Exploring the Formation of Treatment Program Director Perceptions on Entry-level Social Workers’ Substance Use Treatment Capacities in New York

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2021

Keywords

Social Work Education, Treatment Competency, Program Directors, Workforce Readiness, Assessment Skills, Substance Use Treatment, New York, Professional Preparedness

Abstract

This article examines how program directors of substance use treatment providers in New York State form their perceptions of the substance use treatment service capacities of newly graduated, entry-level social workers. The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative survey of 245 treatment program directors who rated new social workers’ treatment skills, conceptual knowledge, and overall preparedness to deliver services. Regression analyses revealed that five of ten competency areas were significantly associated with perceived preparedness, accounting for 62% of the variance. Assessment competency was the strongest predictor, explaining 50% of the variance. The findings suggest that social work training curricula should emphasize assessment skills and adopt standardized training models to enhance workforce readiness in substance use treatment.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

No

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Substance Use & Addiction Journal, v. 42, issue 4, p. 587-594

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