Health social workers are critical to helping individuals and families navigate complex healthcare systems. Health social work examines the impact of illness from the medical, psychosocial, and environmental perspectives. Many are drawn to the health practice arena with a desire to support others during a critically challenging period of their lives. Health social work creates a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction in helping others access essential resources during medical crises. Social workers often work as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team with other health professionals seeking to improve health outcomes.
The Knowledge You Need
You’ll learn to work with those coping with chronic illness, caregiver stress, grieving and loss, medical ethics, and trauma. You’ll have a depth of knowledge in healthcare areas, such as acute care hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care facilities. Effective social work practice in health care settings relies on knowledge and application of evidence-based theories, assessments and interventions. You will learn to apply advanced knowledge and skills to work with other health care professionals to provide comprehensive care. You will be able to conduct bio-psycho-social assessments based on a myriad of disease entities and patient relational dynamics.
You’ll explore the following:
- The impact of cost and financing for health care.
- How access to patient care impacts treatment outcomes.
- Social work practice skills within a medical model.
Social workers in health settings are in demand with an expectation of higher than average job growth. As part of a team seeking to improve health outcomes, social workers have a fulfilling role. Working with individual and families in healthcare settings leads to a sense of purpose in making a meaningful difference.
Focus Area Courses
- SWK 618 Social Policy and Services (Health) (3 cr.)
- SWK 692 Practice Skills for Health Care Settings
- SWK 693 Practice with Individuals, Families & Communities in Healthcare Settings
- SWK 694 Practice with Older Adults
- Required 3 credit hours from a social work elective (courses available)