By Briana Joyce, LCSW, OSW-C

When asked to write an article for the Connections newsletter focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, it was difficult to know where to start. The topic is enormous and felt overwhelming. However, after some reflection I was reminded of the excellent work done by the Patient Support Services (PSS) Diversity Committee at Moffitt Cancer Center—my place of employment. This committee was formed in 2020 out of the need to provide mutual support and increase dialogue regarding diversity within our department. ​​Over time, the committee has successfully planned activities to keep the celebration and incorporation of new knowledge experiences top of mind. Thus, creating an intentional structure to best highlight and promote our DEI values within Moffitt and the community.

AOSW and NASW have both released statements reaffirming these values and their importance to the social work profession. However, the question for many remains how we can best move forward to achieve these goals? Given the sensitivity and enormity of DEI, one of the early challenges for the committee was to determine the scope and goals.  There was also the need to decide how this committee located within a large healthcare system could be most efficient and effective in its mission. The committee decided upon the creation of an intentional structure to highlight and promote DEI initiatives both internally and externally. The internal activities include educational presentations and a journal club facilitated by Amy Burke, LCSW. The co-chairs of the Diversity Committee (Brodrick Benjamin, LCSW, and Jasmine Coaxum, MSW) also meet with all new hires. The external projects have included donation drives to benefit marginalized communities and volunteer opportunities.

The PSS Diversity Committee was part of reviewing our MSW Internship Program. This included evaluating our criteria, recruitment process and affiliated universities to widen our internship pool. Representatives of the committee met with classes of MSW graduate students. Thereby further engaging future master’s level social workers in a potentially rewarding career in oncology.

The creation of an intentional structure is an opportunity to take a step back, evaluate oncology social work as a whole and determine how we can best leverage our skill set to capitalize on the value we bring to our hospital systems. DEI initiatives are an opportunity for social work leadership. At social work’s core is our commitment to service, social justice, dignity and worth of the whole person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence (NASW Code of Ethics). All these core values are reflected in DEI initiatives. In fact, the system-wide Moffitt Diversity Committee is interested in replicating the success of the PSS Diversity Committee to other department led committees throughout Moffitt – further evidence of the hard work done by this committee. The PSS Committee is a perfect example of how social workers can be part of living our values and supporting them in our places of employment.

Special thanks to Brodrick Benjamin, LCSW co-chair of the Patient Support Services Diversity Committee at Moffitt Cancer Center for sharing his knowledge and experience. The following is based on our conversation regarding the development and current state of the committee. This includes its challenges, successes and opportunities for future social work investment in DEI initiatives.

Association of Oncology Social Work. Diversity & Inclusion Statement and Goals. Association of Oncology Social Work. https://aosw.org/about-aosw/diversity-inclusion-statement-and-goals/

National Association of Social Workers. Code of Ethics. National Association of Social Workers. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English

National Association of Social Workers. (2021.) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. National Association of Social Workers. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Diversity-Equity-and-Inclusion