Social workers bring to the team expert skills in working with patients, families, children within a social and cultural context. This enables the team social worker to identify needed resources. The social worker acts as a resource facilitator to help the patient and family resolve the difficulties they face because of their advanced chronic illness within their particular situation.
The role of the social worker in the palliative care team is defined by five main functions:
- Psychosocial assessment
- Counseling/Emotional/Grief support
- Liaison/Facilitator with local resources and agencies
- Wellness and self-care training and development activities
- Interdisciplinary team support
