Pediatric Oncology Support Staff Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of healthcare, the importance of pediatric oncology support staff cannot be understated.

As medical advancements continue to evolve, there is a growing need for compassionate, skilled individuals who can provide comprehensive care and support to children battling cancer.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric oncology support staff member?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the complexities of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking to identify the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of pediatric oncology support,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric oncology support staff job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Pediatric Oncology Support Staff Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Oncology Support Staff are crucial components of the healthcare team, providing emotional, logistical, and medical support to children who are undergoing cancer treatment and to their families.

They have diverse roles depending on their qualifications and they work closely with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Helping with the coordination of care for pediatric oncology patients
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families during treatment
• Assisting with administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, arranging for medical tests, and managing patient records
• Communicating effectively with the medical team to ensure that patient needs are being met
• Assisting with basic medical tasks such as taking vitals, depending on their qualifications
• Providing information and resources about cancer and its treatment to patients and their families
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment in the clinic or hospital
• Helping to manage symptoms and side effects of treatment
• Participating in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care and treatment plans
• Ensuring privacy and confidentiality of patient information

 

Pediatric Oncology Support Staff Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate, dedicated Pediatric Oncology Support Staff member to join our team.

This role involves supporting the healthcare team in providing care to pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer.

Duties include comforting and counseling patients and their families, assisting with medical procedures and tasks, and maintaining records.

Our ideal candidate is caring, empathetic, and has a deep understanding of pediatric oncology.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist pediatric oncologists during medical procedures.
• Provide emotional support and counseling to patients and their families.
• Coordinate and schedule appointments, surgeries, and follow-up visits.
• Prepare and maintain patient records, including medical histories and diagnostic test results.
• Help communicate medical information to patients and families.
• Assist with patient care activities such as bathing, feeding, and mobility.
• Follow all healthcare regulations and standards.
• Work collaboratively with the entire healthcare team to optimize patient care.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a pediatric oncology setting or related healthcare field.
• Knowledge of medical procedures and terminology relating to pediatric oncology.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Compassionate and understanding, with a high degree of patience.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and make decisions under pressure.
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems.
• High school diploma or equivalent; relevant certifications may be required.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Oncology Support Staff
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting, often with long hours due to the nature of patient care. Emotional resilience is needed due to the difficult circumstances faced by patients and their families.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pediatric Oncology Nurse Manager or Chief of Pediatric Oncology.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Oncology Support Staff Do?

Pediatric Oncology Support Staff play a crucial role in hospitals, clinics and specialized pediatric cancer treatment centers.

They are an essential part of the team that works closely with Pediatric Oncologists, who specialize in diagnosing and treating children with cancer.

Their primary responsibility is to provide supportive care and assistance to pediatric oncology patients and their families.

This can include coordinating appointments, managing patient records, assisting with procedures, and providing emotional support to both the patient and their families.

Support staff might also be involved in patient education, helping children and their parents understand the nature of their disease and the treatment process.

This can involve explaining complex medical terminology in a simple, understandable way.

They assist in conducting medical tests, administering medications and monitoring the patient’s condition.

They also liaise between the doctor and the patient’s family, ensuring clear communication of the treatment plan and progress.

In addition, Pediatric Oncology Support Staff are often tasked with creating a comfortable and stress-free environment for the patients.

This can include organizing recreational activities, comfort items, and creating a friendly atmosphere.

They may also work with social services to help families navigate the practical and financial implications of a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

 

Pediatric Oncology Support Staff Qualifications and Skills

Pediatric Oncology Support Staff require a combination of technical, soft skills and a deep understanding of patient care, including:

• Strong knowledge of pediatric oncology to provide specialized support to the medical team and patient families.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey information to doctors, nurses, patients, and their families, and to provide emotional support when necessary.
• Ability to work in a team, collaborating with various medical professionals for the well-being of the child.
• Empathy and patience to deal with children who are in distress or discomfort and their families.
• Strong organizational skills to manage patient records, schedule appointments, and coordinate medical tests.
• Ability to handle stress and remain calm in challenging situations, as the job may involve critical and emotionally taxing situations.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly react to unexpected situations or complications during the treatment process.
• Understanding of medical terminology and procedures, to efficiently assist the oncology team.
• Basic IT skills to use healthcare software for maintaining patient records, scheduling appointments, etc.

