Nurturing Hope: The Role of Social Workers on Healthcare Teams

By Caitlin Horsley | July 11, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

Cancer is a word we all fear because at some level we understand its inherent magnitude—when an individual receives a cancer diagnosis their world changes completely. Cancer not only affects the physical health of individuals but also deeply influences their emotional and social well-being. Coping with a cancer diagnosis involves navigating a complex web of challenges. Within the realm of social work, a concentration in psychosocial oncology can equip practitioners with the tools and knowledge to provide comprehensive support to individuals and families facing cancer.

What is Psychosocial Oncology?

Psychosocial oncology is a specialized field within social work that addresses the biological, psychological, social, spiritual, sexual, and cultural aspects of care needed for managing any chronic or life-limiting disease. Professionals in this field understand that cancer and other life-limiting conditions affect more than just the body; it touches every aspect of a person’s life. From diagnosis through survivorship or end-of-life care, oncology social workers offer support to help individuals and families cope with the challenges these diagnoses can present. Here are some crucial roles psychosocial oncology practitioners may play on the healthcare team:

Help weighing decisions regarding treatment and advocating for patients’ rights
Assistance with non-medical, practical issues such as housing, transportation, childcare, and food insecurity
Offer support for emotional issues that can arise such as anxiety, depression, sadness, and worry
Advise and guide individuals on navigating the complexities of interpersonal relationships with their spouse/partner, families, and coworkers
Aid in navigating spiritual concerns like changes in faith or beliefs, ritual or dietary needs, conflicts between beliefs and treatment plans, death, dying, or the afterlife

Is Psychosocial Oncology the Right Career Path for Me?

The psychosocial oncology concentration would be an ideal fit for you if you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing cancer and are eager to specialize in an area where compassion, empathy and expertise converge to offer comprehensive, psychosocial care. The psychosocial oncology concentration available within the online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program at the University of Louisville (UofL) has existed for 14 years and is the only program of its kind nationally. The courses for the psychosocial oncology concentration at UofL are taught through the lens of cancer treatment, but the knowledge and expertise are transferable to any chronic or life-limiting disease. This concentration focuses on the holistic needs of individuals and families affected by terminal or chronic diseases. Our graduates play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life and promoting resilience in the face of adversity. In the healthcare journey, psychosocial oncology social workers are beacons of support, compassion, and hope.

Here are some of the roles you may be qualified for as a graduate of the online MSSW program with a concentration in psychosocial oncology:

Oncology social worker
Social worker in behavioral health
Counselor
Patient navigator
Palliative care social worker
Hospice social worker

Earn Your MSSW at UofL

UofL’s online master’s in social work focuses on expanding students’ application of methods and decision-making practices that promote social justice and build stronger communities. The psychosocial oncology concentration is one of six concentrations students can pursue when completing our Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited, highly ranked MSSW. The other options are Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health, Military Social Work, Psychosocial Oncology or School Social Work*. Students who choose the psychosocial concentration can expect to take courses like:

MSSW 647 Psychosocial Practice in Oncology I Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families in Healthcare**
MSSW 648 Psychosocial Practice in Oncology II: Social Work Practice to Promote Health Equity**
MSSW 633 Social Work and Human Sexuality
MSSW 636 Advanced Death and Grief
MSSW 684 Spirituality and Social Work

All social work programs at UofL are offered through the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science (Kent School). Since its founding in 1936, the Kent School has been a catalyst for change with a mission to empower and transform lives. After nearly a decade of preparing students to work in a society with complex social problems and needs, the Kent School has earned its place among the top social work programs. The MSSW is ranked as one of the top programs in the state of Kentucky and is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Through rigorous academic programs, hands-on practicum experiences, and a supportive learning environment, the Kent School curriculum has been expertly designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become compassionate and capable practitioners.

If psychosocial oncology, or any of the MSSW concentrations, sounds like the right fit for you, request more information on our website to be contacted by a member of our enrollment team.
Are you looking for an undergraduate program? There is a nationally ranked online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) available from the Kent School, and you can read more on our website.

* The school social work concentration is available to Kentucky residents only.

