Social Work Myths vs. Facts - Week Two
March is National Social Work Month. For 2012, the month of March is dedicated to the Social Work profession with the theme of, "Social Work Matters."
As part of this celebration, MHM and Methodist Healthcare would like to present you with the second installment of our weekly series of Social Work, "Myths vs. Facts."
Myth:
Most social workers work for Child Protective Services (CPS) and their job is to remove children from their homes and to break up families.
Fact:
Approxiamately 20% of the social workers in the U.S. practice in hospitals and about 12% practice in medial clinics; this includes about 111,000 social workers. There are currently over 70 social workers in the Methodist Healthcare System and MHM in San Antonio who hold at least a master's degree.
Myth:
Social workers complete Medicaid applications and hand out meal coupons.
Fact:
Health care social workers provide direct services to clients, impart information, make community referrals, screen and assess clients, assist in discharge planning, provide mental health services, and interven in crisis situations most often in their area of practice.
Do you have any questions about the Social Work profession? Share them here (by posting a comment below)! We are happy to address any misconceptions, curiosities or thoughts you have about Social Work.
To learn more about National Social Work Month, visit www.socialworkers.org.