Geriatric Social Work Education (GSWEC): Advancing Geriatric Social Work Education
The Southern California Geriatric Social Work Education Consortium (GSWEC) is the nation’s first integrated regional network to improve social work education and field training among older adult services and care. This inter-organizational collaboration currently involves the five Southern California Schools of Social Work at the universities listed below:
- California State University, Long Beach
- California State University, Los Angeles
- California State University, Northridge
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
As one of nine Centers of Excellence, Partners in Care is a founding partner in this collaboration of universities and agencies facilitating the GSWEC program. During GSWEC’s inception, Partners in Care administered the grant funded by The John A. Hartford Foundation to implement and coordinate the program, strengthen geriatric social work education and increase social workers’ competency in the field of aging.
Although funding from The John A. Hartford Foundation ended in 2003, Partners in Care in collaboration with agencies and universities has continued their commitment to GSWEC by providing comprehensive field instruction for students.
GSWEC Answers A Critical Need
California is home to more than 3.5 million adults 65 years of age or older – the largest and most ethnically diverse older adult population in the country. The older adult population in Los Angeles County is an estimated 950,000. By 2030, the older adult population in Los Angeles County is estimated to increase to 2.3 million. This growing aging population highlights the critical need for social workers trained in geriatrics. An estimated 70,000 geriatric social workers will be needed by 2020.
Despite this demand for social workers, only an estimated 3% of current graduate students in social work elect to enter geriatric social work. This is far below the demand and many more are needed.
Partners in Care collaborates with universities and other Centers of Excellence to encourage graduate social work students to enter this emerging, rewarding and high-growth field. By continuing to engage and train talented and motivated students, it is anticipated that this critical need will be addressed.
To learn more, call Etta McCurry, 818.837.3775 ext. 110: Field Training Positions Available for GSWEC Students
