The path to becoming a social worker in Staten Island requires earning an MSW that’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). You can earn an MSW one of two ways:
- By earning a bachelor’s degree in a human services field (e.g., counseling, psychology, sociology) and then completing a traditional, two-year MSW
- By earning a BSW, which then qualifies you for an advanced standing MSW that takes about one year to complete
Whichever path you choose, you’ll need an MSW to earn licensure through the New York State Education Department as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). The LMSW is earned upon completion of the MSW, and the LCSW is then earned after an additional three years of supervised experience in diagnosis and psychotherapy.
Sandra Bernabei: Championing Social Justice in NYC
Sandra Bernabei is synonymous with social work in New York City. Former president (2014-16) of the NYC Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Bernabei’s influence reverberates throughout the city. Her work is extensive, encompassing private practice, director positions at both Barnard College and Columbia University, and many community advocacy positions over the years.
One of Bernabei’s most enduring legacies is the Antiracist Alliance (ARA), of which she is a founding member. Consisting of a collective of NYC-area human service practitioners, the ARA strives to bring a better understanding of structural racism to social work education and practice.
Since its founding in 2001, ARA workshops have inspired thousands of educators and human services practitioners throughout the NYC metro area and the Northeast to learn about ways to undo structural racism and promote racial equality.
Staten Island is home to the College of Staten Island, which offers both a BSSW and an MSW:
College of Staten Island - CUNY
Department of Social Work
Accreditation: MSCHE
Staten Island, NY
MSW (on-campus)
Also Offers:
- BSSW
- PhD in Social Welfare
The College of Staten Island’s MSW program is renowned for its specialized focus on social work practice with individuals with disabilities. This program integrates a critical disabilities perspective, preparing students for transformative social work through rigorous academic and field training. Students of this program benefit from experienced faculty, comprehensive field placements, and the college’s commitment to social justice and diversity. The BS in Social Work, which prepares students for entry-level generalist urban practice, provides a streamlined path to the advanced-standing MSW that takes just 12 months to complete.