What Do Social Workers Do? A Look Inside North Central Health Care

When people hear the term social worker, they may not always know what the role involves. Social workers are trained professionals who help individuals, families, and communities navigate life’s challenges by connecting them with support, resources, and care. They often step in during difficult or uncertain times, helping people access services, manage complex situations, and advocate for their wellbeing. While that’s certainly part of the role, social workers do much more. Across healthcare systems, communities, and social service organizations, social workers serve as advocates, problem-solvers, care coordinators, and compassionate guides during some of life’s most challenging moments.

At North Central Health Care (NCHC), social workers play a critical role in supporting individuals and families across a wide range of services. From helping someone navigate a behavioral health crisis to supporting families in long-term care, their work touches lives across Central Wisconsin every day.

Supporting People Through Behavioral Health Challenges

Many of NCHC’s social workers work in behavioral health programs, where they help individuals navigate mental health and substance use challenges. In these settings, social workers often serve as a key connection point between a person’s medical care, emotional wellbeing, and the resources they need to move forward.

Social workers may help coordinate care with providers, connect individuals with treatment options, and provide support as people work toward recovery and stability. Their goal is to ensure that individuals receive not just clinical care, but the social and emotional support needed to improve their overall wellbeing.

Responding When Someone Is in Crisis

When someone experiences a mental health crisis, having the right support in place can make all the difference. Social workers at NCHC help stabilize individuals, and connect them with appropriate care and resources.

During these critical moments, social workers help ensure that individuals are treated with dignity, compassion, and understanding while also helping families and care teams navigate next steps.

Supporting Residents and Families in Long-Term Care

Social workers also play an essential role at Mount View Care Center, NCHC’s skilled nursing facility. In this setting, they help residents and families navigate the emotional and practical aspects of long-term care.

This can include helping families understand care options, supporting residents as they transition into nursing home living, facilitating care planning conversations, and providing emotional support during significant life changes. Social workers help ensure that each resident’s voice, preferences, and wellbeing remain central to their care.

Advocating for Vulnerable Adults

Another important area where social workers serve the community is through Adult Protective Services (APS). These professionals work to protect vulnerable adults who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

APS staff investigate concerns, coordinate with community partners, and connect individuals with the support and services needed to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Their work helps protect some of the most vulnerable members of the community while promoting independence and dignity whenever possible.

Connecting People With the Support They Need

Beyond crisis response and protective services, social workers also help people navigate ongoing support through community treatment and outpatient programs. These services often involve helping individuals build stability, access resources, and work toward long-term recovery and independence.

Whether it’s connecting someone with housing resources, coordinating mental health treatment, or helping families understand available support services, social workers play a vital role in helping people move forward.

The Heart of Community Care

At its core, social work is about meeting people where they are and helping them navigate complex challenges with compassion, expertise, and advocacy.

Across behavioral health services, long-term care, crisis response, and community programs, social workers at North Central Health Care help uplift individuals and families, defend dignity and wellbeing, and transform lives through connection and care.

Their work may not always be visible, but its impact can be felt throughout our community every day.

Want to Learn More?

For more information about our programs, to schedule an appointment or get answers to questions, call us at 715.848.4356.

Services are available to residents in the counties of Marathon, Langlade, and Lincoln.

In a Crisis? Contact the Crisis Center
Emergency walk-in crisis care is available 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week at 1150 Lake View Drive, Wausau 54403. No appointments are required.