Meet Social Master of Social Work Intern – Bree Williams

Meet Social Master of Social Work Intern – Bree Williams

Social work interns at Community Healthcare of Texas and Providence Hospice are vital members of our interdisciplinary team, helping to support the diverse needs of hospice and palliative care patients, caregivers, and families. Throughout their internship, they gain invaluable hands-on experience, applying their academic knowledge in real-world settings while preparing for their future careers in social work.

In honor of Social Work Month, we had the opportunity to connect with Bree Williams, a soon-to-be graduate of the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University. As she prepares to take the next step in her journey, Bree reflected on her time with us, sharing her experiences and hopes for the future.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in social work?

I decided to switch to social work during my sophomore year of college, and although it was one of the smaller majors at my university, it was incredibly special to me. From the moment I took my first Introduction to Social Work class, I knew I loved it. With only three professors in the department and small class sizes, we formed close connections, engaging in book clubs, role-plays, and discussions that deepened our understanding of the field. I immediately enjoyed the collaborative learning environment and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. To this day, I still love the feeling of helping others and have gained so many valuable friendships—both through my classmates and within the broader social work community. I also enjoy educating others about the field and all the opportunities it offers.

Why did you choose to join Community Healthcare of Texas for your internship placement?

I chose Community Healthcare of Texas because I wanted to explore a new area of social work. My undergraduate field placement was in a correctional facility in Arkansas, where I worked primarily with the parole and probation department. In that role, I was the only social work professional in the building, and my supervisor was not a social worker, which made the experience challenging but still rewarding. Coming into my graduate program, I was eager to learn how social work is applied in palliative care and medical settings, as these were areas of interest for me. This internship has provided a great opportunity to see the impact of social work in medical care. Additionally, having multiple interns in the program has been an amazing experience—I love meeting new people, collaborating, and forming connections with others.

While there may not be a “typical” day in your role, describe some of your responsibilities during your internship.

A typical day can include speaking with patients, taking phone calls, advocating for clients with other agencies, leaving voicemails, laughing with other interns, making multiple home visits, or focusing on documentation. Some of our key responsibilities as interns include following up with Texas Oncology clinics, checking in with new referrals, scheduling home visits, assisting clients with advance care planning documentation, and expanding our education in the field. I have also really enjoyed learning more about grief care and understanding how our services benefit those in our program.

Is there anything that has surprised you about working with our patients?

I can’t say that I was too surprised, as I wasn’t sure what to expect coming into it. However, the first few weeks of orientation—where we shadowed different members of the care team—gave me a strong understanding of our roles and responsibilities. One thing I still find challenging is navigating insurance policies and working with insurance in general.

Have you decided on a social work specialization after graduation? If so, what?

Not specifically. I am currently taking an EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) class and really enjoying it. I would love to explore areas of clinical social work where I can apply these skills.

How has your experience with Community Healthcare of Texas prepared you for your future career?

This internship has definitely strengthened my confidence in managing a caseload, staying up to date with documentation, addressing clients’ individual needs, and scheduling home visits. I have also gained experience conducting assessments and completing essential forms with clients. Additionally, I have developed a stronger understanding of healthcare policies, palliative care, and insurance processes. Learning how to work with an agency tablet and work phone has been valuable training for future roles, particularly in clinical or medical social work, where I may have a similar schedule. I am incredibly grateful for this internship opportunity and how it has prepared me for my future as a clinical social worker.

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