Date of Conferral
6-4-2024
Date of Award
June 2024
Degree
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
School
Social Work
Advisor
Kenneth Larimore
Abstract
Due to a lack of accreditation standards requiring Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs to include substance use and addiction-related courses, many MSW graduates in the United States are unprepared to meet the needs of this growing population. The purpose of this qualitative study, which was underpinned by Bandura's self-efficacy theory, was to explore the perceptions and experiences of licensed independent social workers (LISW) regarding the role their MSW program education played in preparing them to work with substance use and addicted populations. The six participants identified as having graduated from an accredited MSW program, holding a bachelor’s degree in an area other than social work, being licensed in the U.S. state of Ohio, and having worked in a paid position for a minimum of 3 years as a LISW with substance use and addicted populations. The participants engaged in one-on-one interviews featuring semistructured, open-ended questions. Transcription and coding of the data yielded three emergent themes: required course content, knowledgeable supervisors and educators, and experience and practice opportunities. With the insights gained from this study, social work educators may be better able to identify competencies and skills that are vital in substance use treatment yet lacking in current educational standards. The application of these competencies and skills in all aspects of the social work and addiction field may lead to positive social change by helping to ensure that those with substance use disorders are treated with dignity and worth.
Recommended Citation
A Vacca, Kelly, "Perceptions of Licensed Independent Social Workers on How Their Master of Social Work Program Prepared Them to Work With Substance-Using Clients" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 15905.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/15905
