CALHN Social Work Outpatients Service

CALHN Social Work Outpatients

Social Workers at Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) work across the sites in an outpatients capacity.

 

What Social Workers Do

Social Workers provide expert support to patients and families, looking at both medical and social factors to help improve overall wellbeing. They use a holistic approach, focusing on the person’s physical, emotional, and social needs.

Social Work is defined by the International Federation of Social Workers as:

"A practice-based profession that promotes social change, development, and the empowerment of people. It focuses on social justice, human rights, and respect for diversity."

Social Workers follow a Code of Ethics to guide their practice and use standards that ensure they work in a professional and ethical manner.

Areas of Expertise

Social Workers at the hospital specialize in the following areas:

  • Child abuse and neglect
  • Family, domestic and sexual violence
  • Chronic health conditions including trauma and adjustment to diagnosis and disability
  • Complex / Developmental trauma
  • Sexual abuse and sexual assault
  • Elder and vulnerable person abuse, and exploitation
  • Bereavement, grief and loss support
  • Socio-legal issues and ethical decision-making
  • Family interventions and support
  • Culturally responsive and inclusive interventions
  • Counselling and therapeutic interventions
  • Support for complex discharge planning

How Social Workers Help

Social Workers provide the following services:

  • Comprehensive assessments of patients’ needs
  • Counselling and therapy to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions
  • Advocacy on behalf of patients
  • Case management and support with coordination of care
  • Information and education to patients and families
  • Safety planning for high-risk situations

Core Values of Social Work

The Social Work team always focuses on:

  • Your consent and wishes
  • Your cultural safety
  • Your right to make informed choices
  • Partnership in decision-making

Support from Allied Health Assistants

The Social Work Department also employs Allied Health Assistants. These team members can help with tasks like:

  • Filling out Centrelink paperwork
  • Organising housing
  • Providing financial assistance
  • Referring to community services

Availability of Social Workers

Social Workers and Allied Health Assistants are available 7 days a week, all year round. They are available on weekends and holidays, but their hours may be limited compared to weekdays.

To request a Social Worker, speak to your treating team or nurse.

Social Work in Outpatients

Social Workers offer a limited service in the outpatient setting. To be referred to a Social Worker in outpatients, please speak to your treating doctor or nurse.

The social work service does not provide an outpatient clinic that accepts GP referrals. Consider the useful links below for ongoing support:

Some useful links:

Patient Assistance and Transport Schemes (PATS)