October 10, 2024

Are Social Workers Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Social workers are generally covered by workers' compensation if they are injured or become ill due to their work. However, recent developments have aimed to expand both their coverage and their role within the system.

Current Coverage

Social workers are eligible for workers' compensation benefits for injuries or illnesses that occur "in the course of" and "arising out of" their employment, similar to other workers.

Recent Expansions

Some states, like California, have recently taken steps to broaden the involvement of licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) in the workers' compensation system. For example, California's 2022 bill (SB 1002) proposed:

  • Adding LCSWs as direct providers in medical provider networks.
  • Allowing employers and insurers to give injured workers access to LCSW services for assessment, evaluation, and treatment.
  • Permitting LCSWs to work within their scope of practice, with the option to request medical consultations when needed.

Eligible LCSWs under this bill must be licensed and have at least two years of clinical experience in a recognized health setting.

Unique Role in Workers' Compensation

Social workers play a vital role in assisting injured workers through the workers' compensation process by:

  • Providing emotional support and helping claimants and families adjust to life changes after workplace injuries.
  • Assisting with practical matters like dealing with insurance companies, landlords, or creditors.
  • Connecting claimants with community resources such as public assistance or emergency services.
  • Helping claimants overcome challenges like language barriers and better understand the workers' compensation process.

Considerations for COVID-19

For social workers who contracted COVID-19, proving it as a work-related illness can be challenging due to the difficulty of determining the exact point of infection. However, workers in healthcare settings may have a stronger case due to their higher exposure risk, with claims evaluated as "occupational diseases."

Takeaway

Social workers are generally covered by workers' compensation for work-related injuries or illnesses, but recent legislative efforts have expanded their role in the system. In states like California, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) are now being recognized as key providers, offering assessment, evaluation, and treatment services for injured workers. Beyond physical recovery, social workers provide crucial support in navigating the compensation process and accessing essential resources. This evolving role emphasizes their importance in helping injured workers regain stability and move forward.