- A home health social worker must have a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field such as psychology or sociology. The bachelor's-level social worker is referred to as a BSW (bachelors of social work) or SWA (social work assistant). However, because of federal regulations, a bachelor's-level social worker must be supervised by a social worker with a master's degree.
- Each state is different, but most require that a masters- and bachelors-level social worker has a license. In fact, the Department of Labor reports that MSWs with licensure receive two years (3,000 hours) of clinical supervision. All social workers must pass an exam before receiving their license.
- Often, social workers have already been exposed to other social work jobs in nursing homes or hospitals before they start working in home health agencies. The U.S. Department of Labor website reports that medical social workers often advise caregivers, do discharge planning and counsel patients. This training is very important for a home health social worker, because it helps the person understand the process of how patients are admitted, cared for and then discharged. This experience helps the social worker understand where gaps in services may be. In addition, social workers have access to frequent education programs called continuing education units (CEUs). These education programs help the social workers stay current on important topics.
- A home health social worker can have a lot of responsibilities. The Department of Labor website points out that many social workers work on large interdisciplinary teams. These teams may involve a physician, nurse, therapy staff and a home health aide. Outside agencies such as Department of Social Services or Protective Services also may be involved. The social worker is responsible for ensuring the patient has the resources she needs to remain safely at home and to evaluate any psychological, social and/or medical needs. The social worker is often called in when nursing home or assisted-living placements are needed so that a bed can be found for the patient.
- The salaries of social workers differ by the qualifications and the departments in which they work. However, the Department of Labor reported that as of May 2006, the median salary for a home health social worker was $44,470. Of course, social worker salaries also differ by state, and some social workers even moonlight at other agencies to make extra money.
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