“Be the beacon of light in someone’s darkness”. -Randi G. Fine
Social workers are true beacons of light, providing support to individuals, groups, and families navigating and overcoming challenges they face in their everyday lives.
Healthcare Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers are essential to helping patients and their families cope with illnesses. These healthcare professionals often can work with patients from initial diagnosis to end of life. They take the time to learn the details surrounding the patient’s illness and diagnosis and can provide the patient and their families with resources and support needed to face whatever challenges they are dealing with – be it financial or emotional. They are advocates! Their job is to ensure that the patient's well-being comes first and that their healthcare needs are met.
Social workers are often unsung heroes, but they are essential to a patient’s care journey! They are good listeners, compassionate, attentive, and detail oriented. They are a resource to turn to in times of confusion and a shoulder to cry on in times of despair. They remain constant in the lives of those they care for throughout their entire journey.
Their Specialties & Impact
In the state of FL, not all social workers are licensed; however, they hold either a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW). Some social workers with an MSW pursue their clinical license, requiring at least 2 years of supervision, and pass a national exam to earn their LCSW designation (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). In the state of AL, social workers are licensed at every level, BSW and MSW, then again at the LICSW level. At Covenant Care our social workers may work in a variety of specialties, but they all unite under the mission to improve the quality of every life they touch.
Hospice Social Worker
A hand to hold until the end
Since 1984, Covenant Care has provided quality end-of-life care for those in the communities we serve. Our social workers are an integral part of our interdisclipnary approach to hospice care. They help educate family members on what to expect, assist with filling out any needed medical or insurance paperwork, recommend support groups and/or counseling, connect the patient and their family with bereavement and spiritual support services, and help plan funeral arrangements.
Hospice Social Worker Bryana Lewis states,
“As a Social Worker at Covenant Care, I meet with families and explore ways to ensure the last days of their loved one’s lives are as peaceful, stress-free, and comfortable as possible. I do so by listening to families and seeing what their needs and wants are and implementing that as best possible. We provide emotional support, assist in self-determined life closure, and offer caregivers relief. I strive to be as present as I can to make sure that they feel the support Covenant Care strives to give them.”
Bryana recalled this experience with a patient and family she cared for:
“I had a pediatric patient with a large family. I was able to play a vital role in his care and his family's care until he quickly passed. I was able to ease the tensions and offer support to the sibling and parents. By building a relationship with his family, I became a vital part of how they dealt with his passing. To this day I remain in contact with them.”
Children and Family Bereavement Social Worker
A Light in the Darkness that Follows Loss
For over 40 years, Covenant Care has been helping children and their families navigate loss. This past summer we opened the doors to Nonie’s Place, our Children’s Grief House in Pensacola, FL.
Jennifer Holler, LCSW-QS, LICSW, and the Director of Clinical Services at Nonie's Place says,
“My role as a social worker is to create a safe space for children and families to explore and express whatever challenges they are facing. As social workers, we wear so many hats from counselor to case manager. I feel that we have an impact that, at times, goes unseen because change is not always immediate or "visible". Sometimes our impact surfaces later down the road in their future choices, relationships or "Ah Ha!" Moments.
The best feeling is hearing that a child has shared something I taught them with someone else. To know that you have helped someone through a challenging time and then they, in turn, recognized that a loved one needed support and chose to share their tools...doesn't get much better!”
Thank You, Social Workers
Covenant Care social workers, like Jennifer and Bryana, are making a difference each day in the lives of our patients and families. If you know a social worker, be sure to let them know how much you appreciate the role they play in our community. They are loved, and they are essential. They make the world a brighter place!
