AWARDS/MEMBER RECOGNITION

Oncology Social Worker of the Year

The Oncology Social Worker of the Year Award was established to provide an opportunity to recognize an exceptional member of FSOSW. The award is presented to an Oncology Social Worker who is a model for the profession.

Criteria for Oncology Social Worker of the Year:

1. A member in good standing of FSOSW.
2. Have personal and professional integrity
3. Effectively advocate for programs and policies to meet the psychosocial needs of
   oncology patients.
4. Be able to relate and work effectively within the multidisciplinary team and contribute to
   the public knowledge of Oncology Social Work.
5. Promote professional standards and ethics in the practice of Oncology Social Work.
6. Integrate experience with education in an outstanding effort to help people.
7. Serve on employing agencies and community agency committees which provide services
   and /or develop policies regarding cancer patients.
8. Be willing to use innovations in counseling individuals, families and groups

Characteristics should include:

• Effort in terms of time spent, dedication, interest and identification with their jobs, their state and FSOSW.
• Leadership qualities and the ability to relate to others in an effective and empathetic manner.
• A thorough knowledge of their jobs – expertise in what is being considered for outstanding achievement/performance/accomplishment.
• Intellectual curiosity – continually learning more about their work challenges and current developments.
• Creativeness in providing direct service in a time of diminishing resources.
• Compassion for and understanding of the patients, families and staff they work with as well as for themselves.
• A broad based knowledge of theory and practice of social work methods in Oncology.
• The knowledge, ability, and communication skills to represent their organization, their community and their region.

ACS Exemplary Leadership in Oncology Social Work Award

This award is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and serves to honor the awardee’s expertise in and contributions to the field of social work.

The American Cancer Society’s Exemplary Leadership in Oncology Social Work nominee must have a minimum of 5 years of oncology social work experience and demonstrates at least three of the following characteristics.

• Demonstrates exemplary leadership, expertise, and dedication to the profession.
• Professionalism, integrity, and commitment to oncology social work.
• Compassionate, leads by example, and goes above and beyond in their community.
• Fully embodies social work values and ethics and exemplifies the very best in the field.
• Leader in the profession and in community through membership in organizations, networking, and advancing the mission of oncology social work.
• Advocates for public policy issues that are important to the profession and impact people with cancer.
• Advances the state of oncology social work through education, research, and/or publications.
• Makes valuable contributions to oncology social work, promoting and advocating for the values of social work in the area of public service.
• Demonstrates commitment to the goals and activities of FSOSW through active participation in the organization, if applicable.
  Supports and promotes American Cancer Society services and programs with individual patients and in the community.

ACS Rising Star in Oncology Social Work Award

This award is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and serves to encourage the recipient’s ongoing and future development in the field of oncology social work.

The American Cancer Society’s Rising Star in Oncology Social Work nominee must have less than 5 years of social work experience and demonstrates at least three of the following characteristics.

• Professionalism, integrity, dedication, and commitment to oncology social work.
• Great potential to impact the field of oncology of social work and makes major strides in advancing and impacting social work in oncology.
• Compassionate, leads by example, and goes above and beyond in their community.
• Fully embodies social work values and ethics and exemplifies the very best in the field.
• Makes valuable contributions to oncology social work, promoting and advocating for the values of social work in public service.
• Demonstrates commitment to the goals and activities of FSOSW through active participation in the organization, if applicable.
• Supports and promotes American Cancer Society services and programs with individual patients and in the community.