social work, counseling, cas, partnership, Easterseals, MORC
March 30, 2023
A new collaboration between Easterseals MORC and Oakland University’s Social Work and Counseling programs through the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education and Human Services was announced at a ceremonial signing event on March 30. It comes as the number of openings for behavioral health professionals has outpaced the number of post-secondary students entering the workforce by nearly 50%, according to the Michigan Health Council.
The Behavioral Health Workforce Development program is a new initiative based on a long-standing partnership between Easterseals MORC and OU. It will offer a unique scholarship opportunity and advanced training for students entering social work and counseling, with full implementation expected by the fall 2023 semester.
The agreement includes preferential acceptance for Easterseals MORC employees into Oakland University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) Program or Counseling Program, 25 paid internships for OU students with Easterseals MORC, and ten full-tuition scholarships for OU graduate students, annually. Additionally, up to 50 Easterseals MORC employees per year will receive a 10% tuition discount to attend OU if pursuing an advanced degree in social work or counseling.
“We are excited about this program because it will allow us to open new learning opportunities and offer financial support for our students,” said Elaine Carey, dean of OU’s College of Arts and Sciences. “In turn, our students will graduate, have a career waiting with Easterseals MORC, and help address the current shortage of licensed mental health professionals.”
Social work is a profession projected to grow by 16 percent by 2026, and the demand for health counselors and addiction/behavioral health professionals will also continue to increase significantly in the coming years.
The partnership will help fortify the behavioral health workforce in two key clinical position areas and encourage more students to pursue social work and counseling careers. Students who accept a scholarship and complete required internship hours must commit to work for Easterseals MORC for a minimum of three years upon graduation.
“For the past several years, we’ve seen a growing demand for mental health services throughout the state, a situation that was further exacerbated by the pandemic,” said Brent Wirth, President and CEO of Easterseals MORC. “While we have continued to hire and have launched several innovative recruitment efforts, this new agreement will help us solidify a formal pipeline of talent that supports students seeking work in these fields, helps to train and develop top-tier behavioral health professionals and retains them here in Michigan to address the behavioral health needs of our state's citizens.”
Oakland University will post applications for the program on its website and will start accepting submissions in April. Applicants seeking these scholarships will commit to working at Easterseals MORC for a minimum of three years after graduation and must apply, including an essay, demonstrating their qualifications and service commitment. Applications will be vetted and selected by a joint advisory committee of Easterseals MORC staff and OU faculty members.
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| OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, College of Arts and Sciences dean Elaine Carey and Easterseals MORC CEO Brent Wirth explained details of the new partnership in a press conference on March 30, 2023. |
Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program at Oakland University provides students with the requisite theoretical knowledge, skills, and ethical framework for advanced social work practice with diverse client systems across practice setting : All MSW students will demonstrate advanced mastery of the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) core competencies which will allow them to assume social work practices roles
Master of Arts in Counseling degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Oakland University trains students to assist clients in identifying areas for improvement and in carrying out changes that promote life fulfillment. Drawing upon a foundation of research and theory in philosophy, psychology and education, counselors use therapeutic skills and consultation techniques with both individuals and groups. The goal of counseling is to help people expand their potential, facilitate development and live more satisfying and productive lives.
Easterseals MORC provides services for children, adults, and seniors with disabilities and/or special needs as well as long-term care support to families. It is one of the largest disability service providers in Michigan assisting over 21,000 individuals and their families annually at various service locations around the state. Easterseals MORC provides top-quality, innovative services tailored to meet the specific needs of the people it serves, including those with physical disabilities and those with emotional, intellectual, social and educational needs. For over 100 years, Easterseals MORC has been a reliable resource for people and families in the community and remains committed to leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion and access for people with disabilities, families and communities. For assistance or to learn more, call 1-800-75-SEALS or visit www.EastersealsMORC.org.