Social workers are members of the Allied Health Professional Practice Group, and each one holds at least a Master's Degree in Social Work and is registered with the
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Social work actively participates in, and is well represented on, all corporate committees including the Professional Advisory Council and the Professional Practice Committee.
Common issues brought to social workers at UHN include, but are not limited to:
- Coping with physical and mental illness, disability, trauma and complex health needs
- Coping with stress and transitions including help with application forms to care facilities
- Coping with feelings of change, loss and grief
- Family or couple relationship issues and conflict
- Financial assistance and drug benefits
- Communication challenges and conflict with the health care team
- Information about and help accessing hospital and community services
- Self-esteem issues
- Social isolation
- Addictions and substance abuse
- Neglect, abuse, domestic violence and assault
- Accommodation and transportation needs
- Depression and anxiety
- Palliative or end of life care planning
- Anger management
- Caregiver burnout
Interventions and services provided can include counselling services, crisis intervention (i.e., for cases where there is a risk of homelessness, elder abuse or domestic violence), advocacy, mediation and caregiver support. Social workers can also provide valuable education about advance care planning, living wills, powers of attorney and how to decide who will make decisions when a patient can't make them for themselves.
Professional Resources
