The NIH Clinical Center Social Work Department assists patients and their families with personal and social problems related to illness and hospitalization. Many Clinical Center patients and families are far from their traditional networks of aid and comfort.  The Social Work Department staff eases the admission process, addresses problems that arise during treatment, and facilitates re-entry into the community.  It also provides counseling, discharge planning, and community resource linkage to Clinical Center patients.

The department manages the Language Interpreters Program for patients and families with limited English proficiency; a Volunteer Services Program; and an HIV/AIDS Counseling Program.  The volunteer services program places community and student volunteers in Clinical Center departments, NIH institutes, and the Children’s Inn.  The HIV/AIDS counseling program provides consultations and services to patients, patient families and employees as well as representatives from public and private sector agencies.  It also informs the HIV/AIDS community about clinical trials.

The Social Work Department functions as part of the Clinical Center's multidisciplinary team to contribute to the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the patients and their families.

2008 Annual Conference information is now online; however, due to an overwhelming response, both the conference registration and the waiting lists are full: 
The Three R’s of Working With Children: Identifying Risks, Promoting Resilience, and Accessing Resources (March 28, 2008)