March is Social Work Month

Every year in March, we celebrate Social Work Month, with an additional highlight to Social Worker’s taking place on the third Tuesday in the Month of March as well. 

For over a century, people have entered into the social work profession. Most individuals who enter the social work field have a strong desire to help individuals, families, communities, as well as our nation, overcome issues that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

For 2022, the theme of this year’s Social Work Month is “The Time is Right for Social Work.” As COVID-19 continues, there is no better time for social work. 

Social worker’s can be anywhere that a person may face challenges or need assistance navigating - and here at NYCBS and NY Health our Social Workers are part of your multi-disciplinary team. 

The role of the oncology social worker is to help patients, families, and caregivers deal with the experience of facing cancer. Our licensed social workers are educated and skilled to assist with the psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual issues that people have to deal with in oncology. Social workers are there to help people with practical needs, like finding resources in the institution and the community. A social worker is also able to guide patients with more complex needs such as adjusting to an illness, dealing with transitions and decision-making, navigating cultural issues, and communicating with family members, friends, and health care providers.

Social workers meet with patients and family members individually and/or as a family, run support and education groups, and work as part of oncology care teams. Social workers are key to overcoming the barriers that patients experience in receiving the services necessary for their care.

Common patient-related services our social workers can assist include:

• Transportation limitations or issues

• Financial assistance through grants/scholarships

• Supportive referrals for community agencies

• Referrals to Benefits Counselors, Psychologist, Nutritionist, Chronic Care Management

• Provide emotional support and brief counseling

• Arrange for internal/external aide for household

• Issues surrounding housing situation

• Connecting patients and their families to support groups

• Palliative and Hospice education