** Required coursework toward the Psychosocial Oncology concentration.

A Personal Investment in Social Work and a Life-Long Mission to Change the World

By admin | May 16, 2018

The Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville has a long tradition equipping social work professionals to serve and advocate for vulnerable populations. That’s because we take our chosen field professionally, but also personally. With bachelor’s and master’s in social work programs, we prepare future social workers to make a difference in their community, the society and the world.

Our tradition is carried forward by the outstanding faculty and staff at the Kent School, and our success is a reflection of the many individual successes that our undergraduate and graduate social work students achieve when they go into the world. At the helm of Kent’s online programs are two exquisite professors who combine pedagogy with real world experiences and draw motivation from their own very personal stories.

Dr. Shawnise Miller, Director of UofL’s online Master of Science in Social Work, came to social work by way of a family legacy.

“My grandmother was the director of a local social service agency and from an early age, I spent time at her office. I didn’t go to daycare, I went to work with my grandmother. And even after starting school, I would spend my summer breaks at her office. Watching her help people and their families shaped me greatly.”

It was there she learned that help can come in a variety of forms. “It could be providing direct services like food or financial assistance for rent…or it could be advocating on behalf of someone or even whole groups of people.”

Dr. Miller learned compassion from her grandmother and began to see the professional channels through which she could effectively carry on the family tradition. She stays involved in the field and is a mentor and resource for her students.

In the classroom, Dr. Miller helps students learn concepts and methods within the context of every-day environment challenges. She says, “I love seeing the light bulb moments for my students… and watching them make connections between course materials and real-life situations. That is truly rewarding.”

Dr. Armon Perry, Director of the online Bachelor of Social Work program at UofL, has his own personal story to share:

“I am from Montgomery, Alabama and I grew up in a not-so-nice neighborhood. But, I went to high school in a wealthier part of town and sat in class next to kids who drove nicer cars than any of the adults in my neighborhood. The juxtaposition between what I saw in my neighborhood versus what I saw at school compelled me to think about the ways in which the intersection of people’s race, class, gender, and family of origin shaped their life chances.”

Dr. Perry was the first in his family to attend college. When he first met with an advisor, he shared his desire to change the world, starting with the people he knew. “I told her i wanted to help people like the ones I grew up around, in hopes that they could one day live like the people I went to high school with.”

“My advisor sent me to Beverly Hall, which is where the Social Work Department was located, and I signed up.” Dr. Perry’s contribution to the field extends well beyond the classroom. He is actively involved with the 4 Your Child project — a Kentucky program aimed at helping fathers take more active roles in their children’s lives.

This type of personal investment in the mission of social work drives Dr. Miller and Dr. Perry to in turn educate and empower their students to be a force for change.

At the Kent School of Social Work, we are proud of our tradition and the dedicated faculty who carry that tradition into the 21^st century. Our online bachelor’s and master’s in social work degrees extend the reach of that tradition and leave a legacy of skilled, compassionate social workers set to make a difference at a time when their services are needed more than ever.

Whether you’re just getting started in the field or you want to pursue your master’s, the right education can help you reach new heights in your career and enhance your ability to fight injustice. We hope you’ll join our learning community and you’ll let us join you on your mission to change the world.

A Family Tradition: Dr. Shawnise Miller Tells Her Social Work Story

By admin | September 1, 2017

An inspirational story of a family tradition helped shape a young leader—Dr. Shawnise Miller, the new Program Director for the online Master of Science in Social Work from the Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville.

When asked what drew her to the field of social work, Dr. Miller immediately thinks back to her childhood.

It was there that she learned that help can come in a variety of forms. “It could be providing direct services like food or financial assistance for rent…or it could be advocating for social justice on behalf of individuals or even whole groups of people.”

Entering the Family Business

When it came time to chart her own career course, Dr. Miller followed the passion for helping others in which she was raised and pursued her bachelor’s in psychology at the University of Louisville. Once she got started, she just couldn’t stop and pursued her master’s and her Ph.D. in social work.

“Growing up, my father always told me that school was my job, so I took it seriously. I developed a true love and appreciation for learning…And now, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching for me is being able to fulfill my own passion for learning as I challenge myself to explore new teaching techniques and technologies and develop new curriculum to then challenge my students.”

