Profession Overview
Official Job Title
Healthcare social worker
(Also: Medical Social Worker, Neuro Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker in a Healthcare Setting, Rehabilitation Social Worker.)
General Job Description
A healthcare social worker specializing in brain trauma provides psychosocial assessment, emotional support, discharge planning, and resource navigation for patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). They often coordinate care across interdisciplinary teams and advocate for long-term recovery needs.
Licensed?
Yes
Min. education
Masters
Reports to
Director of Social Work or a clinical supervisor
Advancement
Yes
Salary range
$65k - $115k
Interesting fact
Massachusetts is home to top-tier hospitals and brain injury centers, which means social workers in this field often collaborate with cutting-edge neurologists, therapists, and tech to support recovery.
Job Requirements
Skills and comeptencies
Deep understanding of traumatic brain injury and neuroplasticity, crisis intervention and counseling skills, cultural and disability competence, systems navigation (Medicaid, rehab, long-term services), medical terminology and interdisciplinary communication
Major duties and responsibilities
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Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for TBI patients and their families
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Facilitate discharge planning and long-term care arrangements
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Provide counseling and emotional support around trauma, loss of function, and identity shifts
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Coordinate services between physicians, therapists, insurers, and community supports
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Advocate for patient rights and access to public benefits or rehabilitation services
Minor duties and responsibilities
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Maintain clinical documentation
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Conduct caregiver support groups
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Provide referrals to housing, transportation, or home care agencies
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Participate in team rounds and multidisciplinary case conferences
FUN FACT
While doctors focus on physical recovery, brain trauma social workers help patients and families adjust emotionally and practically. They help patients with tasks like navigating insurance, arranging home care, or handling sudden changes in memory, mood, or mobility.
Their role is key in helping people rebuild their lives, not just their health.
Educational requirements
- Entry-level: Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program
- Advancement: Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with experience in neurorehabilitation or medical settings
Licensure requirements
License name: Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensure levels:
- LCSW – Requires an MSW and passing the ASWB Master’s exam; permits independent clinical work under supervision
- LICSW – Requires LCSW licensure, 3,500 hours of supervised clinical experience (with at least 100 hours under an LICSW supervisor), and passing the ASWB Clinical exam; authorizes fully independent clinical practice.
Licensing body
Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers
References
- Brain Injury Association of America. (n.d.). Traumatic brain injury care and support. https://www.biausa.org/professionals/research
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Healthcare social workers. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/healthcare-social-workers.htm
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (n.d.). Board of Registration of Social Workers. https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-social-workers
- National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Specialty practice section: Health care social work. https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Health