MARCH IS SOCIAL WORK MONTH!!

March is Social Work Month and this would be a good time to ask what does a social worker do? How do you become a social worker? How do you become an Oncology Social Worker?  Social Workers work in a variety of settings in the public and private sector. Schools, child welfare, foster care, prisons , substance abuse, emergency rooms, hospitals and other medical settings just to name a few.

In order to become a social worker you must do the following;

·       Complete a 4 year  Bachelors Degree

·       Complete a Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program.

·       Complete internship requirements.

·       Receive state licensure and maintain by meeting ongoing requirements.

·        

Medical Social Workers practice in many medical settings such as hospital inpatient, emergency rooms, home care, Hospice and out patient settings. Oncology Social Workers have a specialization in working with people affected by cancer. They can qualify for a Board of Oncology Social Work Certification (OSW-C) which identifies a professional who has oncology experience and advanced education in the specialty. Oncology Social Workers’ are recognized as experts in providing psychosocial care to those affected by cancer.

If you are or have been a client of SOPF then you have probably met with a medical or oncology social worker. In working with you they identified a financial need that is a direct result of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. This combined with Covid-19 related financial strain, led to that person working with you to apply for assistance. 

Oncology social workers are an integral part of your health care team throughout all phases of the cancer continuum. They often provide counseling, education, discharge planning and referrals to resources such as SOPF that can help you when facing a diagnosis of cancer.

If you have an opportunity this month of March (or any month), thank a social worker for their hard work, expertise and dedication.