Health Career: Medical Social Worker
Who are medical social workers and what do they do?
Medical social workers assist patients and their families with health-related problems and concerns. They lead support group discussions, help patients locate appropriate health care and other health services, and provide support to patients with serious or chronic illnesses. They help patients and their families find important resources they need to overcome unhealthy conditions such as child abuse, homelessness and drug abuse. They also help patients with finding legal resources and financial aid for paying for health services.
How do medical social workers typically spend their workday?
As a medical social worker, you will likely work in a hospital, nursing home, health clinic or community health agency. You will work closely with patients and other health professionals. For example, you may help a patient find nursing home care or you may visit hospitals to counsel patients who have life-threatening diseases. You may help new mothers find specialized care for their disabled infants or you could lead a support group for these women. You also help meet outpatients' needs by helping them obtain needed equipment and support, such as meal delivery and home health aides.
What does it take to be a good medical social worker?
If you like to interact with others and help people solve their problems, social work may be the field for you. As a medical social worker, you should be patient, compassionate, persuasive and have a lot of energy. You should also be fair, nonjudgmental and have good problem-solving skills.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of a medical social worker?
Mental health counselor, health educator, speech-language pathologist.
Related links and helpful information:
- U.S. Dept. of Labor – Medical Social Worker
- International Federation of Social Workers
- Medical Social Worker Fact Page
