Brookdale as a First Step to Becoming a Social Worker

Social workers help clients to meet their basic and psychological needs.   More specifically, using the casework model and working from a strengths-based perspective, social workers help clients to alleviate struggles – from food insecurity, to homelessness, to healthcare, to the need for legal representation – while also promoting self-awareness and independence.  If you are caring, empathetic and driven to make a difference in the lives of others, this may be the career for you!

Brookdale’s Pre-Social Work Program is designed as the first step on this path.  Our program is a blend of classroom courses and 285 hours of clinical experience, which can be undertaken in hospitals, clinics, mental health centers, and social service agencies.  Once you earn your Human Services A.S. Degree in Pre-Social Work, you will be well positioned for entry-level jobs in human services and seamless transfer high-quality Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Programs.  For more information on transfer options, visit: Brookdale Transfer Agreements

Employment Outlook for Social Workers

Employment of social workers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth is expected as people continue to seek basic needs and mental health counseling. The median salary for social workers in New Jersey is $66,100. The NY-NJ Metropolitan area employs more social workers than any other part of the US.  For more information, visit: Bureau of Labor Statistics – Social Workers

To Learn More

Fill out the form below and/or contact:

Sara Barnett Burrill
Associate Professor of Psychology & Human Services Program Coordinator
Email: sburrill@brookdalecc.edu

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