Medical Social Workers
An important part of the rehab team is the medical social worker, whose job it is to help patients and their loved ones adjust and adapt to the changes and losses brought on by illness or injury. They work with patients and families of all ages. They assess for social, physical, and financial needs and assist patients in obtaining the care and assistance needed.
Duties, Activities, and Scope of Practice
M.S.W.s help the elderly find care at home or placement in an appropriate level of care. They help parents of infants and children with birth defects and chronic illness find help at home or at school. They involve child and adult protective services as needed in cases of abuse and neglect. And they offer counseling to help with emotional adjustment to loss and illness.
M.S.W.s assist with both short-term and long-term planning to adapt to the changes imposed by an illness, injury, or loss. M.S.W.s also work with mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation services to assist patients with counseling and ongoing support issues to promote wellness and prevent regression.
Education and Training
The minimum level of education for social workers is a bachelor's degree (B.S.W.), but more and more insurance reimbursement is dependent on a master's prepared social worker (M.S.W.). Those who wish to teach social work need to be prepared at the doctoral level. Programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Licensure/Certification
All states require that social workers be licensed, certified, or registered. The Academy of Certified Social Workers offers certification to M.S.W.s who have two years of experience, pass a written examination, and are members of the National Association of Social Workers.
Question
What classes will I take to become a medical social worker?
The curriculum includes courses in behavioral sciences, human development, and social environment. Other classes involve social services, social welfare policy, and methods of social work. A significant portion of field experience is also included.
Work Settings and Salaries
Social workers are employed by hospitals and skilled-nursing facilities. They also work for home health care agencies, public health departments, crisis centers, mental health facilities, and in private practice. They can be on call for crisis intervention or on weekends and holidays as needed, but generally work forty hours a week.
The median salary in 2004 was reported to be $40,080. Salaries ranged from $25,390 to $58,740 according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Career Potential and Additional Information
The job outlook for social workers will continue to be very favorable through 2014 due to the needs presented by an aging population as well as to technological advancements that save lives but pose lifestyle changes due to the nature of the illness or injury.
For further information about careers in medical social work, contact the National Association of Social Workers. Their Web site is
