Resources
The Lung Xperience
On Friday, February 7, 2020 from 2-9pm and Saturday, February 8, from 2-9pm, join the lung experience as they travel to The Villages, FL in their efforts to bring awareness to lung cancer and the advancements in treating this disease across America. Click on the link below to view the flyer of The Villages event. Click on the link above to find out more about the Lung Xperience and where they will be next.
The Cancer Survival Toolbox
The Cancer Survival Toolbox is a premier audio tool produced by and for cancer survivors, to help newly diagnosed individuals, as well as families and caregivers, develop important skills to better understand and meet the challenges of their illness. The Toolbox has been validated for use in culturally, socio-economically, geographically, and cognitively diverse populations and teaches skills in communicating, solving problems, negotiating, finding information, making decisions, and standing up for one’s rights. The Toolbox was developed through a unique collaboration among several organizations: the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW), the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
AOSW
The Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW) is a non-profit, international, 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to the enhancement of psychosocial services to people with cancer and their families. Created in 1984 by social workers interested in oncology and by existing national cancer organizations, we have over 1000 current members who embrace the AOSW Mission “to advance excellence in the psychosocial care of persons with cancer, their families, and caregivers through networking, education, advocacy, research and resource development.”
Dear Colleagues:
In response to a survey and ongoing feedback from oncology social workers who hold or held the OSW-C credential, the Board of Oncology Social Work Certification (BOSWC) has approved revisions regarding the certification criteria.
As of September 1, 2018
New/Initial Applications
Applicants must have the equivalent of three (3) years of paid full-time MSW social work experience post MSW degree (6240 paid hours) within the most recent five (5) years specifically in Oncology, End of Life and/or Palliative Care.
- Applicants must now show proof of at least two (2) qualifying community engagement/leadership activities.
- Applicants must have membership in either: Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW), Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Work (APOSW) or American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS).
Renewal Applications
These revisions will go in effect September 1, 2018. HOWEVER, between September 1, 2018 - September 1, 2019 an applicant has the option to renew under the old guidelines or the new guidelines. Revisions include:
- Applicants must now meet two (2) qualifying community engagement/leadership activities.
- Applicants must have membership in either: Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW), Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Work (APOSW) or American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS).
- NEW CEU requirements: renewal applications must include proof of at least twenty (20) CEUs specific to oncology, end of life and/or palliative care within the previous two (2) year certification period. For example, if your OSW-C expires October 31, 2018 – your CEUs must be earned between October 31, 2016 – October 31, 2018. Acceptable proof is a CEU certificate. These programs can be in-person or online training/programs.
Lapsed OSW-C Credential
If a social worker chooses to reapply for certification after allowing it to lapse or if they didn’t meet criteria, an initial application will need to be completed. This application will not require the three (3) letters of Professional Statements of support. You do not need to resubmit a copy of your diploma or transcripts. However, the new application must include proof of at least twenty (20) CEUs specific to oncology, end of life and/or palliative care within the previous two (2) year period. Acceptable proof is a CEU certificate. These programs can be in-person or online training/programs.
- If the applicant reapplies for certification within the first lapsed year, the application fee will be an additional $50.00 plus the application fee. If the applicant reapplies within the second lapsed year, the application fee will be an additional $75.00 plus the application fee. If the applicant reapplies after a full 2-year break in certification, a completely new application will be required including Professional Letters of Support.
NEW Emeritus Status for Retired Oncology Social Workers
The BOSWC initiated an Emeritus Status for retired oncology social workers. The OSW-CE is a designation of distinction bestowed upon retired OSW-C social workers who have consistently over time contributed to the Mission of BOSWC and met the criteria of OSW-C. If you have retired or are near retirement, please contact the BOSWC coordinator for eligibility criteria and an application.
For questions or further information, please contact the BOSWC coordinator via email - coordinator@oswcert.org or call 269.857.5077. Thank you.
Sincerely,
The Board of Oncology Social Work
NASW NEWS
Helping individuals and families after a cancer diagnosis. Oncology social workers offer many services.
http://socialworkers.org/pubs/news/2015/04/oncology-social-work.asp
Submit Your Idea or Resource
There is a lot of collective knowledge possessed by FSOSW members. Help us develop this new section by submitting your ideas and resources to Latanya Ruiz to add to this section! Click here to submit your idea or resource.
Helpful Links: This section contains frequently accessed web resources such as co-pay foundations, government agency links, and support site.
Resources for New Oncology Social Workers: Social workers new to the field can get a jump-start on learning the specifics of oncology social work in this section.
Tutorials: Access information about various subjects common to oncology social work in Florida such as Medicare/Medicaid/SSA programs, transportation resources, etc here.
FAQs: Chances are, someone else has had the same question you have. Find the answer here or submit the question on our discussion board.