While many people believe social workers only step in when problems arise, they are often there from the beginning and can be a family’s biggest ally, problem solver and an invaluable resource.
At Seattle Children’s Hospital, social workers are critical to the integrated teams. As families meet with pediatricians, nurses, speech therapists and surgeons, social workers keep in touch with all team members to ensure that each patient is provided with the resources and support they need.
As a social worker in our Craniofacial Center for the past six years, I really enjoy working with our patients and families. I have worked with hundreds of families to help them navigate a difficult diagnosis, sift through medical jargon or just provide a helping hand.
In my experience, here are five things that you should know about the important role that social workers play in a pediatric hospital like Seattle Children’s.
1. We’re here to help families understand their child’s diagnosis
Often families will come to their initial appointment very stressed about their child’s diagnosis. This is especially true in the Craniofacial Center as diagnosis can be complicated, with life-long effects. While the Internet provides a wealth of wonderful information, it can also instill fear into families who may receive false information or only see images of the most severe cases online. Families may also come in with no information at all and need to start at square one. Social workers provide families with trusted information and resources to help them better understand their child’s condition and help them plan for and take care of their child.
2. We partner with families to advocate for their child – in and outside the hospital
In our Craniofacial Center, we often have patients who need to miss school for operations or treatment. Social workers know the local school systems and help families navigate so their child gets the necessary time off for treatment or receives assignments in the hospital. Once they’re back at school, social workers know that the transition can be difficult, and sometimes, issues like bullying may even arise. When things get tough and families need guidance, social workers are there to share their advice and expertise.
3. We’re here to help families find others who are going through the same issues
A difficult diagnosis can be trying for a family. Social workers work with a patient support liaison to connect families to other families with the same diagnosis. Families can also connect at department specific events, such as our annual picnic for all craniofacial patients or a session at Camp Korey that could benefit their child.
4. We’re here to help answer financial questions that families are scared to ask
Social workers give parents access to financial assistance and help with insurance advocacy. They’re here to make sure families get every available benefit from insurance companies and to help find alternative resources when needed. We help reduce financial worry so families can focus on their child.
5. We’re here to help families problem-solve
During the treatment process, it’s often hard for families to plan for time off work or arrange childcare for siblings. Social workers help families problem solve. They know the laws that allow workers to take time off. They will also give families tips for balancing work and other responsibilities, while caring for a child undergoing treatment. Additionally, they can assess and provide resources to ensure that the entire family is cared for.
For more information on Children’s social work team or to arrange an interview with Ashley Peter, please contact the public relations team at 206-987-4500 or press@seattlechildrens.org.
Hello, I noticed this post is from 2013, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to reach out. I am currently pursuing my psychology degree and I haven’t had any idea of what I wanted to do with my degree until I did some more research and a pediatric social worker sounds like it was made just for me. I left my email so if there is any information or advice anyone would be willing to give me, I am all ears!
Pediatric Social Work is actually a very fulfilling job. I have a Social Work degree, and am currently taking Social Work at the graduate level. Your psychology background will help a lot in the field, however, I believe you may need a certification in Social Work before you can work in the field. You have to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to work in the clinical setting. Thus, it doesn’t end at having just a graduate certificate in Social Work. It goes on to being certified by the Social Work certification body. But it is totally worth it.
Hello,
I am finishing up my MSW this August (2017), and was unable to get either of my internships in a hospital setting like I wanted. My concentration placement fell through at the last minute. I really believe that becoming a pediatric social worker is the area I should end up in. I started my undergraduate studies as a nursing major, but changed it my junior year. I think it would be full circle if I did end up in a hospital setting. The past four years I have worked with foster youth and families in a non-profit agency. My question, is how do I get experience in a hospital post MSW? Most social work jobs in hospitals require a years experience in order to get hired 🙁 Especially in California. I would certainly love any advice! Thank you.
@Diane:
I also finish my MSW this month. My practicum was a place of employment internship working in community mental health.
@Ashley: If you can arrange something like that too, I would say that is ideal. Working full time while in grad school can be challenginschout it’s definitely possible, and has been worth it to me to have a *paid* internship. it also addresses the issue Diane brought up about having experience. Many employers I’m the greater Seattle area appear to recognize practicum time as work experience.
All together, since I’ve been in school, I’ve worked during a year long practicum, plus two semesters (8 months) outside my practicum. I’ve just been hired at a Partial Hospital Program that provides free supervision and great benefits. Supervision towards LCSW /LICSW licensing is important, and the lack of capacity to provide that is ultimately why I left the community mental health agency that I loved working at.
@Funke is also right. Lots of certifications and specializations await you after you complete your MSW. I wouldn’t have it any other way though. I can’t tell you the number of colleagues who wish that they pursued an MSW rather than an MA in Counseling. The degree takes the same amount of time, and is more highly sought after by the VA, for example. I may end up supplementing my education with an MPH or MHA, or BSN/MSN to ARNP degrees, and as you near completion of your degree, you may look into those possibilities too.
Whatever you decide to do, ensure that you tend to your relationships within whichever organization you work at. When it’s time to leave, you want to be able to request letters of recommendation with confidence.
That’s my 2.5 cents, anyway. I hope that helps.