New York master of social work graduates’ substance use treatment service delivery capacities

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article details the findings of a 2018 study that assessed the initial substance use treatment service delivery capacities of entry-level, Master of Social Work practitioners in New York state. The research conducted was composed of a survey of the program directors of all state-funded substance use treatment programs across New York state, with 35% (N = 245) of treatment programs listed in the New York State Treatment Provider Directory represented in the final survey results. In total, the findings of the study indicate that Master of Social Work graduates are perceived by substance use treatment program directors to have limited skills and knowledge regarding substance use treatment concepts and interventions, and that they are not sufficiently prepared to deliver substance use services in practice following graduation.