Examining entry-level social workers’ substance use prevention capacities in a Northeastern State: a field perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article details the findings of a 2018 study that explored the perceptions of substance misuse prevention program directors on the initial substance misuse prevention knowledge, skills, and service delivery capacities of newly graduated, entry-level social workers in a Northeastern state. The research conducted was composed of a survey of program directors from all state-funded substance misuse prevention programs in the state, with 38% (N = 66) of identified programs represented in the results. In total, the findings of the study identified that the majority of surveyed program leaders believe that entry-level social workers in the state generally lack knowledge of substance misuse prevention concepts and are not initially prepared to provide substance misuse prevention services without moderate to extensive amounts of additional training post-entry into the professional workforce.