Social work is a multi-faceted role encompassing many responsibilities, as social workers help individuals, families and communities alike through difficult situations and challenging times. In recent years, there has been a movement toward social workers as health advocates. For many, this is uncharted territory that can be tricky to navigate. However, it is also an exceptionally worthwhile role and can make a big difference in the health and wellbeing of the communities where they work.
Social work career paths
Social work is a skilled profession, and to become a social worker, one will need a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at the very least, with many positions requiring a Master of Social Work (MSW) too. These qualifications can be obtained through convenient and flexible online study from top universities. As an example, those wanting to become a Pennsylvania social worker will find Keuka College a good place to study online. Prospective social workers will also need to pass their state’s licensure so they will need to make sure the program they take will prepare them for that. Keuka’s MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and students can graduate on the traditional track in just three years or on the advanced track (providing they have a BSW) in under two years. Students can hope to graduate with knowledge in Ethical Development and Clinical Social Work Competencies.
There are many career paths and specialties open to licensed social workers, with opportunities for advancement into leadership roles, but the following are some of the most common, and any of these may include health advocacy.
Healthcare social workers
Often employed by nursing homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centers, healthcare social workers work alongside medical professionals and caregivers and help support and advise patients in making the best choices for their health condition.
Child and family social workers
Child and family social workers are based in the community, often working in educational settings to support and protect children who are in vulnerable situations. They can also offer mental health counseling to both children and their families.
Clinical social workers
Clinical social work is a wide role and may include working in communities, hospitals, hospices and schools, as well as specialized settings such as with prisoners or the newly released or veterans and military families.
Social workers as health advocates
As can be seen above, social workers will often work in medical settings or with clients who are experiencing physical or mental health problems, and this can lead them into the role of a health advocate. As a social work career advances into leadership roles, a social worker can become more influential, helping to influence the health standards of communities as a whole. Social work leaders are skilled, hardworking individuals with excellent organizational and managerial skills. But most of all, they are compassionate individuals who can truly empathize with the communities they serve. As they work in health advocacy, they can make an impact in a variety of ways.
Accessibility
One of the ways social workers can make their mark on community healthcare is to improve accessibility. There are many reasons why people fail to access healthcare, and social workers can help with these.
A major one is poverty. Healthcare is often expensive, and many do not have adequate insurance or even any insurance at all. Social workers can help these people by ensuring they are claiming any financial assistance they are entitled to and putting them in touch with groups that can help. They can also work with their clients to access educational and training opportunities that may improve their financial situations.
However, poverty is not the only reason for failure to access healthcare. There could be cultural issues at play, such as a language barrier for those who speak little English or a fear that their cultural needs, such as special diets, may not be respected. Social workers can reassure their clients on this and, in a medical setting, be advocates for them to the medical staff to ensure that information is provided in a language they understand and that the staff has a full understanding of the patient’s cultural needs.
While this works well for individuals, a social work leader can also advocate change for the community as a whole. As respected professionals, their voices may be listened to by politicians seeking elections, allowing them to lobby for policies that increase access to affordable healthcare that serves the needs of the local community.
Medical treatment
Medical jargon can often feel like a new language to patients, and it is easy for them to not fully understand their condition, treatment, and the implications for their daily lives. Social workers who work in a healthcare setting can be advocates for those patients, helping explain anything they have not understood, and encouraging them to ask the relevant questions.
It is not always easy for a patient to speak up if they feel they have received sub-standard or even dangerous care. However they may feel comfortable confiding in a social worker who can either reassure the patient or seek urgent clarification on the situation as necessary.
Social workers in the community can also help ensure that patients understand any ongoing treatment they may need, particularly in the case of chronic conditions. They can also help the patient access support groups or even encourage them to set up their own peer-led groups to help in the understanding of the condition.
Tackling stigma
Social workers frequently work with clients who have mental health problems. Regrettably, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health, despite our growing understanding of conditions. Social workers can help individuals find the confidence to seek help rather than try to hide their problem, and they can also work with the community, providing information in places such as schools and community groups to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Through the lobbying of politicians and healthcare boards, they can encourage the increase in accessible, compassionate mental healthcare provision.
Making a difference
There are many different ways social workers can effect change in health advocacy. In doing this, they make a difference every single day not only to individuals and their families, but also to their local community and beyond.
