Throughout March, Lake Regional Health System’s Social Work Department joins social workers nationwide to increase awareness of their profession. This year’s theme, “Social Workers Inspire Community Action,” highlights the expertise and dedication of professional social workers in helping to improve community life.
“Social work is a profession for those with a strong desire to help improve people’s lives,” said Susan Major, MSW, LCSW, director of Social Work at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach. “I chose a career in social work because I believed I could make a difference in the lives of others.”
Social workers are highly trained professionals who help people cope with issues in their everyday lives, deal with relationships and solve personal and family problems. They have a vital role in hospitals, schools, mental health clinics and other areas in our community. Some help clients facing disabilities, life-threatening diseases or social problems. Others assist families with domestic conflicts involving children or spousal abuse, conduct research, advocate for improved services or provide assistance with policy development.
At Lake Regional, social workers are part of a multidisciplinary team. They provide access to community referrals, assist with advanced directives, help patients and families cope with psychosocial issues and coordinate appropriate discharge planning. Lake Regional social workers also are equipped to help patients and families adjust to illness, loss and the grieving process.
To become a social worker, individuals must earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree in social work. Licensed clinical social workers also must complete 3,000 hours of supervised work for a minimum of two years under a current LCSW and pass the licensure exam.
Lake Regional currently has five social workers on staff to assist patients: Ashley Hall, MSW; Dala Hemeyer, MSW, LCSW; MaDonna Leinbach, BASW, LCSW; Susan Major, MSW, LCSW; and Nichole Stephens, BSW.
Osage Beach, Mo. —
