Post-Master of Social Work Fellowship (MSW)
Training Philosophy and Goals

Philosophy

The foundation of our post-MSW fellowship is primarily grounded in mentoring relationships with senior staff members and to allow more in-depth training leading to the development of areas of expertise. Individual supervision is provided, as well as mentoring to support the Post-MSW fellow’s area of specialization. A Post-MSW Seminar will meet at least at the same time that the Post-Doctoral Fellows Seminar. Three of the seminar sessions will be concurrent with the Post-MSW fellows to explore diversity and multicultural work.

The Post-MSW training philosophy is influenced by “the practitioner-scholar” model from psychology and the empowerment and social justice models from Social Work. Both offer hands-on experiences complemented by access to and knowledge of the larger social science theory and practices of social work, psychology and psychiatry.

We see as fundamental to this program the value of working in a multicultural, multidisciplinary, and multitheoretical environment, which we believe enriches us both personally and professionally. We strive to create a micro-community at CAPS that reflects the university and mental health fields at large. Post-MSW’s would be expected to value and respect collaboration, teamwork, effective conflict and openness to learning.

Goals

The goals of the Post-MSW Fellowship are to develop:

  • Advanced skills in assessment, diagnosis and treatment appropriate to college counseling center work, taking into account cultural awareness, including social justice and empowerment, developmental and mental illness concerns;
  • Advanced skills in providing brief counseling and psychotherapy with individuals, groups, and couples;
  • Advanced crisis intervention skills;
  • An area of specialization;
  • Increased confidence in the multiple roles of a Social Work professional