Have you ever wondered what a medical social worker does?

Medical social work involves assisting patients with accessing and understanding the healthcare system, connecting them with resources, and providing support. Medical social workers collaborate with the patient, their family, physicians, nurses, other healthcare professionals, and outside organizations to address their patients’ needs. Medical social workers often work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home health agencies, skilled nursing facilities, and rehabilitation facilities.

Professionals in the medical social work field must have a bachelor’s degree in social work or a similar field. Some positions may require a master’s degree in social work. Both degrees require an internship in which the student gains experience and learns necessary skills. There are three levels of licenses a social worker can obtain: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (MSW), and Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW). To become licensed, social workers must obtain a social work degree from an accredited school and pass an exam.

Medical social workers at Peoples Clinic are an important member of our patient’s care team. By arranging transportation, exploring financial resources with patients, and referring patients to professionals who can help them apply for insurance, medical social workers make healthcare more accessible. They connect patients with community resources to meet their basic needs such as housing, food, and clothing. They make referrals to outside agencies and organizations for integrated home health services, addiction treatment, crisis stabilization centers, and chronic care case management programs. They provide emotional support during crisis and difficult times and can assist with establishing care with a therapist and psychiatric provider.

At Peoples Community Health Clinic, we have medical social workers in every department. Ask your provider if you think connecting your with a social worker can help you achieve your goals and make caring for yourself and your family a little bit easier and accessible.