Medical Social Worker Job at Socialworkdegree in New York

Social workers play a big part in helping people cope and deal with problems that affect their daily lives and well-being. Many of the problems stem from health and medical issues. Medical social workers are often the answer to their fears and issues. Medical social workers are an important part of any healthcare facility and are often a gift to the people they help.

What is a Medical Social Worker?

A medical social worker is a professional who works with patients of all ages and helps them deal with and better understand the diagnosed illnesses and what they entail. They also provide patients and families with resources that can help them both financially and emotionally. They advocate for the patient. Medical social workers help families navigate through the medical and healthcare system.

Medical social workers may have very different job duties depending on their patients, but their main goal is to ensure that the patient and his or her families lead the healthiest lives possible. They work with clients dealing with medical and health challenges, like disabilities, illnesses, or injury-related hospitalizations.

How to Become a Medical Social Worker

• Earn a social work degree
• Choose an area of specialty
• Complete fieldwork requirement
• Apply for licensure
• Take and pass the certification exam
• Apply for work in this field

Although some social worker positions require only a bachelor’s degree, medical social workers need a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Individuals who do not have a bachelor’s degree will need to obtain a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can typically complete the master’s degree program in one year. Candidates who do not have a bachelor’s degree can expect to be in college for about six years. Medical social worker programs can be found at many colleges and universities.

Licensure, Certifications, and Continuing Education

Clinical or medical social workers are required to have a license in all states. Before you can become licensed, you must have the MSW degree and pass a certification/licensure exam. It’s important to remember that states vary in their licensing requirements. Candidates can get information on their state’s requirements through the Association of Social Work Boards.

• Must have the MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
• Must have completed at least 3,000 hours or two years of paid social work employment under the supervision of a licensed social worker
• Must hold a valid MSW license or have a passing score on the ASWB exam

A career as a medical social worker is a rewarding one. Inquire with a few programs to see which one is the best fit. Good luck!