Social workers in Rockland County are hard at work, putting all the solutions-oriented thinking and problem solving skills they developed through years of education and experience to the test every day. This level of dedication has led to lasting changes that have helped level the playing field and ensure the county’s at-risk and underserved residents get every opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives, regardless of their economic status.
Child welfare has long been a focus of many professionals in social work, with many working in the courts, child protective services, and schools to ensure children have access to the services and resources vital to healthy development and overall well-being.
Interdisciplinary Support Teams Bring Social Workers Into the Fold to Help Underprivileged Kids and Teens in Rockland County
In the East Ramapo Central School District, social workers are vital members of interdisciplinary support teams that also includes principals, teachers, psychologists, nurses, and guidance counselors. And as of the 2022-23 school year, the school district began building upon its current social worker workforce and expanding the services they provide.
Since this expansion project, the school district now has eight social workers, along with three college interns, who address pressing issues like mental health and behavioral concerns, chronic absenteeism, and traumas. School social services support teams also help families connect with outside resources and services, including childcare, employment, health insurance, food pantries, and more.
Whether you want to do your part within the school system or become an integral component of other vital social services, it’s an exciting time to become a social worker in Rockland County. But before you can become part of the solution, you’ll need the social work degree that will make you a serious contender for some of the most rewarding jobs in the world.
Earning the BSW or MSW That Will Make You a Force in Rockland County’s Social Services Community
Social work in Ramapo and throughout Rockland County isn’t just reserved strictly for those with advanced degrees and state licensure. But if you want to become an influential presence in the practice of social work, either as a clinical practitioner or in areas like legislative advocacy, program development, and leadership, you’ll want to make earning either the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential through the New York State Education Department part of your career path.
Which credential should you choose?
Both licenses give you the broadest scope of practice possible in the field, allowing you to provide clinical diagnoses and treatment to people and families struggling with mental and emotional problems, along with behavioral issues including substance use disorder. The biggest difference is whether you’ll want the freedom to provide those clinical counseling services independently. In this case, you’ll want to earn the LCSW, which requires about three additional years of supervised experience performing diagnoses and psychotherapy after earning the LMSW.
Whichever credential you choose, you’ll need to earn the same level of education: the Master of Social Work (MSW) through a program that’s been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Most programs admit students with undergrad majors in psychology or any other human services major. But for those who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) specifically, the process of earning the MSW is much more streamlined. In most cases, students who have completed a CSWE-accredited BSW can qualify for advanced-standing admissions and earn their MSW in just one calendar year instead of two.
Social Workers are Hard at Work Championing Equality in Ramapo and Throughout Rockland County
Rockland County is no stranger to social justice causes, and people here are committed to advocating for the rights of the underserved, marginalized, and underrepresented. Just some of the groups working to create a brighter future for all citizens of Rockland include:
Rockland United Community for Social Justice – Members of New York’s 17th Congressional District work to combat civil or governmental actions that threaten the civil rights and personal protections of its citizens. Just some of their efforts include outreach, events, community alliances, and fundraising. This organization describes itself as “anti-racist, pro-patriotic, pro-immigrant, inclusive, and peaceful.”
NAACP, Nyack Branch – The Nyack Branch of the NAACP, which encompasses Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Orangetown, and Stony Point, has fought for freedom and justice in education, youth work, housing, health, civic engagement, and economic development in Rockland County since 1928.
Human Rights Commission – The Rockland County Commission on Human Rights is dedicated to investigating unfair and illegal practices related to housing, employment, race, creed, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender/sex, and/or disability.
Dominican University New York is the only university with a physical presence in Rockland County that offers both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. Nearby, the NYC metro area is home to many CSWE-accredited programs available both online and on-campus, including Fordham University in Manhattan, Long Island University in Queens, and Touro University in Brooklyn.
Dominican University New York
Division of Social Sciences
Blauvelt, NY
MSW (on-campus)
Also Offers:
- BASW
- PhD in Social Work
Dominican University New York offers a dynamic MSW program with the kind of flexibility that helps ensure the success of every single student who attends. Students can choose from traditional full-time or part-time options, with additional opportunities for advanced standing for those who come into the program with a BSW. The University fosters a close-knit student and faculty community through small personalized classes, ensuring strong relationships between students and faculty. The scenic Hudson Valley campus provides a peaceful setting that’s just 17 miles from New York City. Dominican’s BASW program also emphasizes a comprehensive education with extensive fieldwork opportunities, preparing students for impactful careers in social work.