Who We Are and What We Do:
The social workers play a crucial role in meeting the psychosocial needs of patients and their families at CHOC.  The Social Services Department is staffed by Master’s level social workers, many of whom are Licensed Clinical Social Workers by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.  The social workers are active members on multidisciplinary teams at CHOC including inpatient and outpatient areas.  Social Workers are here to listen, share information and provide support and assistance to families and the medical team. Any member of the health care team, patient or parent/caregiver is able to request a social services consultation.

CHOC social workers maintain a wide range of roles in their profession.  Social workers conduct child abuse assessments, collaborate with outside agencies on behalf of the medical team such as schools and community nursing, and facilitate support groups and disease specific education days.  Providing crisis intervention, education, advocacy, resource referral and bereavement support are also just a few of the other ways social workers assist patients and their families at CHOC.

Social workers conduct assessments to help determine what resources are appropriate for a family. The social worker and family collaborate in determining how to address the family’s unique needs.  Through the generous donation of the Swenson Family Foundation, CHOC social workers are able to assist families in need and those experiencing unexpected financial hardship.

The Social work department also hosts an Annual Social Work Education Day for Pediatric Healthcare Social Workers and other related staff practicing in Southern California. Topics that have been addressed include, "Resilience: Releasing a Career of Endurance and Joy" and "What We Understand about What Grieving Children and Adolescents Need"

For More Information: (714) 509-8521