a quiet stroll through the Dry Canyon Trail or a local brewery without the "tourist frenzy" that often characterizes Bend's peak seasons. Weather and winter management. Elevation plays a critical role in the Redmond retirement guide. Because Redmond sits about 500 feet lower than Bend, it receives significantly less snow accumulation. For a retiree, this means fewer mornings spent behind a snowblower. The snow that does fall tends to melt faster, and the winters are generally "drier." This subtle difference in climate makes Redmond a more comfortable environment for those who enjoy the High Desert sun but want to avoid the heavy Cascade "dump" days. Effortless "lock-and-leave" Travel. Many 2026 retirees are "digital nomads" of a different sort - spending winters in Arizona or summers in Europe. Living in Redmond puts you within minutes of Roberts Field (RDM). With the recent airport expansions, you can be at your gate in 15 minutes. This eliminates the stress of winter driving on Highway 97 to catch a flight. For those prioritizing a "lock-and-leave" lifestyle, Redmond offers a level of logistical ease that Bend simply cannot match. Final thoughts for future residents. The choice between Bend and Redmond used to be about compromise; today, it is about strategy. By choosing Redmond, you are prioritizing your health, your mobility, and your financial freedom. "The Hub" has officially come into its own as a premier destination that proves you don't have to sacrifice world-class amenities to enjoy a peaceful, high-desert retirement. About its blog. Its agents write often to give you the latest insights on owning a home of property in the local area. Its realty site blog includes information about homes for sale on map, real estate and land in Bend, OR and surrounding Central Oregon feeder markets. Browse its blog for the most up to date tips and insights about the Real Estate Market and homes near you.
Exciting developments at NoCo in Juniper Ridge. It's an exciting time at NoCo in Juniper Ridge, as its first tenant is moving in, two new industrial buildings will be complete in April and June, and a new tenant is soon to open. To top it all off, its big announcement is that Taylor Brooks is developing NoCo Eats, a food truck lot, bar and cafe, set to open in late 2027-28. NoCo's First Tenant: St. Charles This spring, St. Charles Medical Center will be opening a new medical distribution facility at NoCo. It is a mission-oriented build-to-suit project that will support their unique needs. This new facility will drastically expand their services to support all the regions they serve in Central Oregon and beyond with medical supplies. This was a complex build-to-suit that Taylor Brooks was able to execute. Specifically, there were complex mechanical needs, such as the ability to maintain consistent temperature range at all times, even integrating a back-up generator to ensure performance even in the times of power outages. Additionally, they had cold storage needs that were integrated into the design, as well as loading docks for shipping and receiving of materials. The facility will operate 24-7 with three shifts, employing 30 people Two New Industrial Buildings Nearing Completion The other two industrial buildings in NoCo will be complete in April and June. Oregon Adventure Trucks has leased 3,000 s.f. of one of these buildings and will use the space to sell and install high-end toppers and campers. They will open in May and also use the space to host events and training for their customers. Remaining suites will be available starting in April and start at 4,000 sf. These spec warehouse spaces feature 19'-22' ceilings, extensive power supply and both "at grade" loading and dock-high loading are available. Final Phase: Commercial Service, Dining and Retail Taylor Brooks is currently in the design and permitting phase for its final phase and last three buildings, which will be oriented more for commercial service, dining and retail. These buildings offer frontage on Cooley Road and could break ground as early as this summer. The most exciting aspect of the site is a food truck lot, NoCo Eats, a bar and a cafe planned in the final phase. This will bring much needed and desired food and drink options to the rapidly growing employment base in Juniper Ridge, as well as the surrounding residential areas. This is still in design and land use with an opening currently projected for late 2027. Stay tuned as more businesses open, and its mixed-use campus comes to life. View current listings here.