The Silver School of Social Work at New York University
The Zelda Foster Studies Program in Palliative and End of Life Care
Announces a New Post-Masters Program:
Social Work Leadership Fellowship in Palliative and End of Life Care
The goal of this Fellowship is to improve palliative and end of life care for patients and families, especially older adults and under-served populations, through the development of a cadre of MSW PELC leaders. Leadership training will focus on skills to develop programs, train new PELC social workers, conduct research, and advocate for increased access to PELC services, including adequate pain and symptom management, for the most vulnerable populations in NYC.
This program is possible due to generous grants from The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, Inc.
and The Lucius N. Littauer Foundation.
Background
The need for social worker leaders in PELC will see a sharp increase over the next few decades, a demand anticipated and informed by demographic and health-care trends across all socioeconomic groups. Recent reports by the Institute of Medicine and the National Association of Social Workers have documented a growing shortage of social workers, especially those trained in PELC and the provision of services for older adults. As the population in NYC ages, there will be a greater need for PELC specialists and programs that serve patients in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and community-based agencies.
A key aspect of this program will be its focus on under-served older adults, including people of color, veterans, LGBT individuals and developmentally disabled persons.
Goals of the Program
- To provide an innovative training program to enhance social work leadership in PELC across the care delivery system by enhancing critical thinking, knowledge and skills to NYC social workers currently in PELC practice
- To strengthen social work advocacy on behalf of patients and families by increasing competency in leadership practice in organizational settings and in the political and legislative arena
- To strengthen social work participation and influence in the delivery of care and the environment of care
- To create leadership practice that is sensitive to the needs of the diverse communities of New York City, particularly older adults and the under-served.
The Zelda Foster Studies Program at the Silver School of Social Work
The Silver School of Social Work (SSSW) at New York University is a leader and innovator in the education, development and mentorship of social workers in Palliative and End of Life Care (PELC). The Zelda Foster Studies Program was established in 2006 by the SSSW and the family and friends of Zelda Foster. The mission of the program is to develop and mentor social work students and MSWs in PELC. Zelda Foster, an early PELC pioneer, developed and mentored many current leaders in PELC social work. The Zelda Foster Studies Program includes an MSW PELC Fellowship and a Post-Masters Certificate Program in PELC.
Fellow Selection
This highly competitive program will select fifteen (15) MSWs, working in the five boroughs of NYC, who have at least five years of post-master’s experience in PELC. Social Workers in leadership positions or who have the potential for leadership will be selected for this Fellowship which will include: 20 hours of intensive training, one year of individual mentorship with a PELC social work leader and a capstone project.
Individual Mentorship and Capstone Program
Each Fellow will be matched with a PELC leader. Each Fellow will identify an area of interest in PELC leadership that is congruent with the goals of the Fellowship for their capstone project. Fellows will work with their individual mentors and the Faculty of this program on their project. One year of monthly mentorship will be provided.
The capstone projects give Fellows an opportunity to add to the knowledge base of PELC and to make a contribution to the field. The capstone project can be done at the Fellows' site of employment or outside of the work setting. Examples include: research (qualitative or quantitative); innovative program development; scholarly writing; and advocacy/education.
Who Should Apply
We seek applications from MSWs working in PELC settings in NYC’s five boroughs, with at least five years of post-master’s experience in PELC.
This program defines PELC as work with individuals and families facing life-limiting and life-threatening illness and those who are bereaved, including older adults and the under-served. NYC social workers from a broad spectrum of agencies, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, HIV/AIDS programs and home care programs, are encouraged to apply. If you are uncertain if your work fits the qualifications, please contact Dr. Susan Gerbino, susan.gerbino@nyu.edu.
Contact Information
For all questions regarding this project, please contact Dr. Susan Gerbino at susan.gerbino@nyu.edu
Class Dates and Times
- October 24, 25 and 26, 2011 (9AM to 3PM each day)
- June 2012 ( 1 day – date to be decided - 9 AM to 3 PM)
- April 2013 Capstone Presentation (evening event)
Apply to the Program
The tuition for this Fellowship is underwritten by a generous grant from The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, Inc. Fellows are responsible for all other costs such as reading materials and any expenses related to the capstone project.
Application deadline is August 31st, 2011. Click here to download the Fellowship Application »
