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Social Work

The Social Work Department provides a number of services to hospitalized and/or clinic patients and families. All Social Workers at ACH are state-licensed at the Master's level and are specially trained clinicians in the medical Social Work field. These trained professionals recognize the impact of illness on patients and families and are prepared to provide supportive counseling to assist families in coping with the unpredictability of illness. We are totally committed to improving the lives of children. We work with families to ensure that each child gets the best possible care.

We encourage you to ask questions and request the support you need; let us know of your family's beliefs, traditions, and ways of coping; and tell us about your child and make suggestions to us about their care. 

Our Social Workers are able to link families with community resources for a number of supportive services.

Please contact the Social Work department for any of the following needs: counseling; crisis intervention or long term support; assistance to medical staff to help families understand and cooperate with medical treatment; evaluation, referral and treatment of patients who are victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect; referrals to appropriate resources and preparing families for taking their child home. Interpreters are also available when needed, at no charge to parents. 

Social Work Department: 501-364-1406

The ACH Social Work department is available to meet the needs of patients and their families at any time. Social Workers are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The department also provides Social Work staff for emergencies or crisis situations in the evenings and weekends.

Any hospital personnel, patient, or family member can initiate a Social Work referral or request assistance. The primary avenue for contacting the department is through the main number: 501-364-1406. For evening and weekend referrals, hospital personnel can contact a Social Worker through the hospital operator or consult the call schedule. Physicians may also write orders requesting a Social Work consult. Patients and families can also request a Social Worker by calling our office or asking their nurse, physician or unit staff to make that contact.

Family members or other concerned friends or caregivers may also contact the Social Work department to request services for the patient. Please remember that confidentiality is very important to our patients, and information about patients can only be shared with immediate family members unless otherwise noted.

Arkansas Children’s offers access to Behavioral Health Resource Coordinators to connect patients to the appropriate specialists. Behavioral Health Resource Coordinators (BHRCs) are Licensed Certified Social Workers focused on improving access to pediatric behavioral health-related resources. BHRCs are available between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

For more information:
Phone: 501-364-4411
Email: resourcecoordinator@archildrens.org

Disclaimer:  BHRC interventions do not replace the primary care physician’s recommendations. If you have any specific questions about medical matters, please consult your physician or other health care provider. BHRC contact is not a crisis line. Patients at risk for harming themselves or others should contact 911 or an acute psychiatric facility for guidance.

I have questions about obtaining medical records on my child.

Learn more about accessing medical records.

I am having difficulty paying utility bills; does ACH offer any assistance for this?

Although ACH does not have a specific fund to assist with utilities, several local agencies are able to help. We recognize that many families face financial challenges and admissions and appointments can lead to time away from work. Here are a few resources that may be able to help with utility bills or other expenses. It is also recommended to always contact your utility company and ask about payment arrangements or other billing assistance they may be able to offer.

What lodging options are available near the hospital?

Many rooms in the hospital provide accommodation for families staying overnight. However, some units may have limited sleeping accommodation for overnight guests. The bedside nurse will be able to discuss visitation guidelines and sleeping accommodations available in your unit. For further needs, reach out to social work. Here are a few options for local lodging that may be helpful as well.

Are there services to help with transportation?

If you need assistance with transportation while admitted to the hospital, please reach out to social work or the unit secretary. If you need assistance with transportation to appointments, Medicaid transportation can be helpful. To utilize this service, follow instructions on the Non-Emergency Transportation website.

What should I do if I have concerns about physical or sexual abuse and/or neglect?

Please reach out to the social worker in your area if you have any concerns about abuse or neglect. Visit the links below for available resources.

Caregivers play a vital role in the well-being of patients by providing encouragement, advocacy, and emotional support. It's natural to feel heightened stress when a loved one is hospitalized, so it’s important to extend that same compassion and support to yourself. Here are some guidelines for taking care of yourself while serving as a caregiver:

Remember Your Basic Needs

When caring for a loved one, it's easy to overlook your own basic needs. Regular meals and sufficient sleep help with maintaining energy levels and the ability to focus. On-campus food options are available in the cafeteria and cafe. Don’t hesitate to ask a team member about meal assistance for caregivers. Additionally, showers and laundry facilities are located throughout the hospital for your convenience.

Get Organized

It’s common to feel fatigued when trying to process medical information. Organizing your thoughts can help alleviate some of that stress. Consider making lists, journaling, and having a designated place to store important information. A binder or notebook can be a useful tool for keeping track of names and contacts within your care team.

Identify Your Community and Seek Support

Family, friends, and community members can be valuable in relieving burdens and responsibilities while you focus on the health of your loved one. Identify trusted individuals in your support system who can provide help with tasks outside of the hospital (grocery shopping, meal delivery, pet-sitting, caring for siblings, etc). Social Workers can assist in connecting with additional supportive resources.

Take Breaks

It's okay to step away from the bedside when you feel overwhelmed. Quiet spaces in the hospital, such as the chapel or family house, can provide moments of peace. Engaging in activities like taking a walk, sitting by a window, meditation, or deep breathing are examples of mindful practices that can improve your stress levels and enhance your compassion towards yourself.

 

 

The Role of Medical Social Workers

Medical social workers play a vital role in the healthcare team. They provide crucial support to patients and their families, helping them cope with the emotional, social, and practical challenges that accompany illness and hospitalization.

At ACH, our social workers are experts in helping people:

  • Navigate the often confusing and complex medical system.
  • Connect with essential community resources.
  • Advocate for patient needs to ensure care is comprehensive and considers a person's life beyond just their physical health.

The work they do has a profound impact: it leads to better patient outcomes,  helps reduce how often patients have to be readmitted to the hospital, and provides essential emotional stability during life’s most stressful times.

Medical Social Work Internship

For students or young adults interested in pursuing a career in social work, our medical social work internship offers a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience. You will be immersed in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary setting—working with doctors, nurses, and other specialists—while making a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.

How to Apply

If you're ready to apply for our internship program, please click the link below to complete your application. Once you submit it, a member of our team will contact you regarding the next steps in the process.

Maria's Glam Session and Photoshoot Behind The Scenes Video

Last year Maria couldn't attend her high school's homecoming due to her battle with breast cancer. Fortunately, her health has improved enough to attend this year's Homecoming festivities. See how the Social Work and Volunteer Engagement teams help Maria make the most out of her day with a glam session during her infusion. Little Rock photographer, Jason Masters, donates a studio session to document the day.