Hello,

As Director of Field Education and Senior Lecturer for Social Work at Governors State University, I wanted to share with you what being a student in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program will be like at GovState.

New students to the program can expect an array of learning experiences that build on their ability to self-reflect, think critically and positively intervene in the lives of others. The program is grounded in a social justice ethos and teaches students to identify, understand and advocate on behalf of the oppressed and marginalized within our society.

For BSW students, the program begins with foundation courses where students learn the history of social welfare policy, social welfare institutions and the social work profession. Students engage in classes focused on assessment of human behavior, social work practice and evaluation. One of the greatest parts of the program are the selective courses offered to students.

Selectives provide students with a glimpse into the many practice areas available to social workers including healthcare, care for the aging and elderly, child welfare and family practice, forensic practice, community organizing and teamwork, etc.

Students begin the program with classroom learning and then move into a practicum, which provides real life experience applying learned skills within a social services organization. Students are provided with one-on-one support in setting goals for practicum placement, developing a resume, interviewing and securing a position. Placements link students to field instructors, who are experienced, practicing professionals, that provide them with hands on training opportunities in the field. Many practicum placements turn into employment for students post-graduation.

As for myself, I’ve been at GovState since 2013. In addition to my role as Director of Field Education, I typically teach 1-2 classes per semester in the BSW and MSW programs, and am the placement coordinator for MSW students.

I share your passion for helping others. I started in the social services field in 1998 after completing a degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My first positions were as case managers at a child welfare and later a community mental health center in Chicago. In 2002, I returned to the University of IL at U-C, this time to the social work department to complete an MSW, specializing in community mental health. Upon graduation, I began work as a clinical therapist, a clinical supervisor, and a mental health program manager. In 2012, I became a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Today, I continue to practice part time, providing therapy at a community mental health center. In addition to practice, I also contract to provide professional development trainings, community information sessions and clinical supervision to aspiring clinical social workers.

I find the social work program at GovState to be highly unique in the level of involvement, empathy and caring that is present between instructors and students and students to their peers. I went to school, taking courses in auditoriums, where I rarely spoke to my professor. Yet this program provides opportunities for frequent interactions, mentoring and guidance from experienced, knowledgeable instructors.

I can’t wait to meet you.

Best,

Januari Wilson MSW, LCSW