Department of Social Work Programs

Managing rheumatologic and orthopedic conditions can be challenging. We are here to help those who come for care at the HSS Ambulatory Care Clinics. Social workers are available to provide emotional support as well as:

• Assess patient and family needs and concerns related to the impact and understanding of illness and treatment options
• Assist with accessing government programs, mental health services, support groups, transportation services, homecare, and other community resources

Social Work Services are available for:

• Patients in all pediatric clinics
• HSS Rheumatology patients
• Patients in specific orthopedic clinics

Social Workers are available to assist adult patients who are treated at HSS in the Division of Rheumatology and Disease-Focused Centers of Excellence.

We can offer you and your family:

• Emotional support during a new diagnosis
• Support and education to help you better understand your illness and treatment options
• Referral to one of our disease-specific patient support and education programs
• Assistance with insurance, homecare, transportation and prescription needs
• Referrals to community resources, including mental health services and government programs

Social Workers are available to assist adult patients in targeted clinics.

We can offer you and your family:

• Support and education to help you better understand your condition and treatment options
• Help with planning for surgery
• Help with insurance, homecare, transportation, and prescription needs
• Referrals to resources, including mental health services and government programs

The Department of Social Work Programs offers more support and education programs in its areas of specialty than any other hospital in the United States. Professional social workers, graduate school interns, program associates, and specially trained volunteers are both on-site at HSS, and in the community. Those in need can:

• Connect with support and education program leaders by phone and email, as well as national peer support groups.
• Access to our program summaries and recorded live webinars and educational videos online 24/7.

Disease-related Support Programs

• Osteoporosis: New York State Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program (NYSOPEP)
  HSS has teamed with NYSOPEP to help patients learn about this illness and learn to live more fully.

Age and Financial Support Programs

• VOICES Medicaid Managed Care Education Program: helps individuals navigate their Medicaid and Medicare/Medicaid plan coverage, as well as those enrolled in other public insurance programs, so they can access HSS's specialty care.
• VOICES 60+ Senior Advocacy Program - staff is available to assist Rheumatology patients 60 and older.

Community Education and Outreach

HSS offers a wide range of educational courses and workshops for patients as well as the public. Many of them are either free or a low fee is charged. See our Event Calendar for course descriptions and to register online.