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Assisting patients with needs related to their social welfare is a key part of the services we provide at NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health. Our clinical social workers work with patients in the Emergency Department, inpatient units, and outpatient clinics to help navigate social services and related challenges, including mental health therapy, accessing financial assistance, housing support, childcare, substance use disorder treatment planning, and more.

Many patients who visit South Brooklyn Health have additional needs and challenges beyond their primary medical concern. They may experience neglect, abuse, or other trauma or suffer from addiction. Individuals and populations that are oppressed or marginalized often require additional support beyond the medical care they receive. Our social workers serve and advocate for everyone who needs their help, including:

  • Children and adolescents
  • Individuals experiencing mental illness
  • Individuals experiencing poverty or homelessness
  • Individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+
  • Individuals with disabilities
  • Individuals with substance use disorders (SUD)
  • Older adults
  • Refugees and immigrants
  • Veterans
  • Victims of violence

Our providers work as a team with medical and other professionals to ensure vulnerable patients’ social needs are met during treatment and help patients plan to return home with the highest quality of life possible. We give special attention to vulnerable patients who may need additional supports to help them live safely in the community, including:

  • Supportive intervention, including home care services
  • Transitional care, including physical and other forms of rehabilitation
  • Long-term care, as when a patient suffers from dementia or does not have the mental capacity to participate in discharge planning
  • Safety planning for victims of rape, domestic violence, child abuse, or elder abuse

Discharge planning, particularly for patients with high social risks, requires rapid and precise evaluation to provide for safe and appropriate post-hospital planning, as well as a high level of communication and collaboration. Our social workers tailor each discharge plan to promote the best outcome for the unique needs of each patient. They also work closely with family, friends, and neighbors, as well as social and community agencies, to make sure there are additional supports in place for the patient as needed. Our social workers make every effort to ensure the patient’s supporters and advocates understand the plan and are committed to the patient’s success.

South Brooklyn Health’s social workers routinely participate in multidisciplinary rounds and deal with problems that require an immediate social work assessment and intervention, whether the patient receives treatment in our Emergency Department, outpatient clinics, or inpatient units. Our highly trained experts speak several languages and have significant experience working with South Brooklyn community members and their families. We are committed to helping our patients and families get and stay well in all areas of their life.

For more information on the Social Work Department, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please call: 1-844-692-4692.