Mission
The mission of Social Work Service is to provide all eligible Veterans and their families with high quality psychosocial services that maximize community adjustment and social functioning. Social Work’s holistic approach assists to provide timely and cost effective services focused on enhancing customer satisfaction.
To accomplish our mission, Social Work is committed to:
Work collaboratively with other disciplines as an integral part of the health care team
Psychosocial assessments and treatment
Provide comprehensive case management
Provide patient and family education to enhance wellness
Develop and coordinating VA and community resources and community partnering
Identify and engaging potential customers through community outreach
Promote staff development and training
Participate in research and program evaluation
Provide graduate training to social work interns through academic affiliates
Program Description
The staff contributes to the understanding of the patient’s lifestyle, community adjustment and family situation. The social worker is involved in helping the patient resolve problems and concerns which interfere with a satisfactory life adjustment and maximal use of available treatment. Assistance to Veterans also involves activity with families and with community agencies, as well as, close collaboration with the interdisciplinary staff of the Medical Center.
Social Work offers services in discharge planning, psychosocial treatment, counseling related to concerns about family issues, economics, housing, interpersonal relationships, adjustment to medical conditions, advanced directives and care coordination. Social workers provide individual, family, group and couple’s counseling in both inpatient and outpatient programs at the Medical Center. Social workers provide coverage to patients in programs such as, mental health, community nursing homes, Persian Gulf/Iraqi, Former POW Advocacy, Women Veterans program, substance abuse, PTSD, extended care/geriatrics, Home-based Primary Care, Homeless, Medical Foster Home Program, Fisher House, specialty care, medical/surgical/ambulatory care and Community-based Outpatient Clinics. All social workers at the Miami VA Healthcare System have a masters and/or doctoral degree in social work from an accredited university program; state licensure is required.
VHA Caregiver Support Program:
Caring for those Who Care
 There are an estimated 65.7 million caregivers who are providing unpaid care to for a loved one or a friend. Caregivers may experience a great deal of stress, depression, anxiety, financial stressors, or neglect their own personal healthcare needs. The VA recognizes the daily sacrifices made by caregivers who provide care to veterans, and the important role of caregivers in providing physical, emotional and other support to wounded, ill and injured Veterans; helping them to remain in their homes. The VHA Caregiver Support Program offers comprehensive assistance, and support services to family caregivers.
If you are a caregiver of a Veteran, the VA is here to support you. Call 1-855-260-3274 toll-free to reach VA’s Caregiver Support Line for support and information regarding VA services that may help you while you care for your Veteran (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-11:00 pm ET, and Saturday, 10:30 am-6:00 pm).
For additional information and assistance to access VA services and benefits, you may contact your local Caregiver Support Coordinator at the Miami VA Medical Center: Dilia E. Castro, (305) 575-7137.
Referrals
Referrals may originate from the Primary Care or Attending Practitioner, a member of the interdisciplinary team, a patient or family member. Referrals can be made electronically, or verbal requests are accepted.
Former POW Advocacy
The Miami VA has a special program for former Prisoners of War that creates specialized care plans for those who were kept as POWs. Wayne Kadis, Former POW Advocate, is located in room 1D185A at the main facility in Miami. He can be reached at (305)575-7000 ext. 4787.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact Social Work Service at (305) 575-3219.
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