Medical Social Worker

Medical social workers help people cope with chronic, acute or terminal illnesses. Typically they work with individuals or families, but may also work with certain vulnerable populations. Medical social workers help people cope with the consequences of serious medical conditions like Alzheimer's, cancer, or AIDS They will coordinate their work with family caregivers as well as patients. Social workers also set up social services, such as meals on wheels or oxygen equipment. They may work for hospitals, nursing and personal care facilities, individual and family services agencies, or local governments.

The medical social worker absolutely must be emotionally stable and mature. They must be able to cope with responsibility and work independently without supervision. Thus must work well with others, and must inspire their clients to trust and respect them.

Education and Credentials Required
Normally, medical social workers can expect to need bachelor's degree in social work (BSW). Those who have bachelor's degrees with majors in psychology, sociology, and other related fields might still find employment in entry-level positions. Some jobs stipulate a master's degree in social work (MSW), particularly positions in health settings and clinical work. Public and private agencies may also require an advanced degree. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits about 436 BSW programs and 149 MSW programs.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for medical social workers will most likely grow more quickly than the national average. It will in part be a result of increasing enrollment in public schools and also because of the increasing emphasis on helping disabled student integrate into the general population.

Salary Range
The median salary, as of 2002, for medical social workers was $37,870. The top ten percent salary-wise made more than $56,320, whereas the bottom ten percent made less than $23,840. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income.