University of Southern Maine School of Social Work
Agency Profile for Undergraduate/Graduate Student Placements
Name of agency: Mercy Oncology Hematology Center
Agency address:
Date: 11/04/11
195 Fore River Parkway Suite 360 Portland, Maine 04102
Agency telephone phone number: (207) 553-6868
In arranging for field placements, whom should student contact? Lenore Kraus, LCSW, OSW-C
Name of Field Instructor: Lenore Kraus LCSW, OSW-C
Field Instructor telephone number: same as above
Field Instructor email address: krausl@mercyme.com
Site Supervisor: Lenore Kraus, LCSW, OSW-C
Name of agency director and/or key administrative personnel:
Name
Position
Dawn McFarland
Clinical Manager
Do you offer a stipend? No
Agency is able to handle:
BSW student____
MSW foundation year student__X___
MSW concentration year student __X__
How many students can your agency accommodate? One
Briefly describe the basic services/programs of the agency, client population served, and the size of your
staff.
- The Oncology Hematology Center is an out patient clinic at Mercy Hospital. The staff consists of: three
doctors, four nurses, two medical assistants, a genetic testing counselor, a clinical trials nurse, one pharmacist, a
financial counselor, a tumor registrar, a registered dietician, three front office staff members, and an oncology
social worker. The social work department provides support for patients in the outpatient clinic, and acts as a
liaison for inpatient oncology patients. There is strong interdisciplinary support for Social Work. Patients are
adult, many elderly, with a wide variety of cancers. Patients are primarily seen in the clinic, but social service
will follow there patients for inpatient stays. Social work assists with issues related to new diagnoses, treatment
and survivorship. Supportive counseling emphasizes patient’s strengths and positive coping skills. Social work
also provides training in stress management/breathing and guided imagery. We assist with obtaining concrete
services and making referrals to community resources. We often deal with issues around hospital care and
bereavement as well.
When (day and time) are agency staff and other important meetings held?
- On Wednesday mornings, from 8-9.
What characteristics or qualities would be helpful for a student to have to best utilize the
placement as a learning opportunity?
- Flexibility, compassion, comfortable with addressing death and dying (but good boundaries regarding their
own feelings/losses), comfortable dealing with the physical symptom of patients, good self care practices,
ability to work with interdisciplinary team, timely follow through to meet patient’s request.
Would a student who needs a highly structured learning environment do well in this placement?
__X__Yes ____No Other comments:
List the learning opportunities available for the student in your setting:
- In services provided by Mercy, the Cancer Community Center, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Grand
Rounds at Maine Medical Center, and internet access for research.
Is there adequate physical space for the student(s)? Yes
Does the student need a car? No
Is mileage reimbursable? No
Can your agency provide an opportunity for students to fulfill part of their required placement hours on
evenings or weekends? No
Does your agency require any formal training for interns? Yes. Interns are required to attend Mercy
Hospital’s new employee orientation.
If yes, how many training hours are required? The orientation is six hours long.
When is the training offered? The last Monday of each month.
Can the training be completed online? No
Is the agency handicapped accessible? Yes
Agency Requirements:
Background check (SBI)
Yes___
No_X__
Physical Exam
Yes___
No_X__
Immunizations
Yes___
No_X__
(If yes, please name
immunizations required)
Other pertinent information:
Revised 10/13/11