Press Release
2017-06-13
CancerCare® Social Worker Receives 2017 AOSW Leadership Award in Oncology Social Work
NEW YORK (June 13, 2017) – CancerCare® is pleased to share that Richard Dickens, LCSW-R, director of client advocacy, has been recognized with the 2017 AOSW Leadership Award in Oncology Social Work. This competitive award recognizes an exceptional member of AOSW who, in the day-to-day delivery of compassionate service, is a model for the profession. The award was presented at the 33rd Annual Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW) Annual Conference, which took place May 31-June 1 in Denver.
“I am honored to be added to the list of renowned social workers who have been my mentors and inspiration over the years, and ‘fiercely humble,’ a special quality of our profession,” Mr. Dickens said. “As social workers we are empowered to be fierce advocates for our patients in redressing inequities and addressing needs, yet we are also humble connecting to those we serve where they are at, on their level, respecting that we are all people, equal, and entitled to respect and dignity in pursuit of equitable and unbiased care. In those qualities we are all leaders.”
As director of client advocacy at CancerCare, Mr. Dickens serves as a liaison for the patient voice in policy discussions on health care and works with stakeholders to broaden CancerCare's services. He also serves as an oncology social worker, providing counseling to people coping with cancer, caregivers and people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. In addition, Mr. Dickens manages CancerCare's Mind-Body-Spirit Workshops, and serves as a valued member of the Men’s Cancers Program team.
Mr. Dickens is a member of the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). He is a mentor in the Zelda Foster Studies Program in Palliative and End of Life Care at New York University (NYU) School of Social Work, and has taught in the Weissman Center for Social Administration at Hunter College. Mr. Dickens was a Guest Lecturer in Social Work at Columbia University and a supervisor and teacher in the Smith College End of Life Program. He has presented on numerous health care topics in North America, China, Australia, Ireland and South Africa.
“Richard is an invaluable member of the CancerCare team, and we are thrilled that his contributions to the growing field of oncology social work have been recognized,” said Patricia Goldsmith, CEO of CancerCare. “Richard plays a unique role in advocating for the concerns of people with cancer and their loved ones, and is poised to become a leader in psychosocial oncology care.”
Mr. Dickens joined CancerCare 20 years ago as an oncology social worker. He is a survivor of non-Hodgkin lymphoma since 1994.
About CancerCare®
Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts. Headquartered in New York, NY, CancerCare maintains three additional locations in Norwalk, CT, Ridgewood, NJ and Syosset, NY.
To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).