Department of Social Work

Introduction

The Department of Social Work within the College of Health Sciences brings together Rush faculty who lead education, research, and practice change initiatives — all united by a shared mission to equip social workers and other interprofessional providers with the skills to deliver high-quality, whole-person care, improve health outcomes, conduct meaningful research, and advance health equity.

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Our approach
Hear from our faculty
Career opportunities
Faculty

Our approach

The department was established to provide an academic home for social workers at Rush and advance Rush’s efforts to promote health equity.

Social workers at Rush have earned a national reputation for innovation in the field through the Center for Health and Social Care Integration at Rush (CHaSCI).

Social workers at Rush have served as faculty in various courses and roles at the University. We hope to further incorporate social work expertise across disciplines.

The CHS social work faculty partnered with other national leaders in health care to develop a continuing education (CE) certificate for social workers in health care, comprised of six CE courses. The Social Work in Health Care certificate was designed to prepare 
social workers with bachelor’s or master’s level training to practice confidently and effectively in health care by building the contextual knowledge and top‑of‑license skills needed to deliver culturally sensitive, whole‑person care. It also strengthens their capacity to navigate complex health care systems and to contribute meaningfully to equity, advocacy, and policy efforts within health care settings.

View the CE curriculum

So much of what social workers do helps to address disparities and mitigate areas of social risk that can influence overall health and well-being.

– Robyn Golden, LCSW, Chair, Department of Social Work

Vision

Our vision is that social workers are fully integrated into health practice and education in order to provide high-quality, whole-person care; improve health; conduct meaningful research; and advance health equity.

Mission

Our mission is to prepare and empower social workers to effectively leverage their expertise and skill set within health practice and education.

Our innovative educational initiatives integrate evidence-based best practices, research and clinical expertise to provide a well-rounded experience for learners and maximize our impact on practice change.

Our people, our ideas: Inside the social work community at Rush
Two seated men facing each other and talking, with plants on the windowsill behind them
What sets our approach to social work apart?

“We’re committed to improving access to resources to reduce disparities in mental health outcomes across different groups, and at Rush, our social workers are leading the charge on pathways toward that goal.”
– Rebecca Lahey, MSW, LCSW
Director of integrated mental health and wellness, Department of Social Work and Community Health

Read the story

Social work career opportunities

Social workers help address disparities in health care and mitigate areas of social risk that can affect health and well-being.

Social Work faculty