The Rehabilitation Social Worker provides an important link between the patient, his or her family, and the rehabilitation team. An initial assessment is done for each patient to learn about social supports and functional abilities present before the onset of illness or injury. Mutual goals are then established to facilitate adjustment and plan for other potential needs. 

Family members are asked to participate in the patient's treatment in order to acquire necessary skills for assisting the patient after discharge. The social worker helps coordinate this participation on a daily basis and meets with the therapeutic treatment team twice weekly to discuss patient care needs.