When it’s your job to help marginalized people, groups, and communities receive quality healthcare, mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, housing assistance, and more, you don’t expect to be able to do it well without a lot of education and experience — both of which come by way of earning a BSW, MSW, or both.
Ask any social worker in Queens and they’ll tell you that among all these issues, the persistent barrier to health equity is the topic of the year. The good news is that community health organizations and social workers in places like East Harlem are getting the funding they need to tackle this growing problem.
Big Name National Organizations are Putting Up the Funds to Save Lives in Queens
Through their Social Impact Funds, the American Heart Association is providing funds to improve health inequity in Queens. As of February 2024, they’ve committed to distributing $500,000 to four social enterprises in NYC that are focused on breaking down the barriers to maintaining cardiovascular health.
Strong Children Wellness in the Queens neighborhood of Jamaica, one of the recipients of these funds, has created an integrated healthcare network that provides a myriad of social, physical, and mental health services to children and families in under-resourced communities.
Initiatives like these help fuel the dynamic social services field in Queens, but it’s the social workers behind the work that’s getting done that are making real inroads in leveling the playing field.
Right now is a fantastic moment in time to become part of the solution for the people of Queens. But before you can begin making a difference, you’ll need the right kind of education.
Earning the BSW or MSW That Will Help You Make a Difference in Social Work
The social work profession is a vast one, comprising hundreds of organizations and entities in the public, private, and nonprofit spheres based in New York City alone. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is an excellent entry point into the field, providing many individuals with the credentials needed to land jobs in substance abuse treatment facilities, community agencies, homeless shelters, halfway houses, and much, much more.
But if you’re looking to practice clinical social work, which includes diagnosing, counseling, and providing therapies and treatment, you’ll want to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) and state licensure to practice in New York State.
The New York State Education Department is the agency responsible for credentialing Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW).
If you’re interested in community outreach work that doesn’t involve group and one-on-one counseling, then the LMSW license is where you want to set your sights.
If you’re interested in clinical social work, where you’ll be diagnosing and treating common behavioral disorders and mental health problems through counseling, then the LCSW is what you’re aiming for. This involves a two-step licensure process that starts by earning an LMSW and then completing about three years of supervised experience in diagnosis and psychotherapy in order to become an LSCW.
To earn licensure as either an LMSW or LSCW in New York State, you must earn an MSW that’s been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The path to earning an MSW may include first earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and then completing an advanced-standing MSW program that can be completed in just one year. This means if you’re just getting started, a BSW is the right place start.
But if you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree other than a BSW in any human services field, then it’s time to start looking at traditional, two-year MSW programs.
Social Justice and Advocacy in Queens
Nonprofit and community organizations in Queens highlight some of the outstanding work aimed at social justice taking place in NYC.
Queens Community House
Queens Community House is focused on supporting positive change through advocacy and social justice efforts. Throughout its 100-plus-year history, the Queens Community House has worked on inspiring change through programs focused on immigrant rights, affordable housing, financial justice, and access to parks and green spaces.
Queens Community Justice Center
The Queens Community Justice Center works to keep people out of the justice system by creating stronger communities. This nonprofit works with family courts to provide community-based diversion programs and other alternatives to incarceration for people charged with low-level offenses. The Center provides case management services, as well as individual and group counseling and work development resources and services.
New York City Family Justice Center, Queens
The New York City Family Justice Center in Kew Gardens is part of the Family Justice Center Alliance (FJCA), a program of HOPE International, one of nation’s leading organizations focused on domestic violence and sexual assault prevention. Their efforts are focused on creating innovative approaches to meeting the needs of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking.
Queens is home to two schools that offer CSWE-accredited programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels that will meet the requirements for licensure in New York:
York College CUNY
Department of Social Work
Accreditation: MSCHE
Jamaica, NY
MSW (on-campus)
Also Offers:
- BSSW
York College’s MSW program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to transform lives through healthcare-focused social work. With an emphasis on affordability and accessibility, students benefit from a diverse and culturally rich learning environment. The program prepares students to serve as healthcare-focused social workers in underserved communities. Students engage in rigorous coursework and hands-on field experiences, supported by a dedicated faculty committed to social justice and civic participation. The program offers comprehensive preparation for the New York State LMSW exam, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for professional licensure and practice.
Long Island University, Post & Brooklyn Collaborative
School of Health Professionals
Accreditation: MSCHE
Brookville, NY
MSW (on-campus)
Also Offers:
- BS in Social Work
- Doctorate of School Work
The Long Island MSW program is a unique collaboration between LIU Post (Brookville) and LIU Brooklyn, offering students courses, resources, services, and a coalition of faculty from both locations. Varied fieldwork experiences ensure a well-rounded academic experience, and the design of the program’s curriculum also prepares students to earn the New York Certification in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling (CASAC) designation, as well as state certification in forensic social work. This outstanding graduate program allows students to specialize in one of five areas:
- Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors
- Child and Family Welfare
- Forensic Social Work
- Gerontology
- Nonprofit Management