AboutElizabeth Rose, MSW Expertise I will answer general questions about the profession of social work, especially health care social work. I can refer you to other resources for more specifics.
Experience I write for and manage the website, Social Work World, http://socialworkworld.org, and spent 30 years in health care social work and management.
Question QUESTION: Hello, I am a current BSW grad (5/10/08) and I am going into the grad program. The certifications for MSW that I am interested in are child welfare leadership and non- profit management. I wanted to know how to go about focusing on mental health/ children IN A PROGRAM THAT IS NOT CLINICAL my schools focus is community partnership? I am basically looking for my focus area.
ANSWER: I have a couple of thoughts:
1. Is this the right MSW program for you?
2. If you are going to stay in the program and they do not offer more clinically oriented classes or a clinical track, you will need to insure that your field placements are in highly clinical environments with good clinical field instructors. This will take some work on your part to get the right placements but that will give you some of the knowledge and expertise you are seeking.
3. There are often clinical seminars and weekend retreats. While they may be for continuing education for clinical social workers, it is another way to learn and you can certainly put them on your resume.
4. Can you take some of your courses outside the school of social work...such in the psychology division where you might find some good clinical material?
I hope it goes well,
Liz
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks, some time has passed and i do beleive this is the program for me at this stage in my life. I have had some change in career direction but I would like to know: If I wanted to become an LCSW later, is it as simple has working in the field for 3 years then taking the exam without a clinical feild placement. Can you recommend some of those CEU'S or seminars. I live in Georgia
Thanks
Answer Congratulations on your career direction. I cannot answer for GA licensure rules. Usually licensure relates to being supervised in some sort of clinical work. Some clinical supervisiors will stretch a bit and supervise your work as an administrator of clinical programs or your work with supervising clinical social workers. Check Georgia's rules. Do you need an LCSW to supervise you for those years and sign off? If so, are there any criteria for your work while in supervision? As far as CEU's, I would check with your local NASW for a listing. Sorry I am not an expert in GA licensure law... but I know there will be some similarities to what I have described.
Liz
