HEALTH Dramatic changes in healthcare delivery, technology, and discoveries in genetics, and bio-behavioral sciences have created new challenges and exciting opportunities for both clients and social workers. Navigating the increasingly complex health care system and making thoughtful decisions about new treatment options are areas where the health social worker makes a difference. As healthcare becomes more team oriented and less confined to hospitals, health social workers can provide specialized leadership. Community practice, conflict mediation, team development, case management, critical path model implementation, solution- focused therapy, chronic illness management, and policy advocacy are increasingly important in health social work. Students choosing the Health Concentration will become professionals offering culturally responsive services in a variety of healthcare systems and settings, and to a range of diverse consumers. They will be comfortable with cutting edge use of the Internet and other digital technologies as tools for social workers. Concentration courses and field work are designed to prepare students for ethical interdisciplinary practice. Field placements will range from the traditional hospital sites to residential care, ambulatory clinics, home health, and community organizations. Consistent with best practice models, students will learn interaction strategies designed to help individuals, couples, families, and groups cope with the stresses of illness and disease and to adapt strategies for maintaining health and wellness. Emerging technology, case management models, discharge planning, specific resources and referrals and legal and ethical mandates will be taught. Issues of health policy, organization and development, macro practice, and research will round out the experience, preparing students for leadership roles in our diverse and urban environments. In addition to the required courses, students will have the opportunity to choose from a range of elective courses across wide range of topics to further enhance career goals. Course and field work will enable students to: Develop an understanding of the social work role in varied interdisciplinary health settings, learn to make clinical decisions based on social work theory and values, and enhance the ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Obtain knowledge of organizational behavior in the health context; develop competence in administration, program planning, organizational politics, and advocacy. Examine theory-driven and evidence-based practices and their application to the formulation of social work assessments, treatment plans, and practice with individuals, groups, and families in healthcare settings. Identify and effectively analyze the societal forces which shape health policy and service delivery, and understand the subsequent impact on practice. Recognize the role of biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and cultural factors as they affect health, illness, and disability across the lifespan.
Health Concentration Field Agencies Some of the areas where students are placed and find employment include: Adult Day Health Care Alternative Treatment Centers Assisted Living Facilities Community Health Care Home Health Care Hospice Hospital Social Work Mobile Clinics Rehabilitation Centers Residential Settings Private For-Profit Specialized Clinics (e.g. oncology, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, obesity, pain management) Health Concentration