Perceptions of newly graduated social workers’ initial substance misuse treatment service delivery capacities in a Midwestern state

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article details the findings of a 2020 study that explored how substance misuse treatment program directors rate the initial treatment service delivery capacities of newly graduated, master’s level social workers in a Midwestern state. The study consisted of a cross sectional, quantitative survey of all treatment program directors listed in the state’s Treatment Program Directory. In total, 43 respondents, or 18% of all listed treatment program directors, participated in the study. The results suggest that the surveyed directors believe that Master of Social Work graduates have an initial deficit of substance misuse treatment skills, knowledge, and overall preparedness to deliver treatment services. Recommendations for addressing this deficit include strategically integrating Council on Social Work Education curricular guidelines for substance misuse into MSW programs, and mandating substance misuse training for new social workers. More expansive studies on social workers’ substance misuse service delivery capacities are also recommended.