The Social Workers Group provides a focus for the promotion and support of oncology social work at the national level. It encourages the development of innovative support services, research into psychosocial issues related to cancer and advocacy activities.
The Group is comprised primarily of clinical practitioners committed to the development of expertise in providing individual, family and group counselling, education, advocacy, case management and discharge planning. There are a number of members who are also largely involved in research, program development and community-based work. OSWA is a member group of COSA.
Social work services are designed to contribute to multi-disciplinary management by maximising patient utilisation of the health care system, foster coping and mobilise resources to support optimal functioning.
Oncology Social Work Australia (OSWA) is the peak organisation for Australian Oncology Social Workers. We exist to assist social workers in their practice. We provide a forum for information, exchange, networking and ready access to resources relevant to their craft.
Oncology Social Work Group participates in the annual COSA Annual Scientific Meeting each year, this is a multidisciplinary meeting that brings together all cancer professionals and offers conference sessions on a wide range of oncology related themes.
OSWA is a membership-based organisation. There is an elected executive committee that has representations from each of the states and territories. Social Workers working in the field of oncology (in various capacities: clinical, management, research, community-based) or who have an interest in this area are eligible for membership.
OSWA goals:
Communication
Facilitating communication and dialogue about the psychosocial care of those living with cancer and their significant others with consumers, the community and other service providers involved in cancer care.
Advocacy
Advocating and assisting in the development of policy that meets the psychosocial needs of those being treated with cancer.
Research
Promote research and program initiatives that progress the care of all those effected by cancer.
Education
Be a central repository of knowledge, resources, dissemination about psychosocial care and to further educate in this area of practice for the benefit of those who have been diagnosed, treated and survived a cancer.
For more details regarding this group or to become a member please contact us at cosa@cancer.org.au
OSWA projects and professional links
- Cancer Survival Toolbox: This is a project being developed by oncology social worker in Victoria to pilot patient skills and self-advocacy program developed by the Office of Cancer Survivorship in the USA
- Australian/United States Oncology Social Work Exchange Program: In 1999 the Victorian Oncology Social Workers' Group established the American Australian Exchange Program. The 'Exchange Program' involves attendance at the annual Association Oncology Social Workers' Conference and periods of observation at Johns Hopkins and Cancer Care Inc. It is also possible, in conjunction with AOSW to nominate other sites of interest for periods of observation. For more information about this program or an application form outlining the objectives of 'The x-change', criteria for selection, the selection process and information relating to the management of the program contact: E-mail: angela.cotroneo@email.cs.nsw.gov.au
- AOSW contact information:
Telephone 0011 1 (847) 375-4721
Fax 0015 1 (877) 734-875
Postal Address AOSW 4700 W. Lake Ave. Glenview, IL 60025-1485
Email: info@aosw.or
Web Site: http://www.aosw.org
- The Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers : The Association of Paediatric Oncology Social Workers, incorporated in 1977 to advance practice, extend knowledge and influence paediatric oncology policies and programs as published by the organisation in the Standards of Practice.