 

Pediatric Oncology Support Staff Experience Requirements

Pediatric Oncology Support Staff are usually required to have a background in healthcare, preferably with experience in a pediatric setting.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience through an internship or part-time role in a medical or hospital setting.

These professionals may gain essential experience in roles such as Medical Assistant, Pediatric Nurse, or other healthcare-related roles, where they learn to provide emotional support and care to patients and their families.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often gain specific knowledge in pediatric oncology during their time in healthcare roles.

They may have developed skills in administering chemotherapy, managing symptoms related to treatment, and coordinating with a team of healthcare professionals.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have demonstrated leadership skills in the past and may be ready for a supervisory role within the Pediatric Oncology Support Staff.

This could entail coordinating patient care, mentoring newer staff members, and liaising with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for patients.

Advanced experience in dealing with sensitive situations, providing emotional support, and understanding the unique needs of pediatric oncology patients is crucial for this role.

Additional qualifications may include a degree in nursing or a related field, as well as relevant certifications in pediatric oncology nursing.

 

Pediatric Oncology Support Staff Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Oncology Support Staff typically have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing, social work, or a related field.

They must be licensed in their respective fields, for instance, a nurse must hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license.

Those in specialized roles, such as pediatric oncology nurses, require additional certification such as Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON).

They must also have clinical experience, preferably in an oncology setting.

The exact amount of experience required varies by position, but it is generally between one to two years.

Further training in areas such as chemotherapy administration, palliative care, and psychological support may be required depending on the specific role within the support staff.

Continuing education is also important in this role due to the rapidly evolving nature of cancer treatment.

For those in counseling or social work roles, certification in mental health or grief counseling could be beneficial.

Strong communication and empathy skills are also essential for all members of a Pediatric Oncology Support Staff team.

 

Pediatric Oncology Support Staff Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Pediatric Oncology Support Staff is approximately $52,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can vary widely, depending on the individual’s qualifications, experience, and location, as well as the specific nature of their role within the pediatric oncology support team.

 

Pediatric Oncology Support Staff Job Description FAQs

What qualities make good Pediatric Oncology Support Staff?

Good Pediatric Oncology Support Staff are compassionate and patient, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

They must be able to interact well with children and their families, providing emotional support and explaining complex medical terminology in understandable terms.

They also need to have strong stress management skills to cope with the emotional nature of the job.

 

What are the daily duties of Pediatric Oncology Support Staff?

On a typical day, Pediatric Oncology Support Staff may facilitate communication between doctors, nurses, patients, and their families.

They may also coordinate appointments, manage patient records, and assist with procedures or treatments.

They might provide emotional support to children and their families, provide educational materials about the child’s condition, and act as a liaison between the medical team and the patient’s family.

 

Do Pediatric Oncology Support Staff need a degree?

While a degree is not always required, most Pediatric Oncology Support Staff roles require at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

More specialized roles may require a degree in a related field like nursing, social work, or healthcare administration.

Training in child development or psychology can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Oncology Support Staff resume?

In a resume, look for experience in a healthcare setting, particularly in pediatric or oncology departments.

Additional qualifications to look for might include knowledge of medical terminology, patient care skills, and strong communication abilities.

Certifications in child life or healthcare support can be beneficial.

Evidence of compassion, empathy, and the ability to handle stress are also crucial for this role.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatric Oncology Support Staff?

Hiring Pediatric Oncology Support Staff can be challenging as it requires finding candidates with the right mix of medical knowledge, administrative skills, and exceptional interpersonal abilities.

Furthermore, the emotionally taxing nature of the role means candidates must be resilient and have excellent coping mechanisms in place.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the challenging yet fulfilling role of a pediatric oncology support staff member.

And guess what?

It’s not just about medical procedures.

It’s about providing compassionate care and support to children battling cancer, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive pediatric oncology support staff job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make a leap.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your indispensable tool for creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every act of care contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s build a brighter future for our children. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Oncology Support Staff (Complete Guide)

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