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Abstract
Despite a growing need for geriatric social workers, there is a question as to whether MSW graduates who are gerontologically prepared actually enter the workforce to serve older adults. By tracking MSW graduates who had special training in aging, this study aims to explore their job search and career experience. Findings show that most graduates located aging-related jobs 4 months postgraduation and remained committed to the field 1 to 2 years later. The majority were working in direct service provision in clinical settings. Their salaries compare favorably with those of generic social workers. Implications for geriatric social work education are discussed.
Research and program models described in this article were funded by a grant from The John A. Hartford Foundation of New York City. The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of the principal investigators of the HPPAE demonstration sites – Hunter College/Brookdale Center on Aging: Joann Ivry, PhD, and Rose Dobrof, DSW; University at Albany, State University of New York: Anne E. Fortune, PhD; University of California at Berkley: Andrew Scharlach, PhD, and Barrie Robinson, MSSW; University of Houston: Virginia Cooke Robbins, MSW; University of Michigan: Ruth Dunkle, PhD, and Lily Jarman-Reisch, MSW; and Partners in Care Foundation: June Simmons, LCSW. The authors also wish to acknowledge Nadine P. Gartell, PhD, Coordinating Center Program officer, New York Academy of Medicine.
The Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education (HPPAE) is formerly known as the Practicum Partnership Program (PPP).