Department of Social Work

The Department of Social Work at Governors State University instills a unique and empowering philosophy in its students.

G.Grumback.SOCW.small

"Welcome to the Department of Social Work at Governors State University (GovState). Our programs the Bachelor and Master of Social Work are dedicated to the idea that social justice and human rights go hand-in-hand. Our curriculum is dedicated to a social justice ethos and centers on vulnerable and marginalized client systems to empower them and enhance client functioning. We teach our students how to partner with communities to challenge the dehumanizing effects of poverty and disenfranchisement. We aim to eliminate oppression of every kind the recognized and unrecognized, institutional, and social.

Our social work faculty are deeply committed to social justice and comprise a diverse group of licensed clinical professionals and highly regarded scholars who are well-respected partners in the practice community. Our faculty have expertise in a plethora of settings, including medical/healthcare, criminal justice, violence prevention, trauma-informed care, school social work, ethnic identity, and more.

By choosing to study social work at GovState, you've shown that you are ready to take an active role in changing your community; you’re ready to advocate for children and families; and, if you believe that social work should be grounded in an uncompromising social justice ethos—you've come to the right place!"

- Giesela Grumbach, PhD | Chair, Social Work Department

Our Mission

The mission of the Social Work Department is to prepare the next generation of competent practitioners grounded in a social justice ethos to challenge and transform existing social structures to build, sustain, and support healthy communities for children, adults, and families.

Reach Your Career Goals

A degree in Social Work, whether at the bachelor's or master's level, opens the door to a variety of impactful careers. See below for a comprehensive of positions, job descriptions, as as well as salary information:

Positions with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Case Manager - Develops care plans for individuals facing health or social challenges, coordinating services to meet their specific needs. Regularly assesses client progress and adjusts plans to ensure effective support. Salary Range: $38,011-$77,619. Source: (NASW)
Community Outreach Worker - Acts as a liaison between organizations and the community, promoting programs and services. Engages in public speaking and educational efforts to raise awareness and facilitate access to resources. Salary Range: $49,058-$77,619. Source: (Salary.com)
Probation Officer - Supervises individuals on probation, ensuring compliance with court orders and facilitating rehabilitation. Provides resources and support to help clients reintegrate into society. Salary Range: $98,376-$170,407. Source: (Indeed.com)
Human Services Specialist - Assists clients in understanding and accessing social services they qualify for, guiding them through application processes. Works in various settings, including state agencies and nonprofit organizations. Salary Range: $23,072-$57,870. Source: (Salary.com)
Juvenile Court Liaison - Works within the juvenile justice system to coordinate services for youth offenders, aiming to prevent recidivism. Communicates between the court, families, and service providers to develop rehabilitation plans. Salary Range: $40,811-$66,591. Source: (Salary.com)

Positions with a Master of Social Work (MSW)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Provides mental health therapy, diagnosing and treating emotional and psychological issues. Works in settings like private practices, hospitals, or community agencies. Salary Range: $53,618-$95,634. Source: (NASW)
Mental Health Therapist - Offers counseling services to individuals or groups dealing with mental health challenges. Develops treatment plans and therapeutic interventions tailored to client needs. Salary Range: $36,700-$113,520. Source: (allpsychologyschools.com)
Clinical Forensic Specialist - Works at the intersection of social work and the legal system, assessing and providing therapy to individuals involved in legal matters. Collaborates with law enforcement and legal professionals to address psychosocial aspects of cases. Salary Range: $43,947-$95,148. Source: (Salary.com)
Geriatric Social Worker - Specializes in supporting the elderly, addressing issues like aging, health care, and end-of-life planning. Connects seniors with resources to enhance their quality of life. Salary Range: $76,375-$97,514. Source: (Salary.com)
Hospice Social Worker - Provides emotional and logistical support to patients in hospice care and their families. Assists with end-of-life planning, counseling, and connecting to necessary services. Salary Range: $45,500-$98,500. Source: (ZipRecruiter.com)

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the employment of social workers is projected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in about 67,300 job openings each year over the decade. This positive outlook reflects the increasing demand for social services across various sectors, including healthcare, mental health, and community support.