Occupation AtlasHealthcare Social Workers
O*NET · 21-1022.00
Healthcare Social Workers
Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.
50 more
Client Advocate · Clinical Social Worker · Disability Advocate · Disability Coordinator · Disability Specialist · Discharge Planner · Elder Counselor · Family Advocate · Family Support Specialist · Family Support Worker · Geriatric Social Worker · Group Social Worker · Health Care Social Worker · Healthcare Advocate · Healthcare Social Worker · Home Health Care Social Worker · Hospice Home Care Social Worker · Hospice Medical Social Worker · Hospice Social Worker · Hospital Social Worker · LCSW · Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) · Licensed Social Worker · LICSW · LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) · LISW · LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker) · LMSW · LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) · LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker) · Long Term Care Social Worker · Medicaid Eligibility Advisor · Medical Case Manager · Medical Case Worker · Medical Social Consultant · Medical Social Worker · Neonatal Social Worker · Nephrology Social Worker · Nursing Home Social Worker · Older Adult Social Work Specialist · Oncology Social Worker · Patient Advocate · Pediatric Social Worker · Perinatal Social Worker · Psychosocial Coordinator · Public Health Social Worker · Public Welfare Worker · Renal Social Worker · Social Work Case Manager · Social Worker
Compare with another occupationCompare with Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SICSocial · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social6.92
- I Investigative4.24
- C Conventional3.07
- E Enterprising2.55
- A Artistic2.34
- R Realistic1.96
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (54%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (35%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (31%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Counsel patients who are depressed during a crisis period
- Service OrientationImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- CoordinationImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- WritingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
Show the other 23
- PersuasionImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- NegotiationImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- SciencebasicImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- ProgrammingImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
15 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Advocate for clients or patients to resolve crises.Importance 4.7
- Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate patients' medical or physical condition and to assess client needs.Importance 4.6
- Educate clients about end-of-life symptoms and options to assist them in making informed decisions.Importance 4.6
- Refer patient, client, or family to community resources to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness and to provide access to services such as financial assistance, legal aid, housing, job placement or education.Importance 4.5
- Utilize consultation data and social work experience to plan and coordinate client or patient care and rehabilitation, following through to ensure service efficacy.Importance 4.3
- Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.Importance 4.3
- Counsel clients and patients in individual and group sessions to help them overcome dependencies, recover from illness, and adjust to life.Importance 4.2
- Identify environmental impediments to client or patient progress through interviews and review of patient records.Importance 4.2
- Organize support groups or counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting the client or patient.Importance 4.1
- Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in clients' status.Importance 4.1
- Plan discharge from care facility to home or other care facility.Importance 4.1
- Supervise and direct other workers providing services to clients or patients.Importance 3.7
Show the other 5
- Plan and conduct programs to combat social problems, prevent substance abuse, or improve community health and counseling services.Importance 3.4
- Develop or advise on social policy and assist in community development.Importance 3.1
- Conduct social research to advance knowledge in the social work field.Importance 3.0
- Investigate child abuse or neglect cases and take authorized protective action when necessary.Importance 4.5
- Oversee Medicaid- and Medicare-related paperwork and recordkeeping in hospitals.Importance 3.5
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- PsychologyImportance 4.9Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Treat a person with a severe mental illness
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 4.7Level 6.6Level 7 looks like: Counsel an abused child
- English LanguageImportance 4.4Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 4.4Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.9Level 5.8
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 3.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
- AdministrativeImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
Show all 33
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- TransportationImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- BiologyImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- History and ArcheologyImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- MathematicsImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- GeographyImportance 1.6Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- ChemistryImportance 1.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.4Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- MechanicalImportance 1.3Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.3Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- DesignImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
Show all 52
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Information OrderingImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Near VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.5Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Response OrientationImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- StaminaImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Static StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.3Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.3Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.3Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.7Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Care for seriously injured persons in an emergency room
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.5Level 5.8
- Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.3Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.2Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Processing InformationImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
28 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (3)
- Microsoft Teamshot
- Zoomhot
- Google Meet
Hot (5; 2 more marked hot above)
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (20)
- Adobe PageMaker
- Automated clinical information systems
- Calendar software
- Command Systems ComServe
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Database software
- Email software
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- Information presentation software
- Intrado SchoolMessenger
- James Frazier Associates DataStart
- Medical procedure coding software
- Medical records software
- Microsoft Publisher
- Patient electronic medical record EMR software
- Relational database software
- Social Solutions ETO
- Social Work Software ClientTouch
- Web browser software
- Web page design and editing software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Rehabilitation Counselors
Average difference 0.2 points · Complex Problem Solving −0.8, Monitoring +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Monitoring +0.7, Learning Strategies +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Mental Health Counselors
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Listening +1.0, Coordination −1.0
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.0, Monitoring +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Recreational Therapists
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +0.9, Science −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Community Health Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.5, Science −1.1
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Health Education Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies +0.9, Complex Problem Solving −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Nurse Midwives
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Monitoring +0.8, Monitoring +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Use this in your own job architecture
BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.