Social Worker

Your Health Team

Social work is a helping profession. A social worker assists patients and their families with navigating systems that provide resources and services. A clinical social worker will counsel patients and their families to cope with their unique situation. They will be involved in a patient’s care plan or discharge plan.

What do social workers do?

• Connect patients with community supports and resources
• Empower patients to cope and problem solve during or after injury, disease or illness
• Seek to improve a patient’s quality of life and well-being
• Counsel patients and their families

Where do social workers work?

• Community clinics
• Home care
• Hospitals or health care centres
• Long-term care facilities

Social workers at AHSAlberta Health Services employs over 1,200 social workers.

What are the credentials of a social worker?

• Social workers at AHS are required to have a diploma in Social Work, although most hold a bachelor or master’s degree
• They are registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)

Related Resources

• Find Rehabilitation Services
• Job opportunities at AHS
• More about a career in social work
• Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)
• Canadian Association of Social Workers