Social Work
CHAMPIONS
By : Kirsten Swanson
From family counselors and drug and alcohol treatment specialists to community organizers and parole officers , the need for social workers has never been greater .
In fact , the demand for social workers is expected to increase by 13 % through 2029 – faster than the national average – and the demand for mental health and substance abuse social workers is projected to grow 17 % through 2029 ( BLS ).
In 2017 Gwynedd Mercy University ’ s Bachelor of Social Work program was established to meet these demands .
The accredited program gives students the eligibility for advanced standing in Council on Social Work Education master ’ s degree programs , so students can complete their MSW in just one year instead of two .
The first graduates of the BSW program are now enrolled in some of the top MSW programs , including Bryn Mawr College and Widener University .
Prior to the founding of the BSW program , graduates of GMercyU ’ s Human Services program went on to earn their Master of Social work degree from some of the nation ’ s top schools and are making a difference by being Social Work Champions .
Clover Beauduy , MSW ' 14 Barry University , MSW , 2015
Current Position : Mental Health Practitioner at Legacy Behavioral Health in Port St . Lucie , Florida
“ Clinical Social Work was one of the best decisions I could have made not only for myself , but the people I serve . GMercyU prepared me for graduate school by not just teaching , but also mentoring me . They saw something in me that I never knew existed and helped mold me into the person I am today .”
16 TODAY
Kelly Anderson , MSW , DSW ' 12 Tulane University , MSW , 2014 Tulane University , DSW , 2020
Current Position : Social Worker at KIPP New Orleans
“ GMercyU prepared me for graduate school and my work as a social worker by offering a curriculum , courses , and internships that provided me with a foundation to begin my MSW program with confidence that I was in the right field .”
Kathleen Carroll , MSS ' 15 Bryn Mawr College , MSS , 2020 Home School Visitor Certification , 2020
Current Position : Social Work Counselor at Community Service Foundation
“ The most rewarding part of my work is being able to witness the social and emotional growth of my students . GMercyU helped me to develop confidence in myself . If it wasn ’ t for the support that I received at GMercyU , I wouldn ’ t be where I am in my career .”