Health Coordination/
Social Work

Health Coordination and social workers form a vital part of any strong and well functioning allied health team. The utilisation of a central person in charge of managing a client’s health and well-being journey within the community allows for a consistent and logical approach to service delivery.

Social workers specialise in offering further opportunities to clients by allowing a platform to not only discuss issues and barriers they may be facing but also to provide access to other available resources and services.

This process allows for clients to have a dedicated professional for their needs and assists in promoting other allied health professionals to continue focusing on their relevant expertise as applicable.

Frequency of sessions are dependent on the clinical need of the person but generally range from once per week to once a month. Social Workers currently focus and specialise on DVA clients within the community.

Health Coordinators / Social workers are responsible for:

• Acting as a central case manager to connect and coordinate all available health professionals
• Improve overall well-being and quality of life through health and social discussion
• Initiate access to resources and services as required
• Provide advocacy to help navigate the balance between obtaining adequate health care and accessing all available and necessary services and systems
• Introduction of extra social events to bring the greater clinic and local community together as a group
• Facilitation of social support and education on health, information and events
• Improve health and fitness outcomes by linking additional health professionals together for an increased level of multi-disciplinary care
• Help to further manage and support mental health issues and barriers with individuals
• Add to the patient journey and experience by working with the individual to find the right solutions and needs.

• Interdisciplinary Care Guidelines

Research consistently demonstrates that holistic, multi-disciplinary care delivers superior patient outcomes. With our service offerings growing across the network, we are able to utilise the expertise and skill across different allied health disciplines to provide a more coordinated approach to a client’s healthcare. This integrated approach not only enhances patient care but also increases treatment adherence and long-term engagement with health services.

• Client Journey

As part of the onboarding process into the Proactive community, DVA clients who are engaged both externally through Proactive Support and internally within existing clinics benefit from a unique Health coordination care model offered within the network 

This model revolves around the utilisation of Health coordinators (social workers) who are responsible for the initial contact with each Veteran, allowing for a consistent and thorough integration into services for the client. After initial contact with the Proactive Support, clients are booked in for the required services, but also for their initial appointment with the health coordinator / social worker.

As the health Coordinators, who are qualified social workers, are experienced in all cross referral pathways within the Proactive network and ecosystem partners, they can then provide holistic, wraparound care & support for veterans for both physical and mental health. 

The social work service provides generally short-term engagement & telehealth support for veterans who require allied heath services for existing health needs. If longer term social work support is required, this can also be offered. Ultimately, patient experience is always front and centre of this interaction and handover process.