The FSU College of Social Work has always been committed to helping students and alumni achieve success, but recently, Dean Nick Mazza decided to do more.

“There was really an opportunity for the College to reach out to students, alumni and community members, and enhance their professional careers in social work,” said Mazza. “We established the Professional Development Program to provide additional resources for these groups that will ultimately help them succeed.”

Designed to accommodate all aspects of the profession, the Professional Development Program coordinates certificate programs, provides licensure verification and career information, along with continuing education training and a job board. To lead this effort, Dean Mazza appointed faculty member Pam Graham, who is also the Director of the BSW Program.

“I’m very honored and excited about this new endeavor,” said Graham. “The development of this program will allow us to promote social work through the integration of education and research, and give our participants an edge in this competitive job market.”

One of the largest resources of the Professional Development Program is the comprehensive website that houses information about all the services offered. At present, seven certificate programs are available in Arts and Community Practice, Gerontology Studies, Child Welfare Practice, Disaster Recovery, Culturally Sensitive Case Management, Family Social Work and Leadership in Executive and Administrative Development (L.E.A.D). In addition, the website provides an online CEU course, “What Social Service Providers Should Know about Domestic Violence,” and a constantly updated job board. Launched in April 2011, the site was created through a partnership with the Center for Professional Development and lives within the College of Social Work website.

Graham also has a goal for the Professional Development Program to host regional CEU events throughout the year. The first event of this kind, or “Link and Learn” as they’ve been coined, took place on March 24, 2011 in Gainesville, FL and was very well received. Nearly 50 attendees participated in the course, “So You Think You Are an Effective Clinician? Prove It!” presented by faculty member Craig Stanley, and enjoyed the “Alumni and Friends Reception” that followed.

“It’s a win-win for everyone,” explained Graham. “We’re bringing valuable training to students, alumni and community members who need and want it, and the College has the opportunity to make connections with social work professionals around the state. Because we want to be an asset, the nominal fee for CEU courses will be fed back into the program so we can continue hosting the ‘Link and Learn’ events, and gradually increase the number we hold each year.”

To learn more, visit the Professional Development section of the website, or contact Director Pam Graham at pgraham@fsu.edu.