The current study explored social work skills and competencies required for work on integrated health care teams. Semi-structured, qualitative individual interviews were conducted with social workers employed in integrated health care settings. Key themes emerged around existing social work strengths, further training that is needed for this work, and fundamental skills for effective team-based collaboration. Incorporation of content, such as the social work role in integrated health care settings, advocacy in team-based treatment delivery, and incorporating medical knowledge into the social work curriculum are key to strengthening the future workforce. Education strategies can include not only infusion of integrated health care material into existing courses but also micro- and macro-specific elective courses and a range of interprofessional learning opportunities.
2 October 2018 in Journal of Social Work Education
Latino immigrants are settling in new destination states that have fewer culturally and linguistically competent health and social service providers. Social workers are in an ideal position to serve Latino immigrants. Yet, limited literature is available on the strengths and needs of this population specific to new destination states. To help fill this gap, qualitative data were gathered in individual interviews with providers serving Latino immigrants in one new destination state. Key themes emerged from the data, suggesting the importance of family and community, the challenges of immigration-related stressors, and the strengths and gaps in service provision. Implications for practice and social work education are presented.