What is the difference between a social worker and a medical social worker?

This can include helping patients to understand their illness or condition and providing them with information about the resources available to them to cope with the emotional, financial, and social needs that arise with a diagnosis.

On the other hand, a social worker is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities improve their quality of life through counseling, advocacy, and reporting.

Social workers may provide direct counseling to families and communities, advocate on their behalf to community organizations or other health professionals, or help guide clients through the legal system by providing testimony or assistance during courts.

Medical social workers work with doctors, nurses, physical therapists, discharge coordinators, and administrative staff to care for patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly and their families.

On the other hand, social workers usually work at governmental organizations, schools, private practices, community centers, or nursing homes.

Responsibilities for the role can differ, but some common tasks and duties of a medical social worker include:

• Reviewing new admissions for any special needs or issues that need to be addressed

• Assisting with patient discharging from a hospital, clinic, or nursing home setting, to return home

• Coordinating the care of patients with complex needs that require multiple services over time

• Handling crises that come up unexpectedly with counseling or therapy

• Helping patients understand financial and emotional resources available to them

Some common tasks and duties of a social worker:

• Identify people and communities in need of help

• Assess clients' needs, situations, strengths, and support networks to determine their goals

• Research, refer, and advocate for community resources, such as food stamps, childcare, and healthcare to assist and improve a client's well-being

• Respond to crises such as child abuse and mental health emergencies

• Provide psychotherapy services