Graduate Degree Programs in Geriatric Social Work

Geriatric social work is a division of social work concerned with the welfare of the elderly. No doubt, professionals in this field are badly needed these days as the population is getting older. The goal of geriatric social workers try is to improve the quality of life for senior citizens and help alleviate the negative aspects of aging.

Geriatric social workers can find job in a variety of settings including retirement communities, nursing homes, hospitals, state and government agencies and hospices.

Geriatric social workers have a wide range of duties. Geriatric social workers usually specialize in one of three areas. One of these areas is assessing the needs of senior citizens.

Geriatric Social Work

These social workers work at family service agencies or day care centers, many of which have outreach programs. Geriatric social workers are trained to recognize normal and abnormal aging patterns. The social workers help decide which senior citizens need home health aides, special transportation, or similar services. It’s very important to underline that with the help of these services, some elderly people may be able to live in their own homes when otherwise they would need nursing home care.

Geriatric Social Workers Help with Mental Health Problems

Elderly people face many problems. Loneliness, depression and anxiety are just some of them. Geriatric social workers help the elderly deal with these problems. They encourage clients to participate in group activities. Some of geriatric workers are skilled in leading these activities or in arranging for others to lead. Some have a background in mental health. They are able to provide therapy for clients suffering from depression or anxiety. In addition, social workers may act as a link between their clients and some confusing public and private programs designed for the aging. The goal of geriatric social workers is to help their clients apply for appropriate services. They also help sort out problems in the delivery of these services.

There are some geriatric social workers that are able to plan and organize services for the elderly. Every program or agency has an executive director or its equivalent. Large organizations may have many administrators. State and county long-range-planning bodies have no clients; their function is to estimate future needs and plan how these needs can best be met.

How to Become a Geriatric Social Worker

If you wish to become a geriatric social worker, then you should consider some educational requirements. Nowadays training in social work with a specialty in gerontology is available at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels. A graduate degree with a specialization in aging is recommended. Some of the better jobs require advanced degrees. You should keep in mind that training requirements may be different in different states. Licensing of social workers is required by all states. You must have social work experience and pass an exam to become licensed.

Online Degree Programs in Gerontology

Geriatric Social Work Degree in University of South Florida

One of the universities that offer an opportunity to get a Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Social Work or Clinical Gerontology is the University of South Florida. The University of South Florida was founded in 1956 as the first public university established specifically to address the needs of Florida’s rapidly emerging urban regions.

Today, the University of South Florida System is comprised of two separately accredited institutions, USF and USF St. Petersburg. USF consists of the main research campus in Tampa, which includes USF Health, and two regional campuses – USF Sarasota-Manatee and USF Polytechnic in Lakeland.

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Gerontology

Completion of Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Social Work or Clinical Gerontology will augment clinical and team skills applied to working with older adults. The diverse curriculum enhances the knowledge of practicing, graduate-level, social workers; nurses; physical therapists; occupational therapists, or other health/mental health professionals. The Certificate is designed to supplement the clinical knowledge of those already in graduate education and who desire specialization in this particular area.

You should keep in mind that the courses may be applied as electives in either Social Work or Gerontology. Also, they may be deemed electives in other graduate programs upon approval of degree granting department.

All students who wish to pursue graduate certificates must be admitted to the graduate certificate program before a second graduate certificate course is completed.