In addition to being the program director, Dr. Miller is also a professor, teaching Diversity, Oppression, and Social Justice Practice, a foundation course in the MSSW program. It’s there that she gets to help students bridge the gap between the theoretical concepts presented in social work literature and concrete examples of people and communities in need.

“I love seeing the light bulb moments for my students…watching them make connections between course materials and real-life situations.”

In her course, students will also learn how to collaborate with peers, an essential skill in social work where so much of the work is spent building relationships and connecting clients with the right people who can offer the best assistance.

“Collaborative work is something my students will engage in throughout their careers so I integrate it throughout my curriculum. I give a group assignment and then I work with each group to help them work effectively and efficiently as a team. I have to be intentional about teaching them to collaborate…I can’t make the assumption they already know how.”

Dr. Miller’s experience in the online classroom and her dedication to staying on the cutting edge of online learning techniques promise good things in the online social work program at U of L’s Kent School. We on the Online Learning team are excited about her appointment and look forward to working with her.

About UofL’s Master’s in Social Work

If you have considered pursuing your master’s in social work, please take a moment and visit our site to learn more about UofL’s social work program. We offer a 30- and a 60-hour program depending on your background and experience, and we would love the opportunity to help you pursue your education goals.

Master of Science in Social Work at University of Louisville

Advice from a Non-Traditional Student

By admin | May 19, 2017

Sara Keinath isn’t your traditional student. An active wife, mother and career professional, her passion for social work led her to pursue her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) at UofL — an online degree that provides the learning flexibility she needs.

How did you start your social work career?

“I am a wife, mother and non-traditional student who went back to school a little later in life. I was unsure whether social work was my true calling until late in my undergrad career, but now I feel like this career is most certainly my home.”

Why the MSSW program?

“When I was pursuing my undergrad in psychology, I knew I would need to continue my education, but was unsure what I wanted to do. I tossed around getting a Psy.D. in clinical psychology, because I thought I wanted to do counseling. That was until I did an internship that focused more on case management. Then I did my research and realized that a MSSW degree would allow me to do case management work along with the clinical/counseling side, plus offer the job opportunities that are more widespread.”

Did you consider a specialization?

“I did not specialize, simply because I wanted to have a more general experience and it allowed me to pick and choose my electives to get that broader educational experience.”

Why did you choose UofL?

“I chose UofL, because at first I was looking at local programs and I was impressed with the Kent School’s curriculum and reputation. The majority of social workers I had talked to had been educated there and had positive things to say about the program. Then when UofL started to offer the online program option, it became the obvious choice for me.”

What did you find most valuable in the online format?

“I liked that the online courses offered the same content and the same professors as the on-campus program. I am a non-traditional student who went back to school once my children were in school. Due to my family’s schedule, a traditional format wouldn’t have been ideal. I needed flexibility and the online program afforded me that. Being able to spend time with my family and be an inspiration to them are very important things to me.”

How has the internship helped you in your current position?

“I am currently employed at Hosparus and have always loved hospice work. That was my goal even before I started the UofL MSSW program. They have employed many interns over the years, and due to my internship there, I was offered a permanent position. Without that ‘in’ I highly doubt I would be an employee there. I am very thankful that it worked out that way.”

What are your professional plans for the future?

“As of now, I honestly just really like where I am. I have no desire to go anywhere else. Having said that, I am currently pursuing my LCSW and once I finish that program, I do hope to do some private practice work on the side.”

What advice do you have for other students in an online social work program?

“My advice is to stay on top of the work. It can be easy to say, ‘I’ll do that later,’ but then before you know it you have dug a hole that is too deep to crawl out of. Also, getting to know your classmates and networking with professors has to be approached differently in the online learning setting. I highly encourage students to make the effort to form those relationships, because this program can be difficult and they will need that support from those students who are in it with them.”

About UofL Online Learning

If Sara’s story resonates with you and you’re interested in pursuing a master’s in social work, visit our online MSSW program page.

The University of Louisville currently offers more than 20 online programs in various areas of study for adult learners who are not able to come to a physical campus, but want to earn a college degree or certificate and advance their career.