Healthcare Social Workers

About the Role

Healthcare Social Workers assist patients in navigating the healthcare system and improve their overall wellbeing by providing support and resources.

Other Common Titles

  • Medical Social Worker
  • Clinical Social Worker
  • Healthcare Counselor
  • Patient Navigator
  • Social Work Case Manager

Typical Tasks

  • Conduct assessments to determine patient and family needs
  • Provide emotional support and counseling to patients and families
  • Develop and implement care plans tailored to individual needs
  • Connect patients with community resources and support services
  • Educate patients about their health conditions and treatment options
  • Advocate for patients' rights and access to care
  • Collaborate with healthcare teams to coordinate comprehensive care
  • Help patients cope with the effects of illness on their daily lives

Notable People

  • Miriam Axel-Lute A prominent advocate for social work in healthcare, focusing on the intersection of health policy and social services.
  • Karen Zilberstein Well-known for her work on integrating social work practices within healthcare settings to improve patient outcomes.

Recommended Resources

  • The Handbook of Health Social Work

    An essential resource for healthcare social workers, providing comprehensive coverage of issues and practices in the field.

  • NASW (National Association of Social Workers)

    A professional organization that offers resources, advocacy, and support for social workers in healthcare settings.

  • Social Work in Public Health

    A peer-reviewed journal that explores the intersections of public health and social work.

  • Healthcare social worker resources (Social Work Today)

    An article discussing the evolving role of social workers in the healthcare field.

  • The Social Work Podcast

    A podcast featuring discussions on various aspects of social work, including healthcare social work.