Ask a Recruiter: Case Aide
Question: Could I qualify as a case worker aide? If so, how could I pursue that with a high school diploma and work experience? I have been a CNA for more than 20 years and I have been trying to decide if I should switch to social work. I have recommended and trained new employees/co-workers, coördinated and managed schedules, and submitted payroll information to accountants. I also ordered and managed medication, shopped for personal supplies and accompanied patients to various activities including travel. I also have some Medicare/Medicaid training and have been a volunteer ombudsman. I have worked with a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. – Ready to Move On, a Workforce1 Career Blog reader
Answer: While it’s hard to definitively say after only “virtually” meeting you, if you are qualified to be a case worker aide/social service assistant, you do have good healthcare experiences and skills. Having 20 years of direct patient care experience as a CNA and insight to how the healthcare industry works are valuable, marketable skills. Volunteering as an ombudsman demonstrates another level of commitment to patient advocacy. In general, there is need for people who can be trained to provide connections for patients to services in the community. While many organizations require high school/GED as a minimum educational requirement for social service assistant work, most value additional work, volunteer and related experiences. You seem to have those experiences. Visit the Workforce1 Healthcare Career Center to pursue opportunities to work in a healthcare setting and support a social worker in providing social services to patients.
By the way, work in community and social services are expected to increase by 24% according to new Bureau of Labor Statistics projections (2010-2020).
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