OCCUPATION: MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Name: Maria Nin Company: Visiting Nurse Assn. of Orange County Thumbs up: “Every day is different and I am constantly stimulated by my work. My patients reflect the great diversity of cultures in Orange County. Most are older adults who are determined to remain in their own homes, and I enjoy helping individuals maintain their living independence with dignity and respect. I feel like I’m a significant part of their lives. I also enjoy working on a team with other health professionals, such as nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, home health aides, speech therapists, etc. Our patients often have multiple needs and we work together to help them recover in their homes.” Thumbs down: “I am constantly faced with difficult situations, such as death and dying, crisis intervention and abuse cases. While these are professionally challenging, they can be emotionally draining as well. Sometimes the networking and coordination work with other health and government agencies is challenging. And, because I travel to visit my patients, the driving can sometimes get to me.” Next step: “I am considering continuing my education by earning a Ph.D in social work. I already hold a BSW (bachelor’s degree in social work) and an MSW (master’s degree in social work) with an emphasis in gerontology. I would then like to teach while researching and writing a book about gerontology. I am also interested in policy analysis and development, and in training other professionals in ethnic diversity and sensitivity.” Advice: “If you are interested in social work, I suggest you test your interest by volunteering at a social agency like Big Brother, Big Sister or a nursing home. This will help you further explore your desire to help others in settings typical of the profession.” Salary range: In Orange County, medical social workers, depending on their education and experience, can earn from $15,000 working for a government agency to $65,000 with a private practice. Fringe benefits: Many employers offer paid vacations, medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance and paid sick leave. Educational and training requirements: While you need not be licensed to be a social worker in the home health field, you do need a master’s degree in social work. A license is only required in private practice or for administration. Other qualifications include the ability to read and speak English, to follow instructions and to have the physical strength to lift patients properly. Requirements also include having a CPR certificate, HHA (home health aide) certificate and passing a pre-employment medical examination. Size of work force: Small. In Orange County, 1,410 to 1,800 people, or 0.3% of the labor force, work as medical social workers. Expected demand: Most employers report little difficulty in finding experienced and inexperienced applicants. Job description: Home health-care workers, nurses and aides care for elderly, convalescent or handicapped persons in the homes of their patients. They change bed linens, prepare meals and assist patients in and out of their beds as well as with bathing, dressing and grooming. Major employment industries: Most medical social workers are employed by public or private agencies. Advancement: Promotional opportunities appear to be very limited. For more information: Call the California Board of Behavioral Sciences at (916) 445-4933 for licensing information.