Clinical Social Worker

Training

Social workers need a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work or another related field. A Master of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program is required for those pursuing licensure.

License/Certification

For the highest levels of social work licensing, the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) as it is called in some states, the practitioner must also complete thousands of hours of supervised practice before even being eligible to apply for the license.

General Description

A social worker provides individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers, providing patients with information and counseling, and making referrals for other services. They may also provide case and care management, or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

Rheumatology Skill Set

Psychosocial assessment includes evaluation of the patient’s resources, strengths, and support systems. This may include education level, employment, financial situation, family support, housing, impact of illness and coping behaviors. A social worker can help the patient to navigate the health care system more effectively, including compliance with appointments, transportation, access to medications, and negotiating insurance. The social worker is also familiar with community support resources that can support rheumatology patients’ personal needs.

How/When to Refer

A social worker should be contacted for assistance when a provider or other medical staff identifies barriers to care or need for personal assistance.

Case Study

Rose, a 50-year-old single female, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis one month ago. She just started methotrexate and prednisone to control inflammation. She reports a one-year history of general pain and swelling in her hands and feet, morning stiffness lasting 2 hours, extreme fatigue and malaise, and often drops things held in her hands, particularly if they are heavy. She is having difficulty getting through her morning routine and getting to work. She does office work, and finds it difficult to type, walk or stand for long periods, due to pain and fatigue. She has two children in their middle teens.

What Can This Professional Do for Rose?

The social worker can assess the impact of the disease on her life identifying specific barriers in her job, needed assistance for improving fatigue, and strength, as well as emotional support resources for counseling, chronic pain, and family disruption/support for children. Social workers can encourage compliance with medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise, and other treatments prescribed by the provider to decrease impact of her disease. They may assist in identifying financial support if needed.

Updated August 2024