Image of career: Medical Social Worker

Medical Social Worker

Overview

Medical social workers (MSW) support patients and their families through the emotional and social challenges of illness or injury.

Description

  • Evaluate patient and family needs, and connect them to relevant support.
  • Support patients and families through developing care, treatment, and intervention plans.
  • Provide counselling to patients and families.
  • Educate patients and families on government policies and guide them through the medical system.
  • Support patients by identifying gaps in services and providing feedback to policymakers.

Entry requirements

  • You'll need a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work.
  • It’s helpful to learn different languages and dialects because you’ll work with patients of all ages and backgrounds.

Salary

$3,500 – 4,900

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Medical social workers are not unpaid volunteers. They are trained professionals who help patients and families deal with psychosocial issues.

What to expect

You’ll be a voice for patients, ensuring their needs and preferences are communicated to others. It’s important to look after yourself, so you can better support patients and families.

Soft
skills

Communication

Able to engage clearly and effectively with patients and medical professionals.

Collaboration

Able to work well with medical professionals, community resources, and families.

Adaptability

Flexibility to adjust to different patient needs and changing healthcare environments.

Knowledge of Medical Conditions

Possess understanding of different conditions, and their impact on patients’ health.

Case Management

Ability to manage cases by assessing needs, planning, and monitoring interventions.

Counselling

Ability to counsel patients and families to address emotional, psychological, and social challenges.

Hard
skills

Ismawanty Abdul Razak, Senior Medical Social Worker
"As a Medical Social Worker, I get to witness our patients overcome their toughest adversities."

Ismawanty Abdul Razak, Senior Medical Social Worker

Care to go Beyond

Frequently asked questions

Medical social workers are based in hospitals and focus on patient care. Social workers work in the community, helping with financial assistance, counselling, and safety.

You can work in areas like geriatrics (elderly medical care), trauma support, managing patient cases, or palliative care, with additional opportunities in research and teaching positions.

They listen carefully, understand patients' emotions, and respond with empathy and care, all while maintaining their own emotions and remaining professional.

Yes. They must respect patients' rights to make their own decisions and must maintain patient confidentiality.

They follow strict professional guidelines and only share patient information with consent or when necessary for medical care or safety.