Department of Social Work

Welcome Future Social Workers!

The Department of Social Work at Talladega College is dedicated to preparing students for work in the generalist social work field. We are guided by professional values, ethics, and evidenced-based practice towards a purpose that seeks to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

In this department, we show how much we CARE by:

Building a COMPASSIONATE community.
Holding instructors and students ACCOUNTABLE.
Supporting practices that encourage RESILIENCE and self-care.
Understanding that EDUCATION is on-going.

We look forward to learning and growing with you!
Dr. Jacqueline Trask
Dr. Jacqueline Trask (she/her)
Department Chair/Associate Professor
Department of Social Work
Talladega College jtrask@talladega.edu
Land Acknowledgement

All education takes place on Indigenous land. The Talladega College Social Work Department is located on the occupied land of the Muscogee/Creek Nation, who have persisted here in Alabama from before recorded history to the present day. We pay our respects to the Elders of the Muscogee/Creek Nation both past and present.

Black Lives Matter Statement

Swayne Hall, the heart of the Talladega College campus, was built by the labor of enslaved Black people. It must also be recognized that our school would not be here if not for the dedication and sacrifices of formerly enslaved Black people. The Talladega College Social Work Department stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement, with our Black and Brown faculty, staff, students, field instructors, friends, and with all who have experienced racism and other forms of injustice.
How Do You Know If Social Work Would Be a Good Fit for You?

Social workers value service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.

Social workers are passionate about supporting others and speaking up for those who are marginalized. We are empathetic and caring professionals. We are able to think on our feet and are good in a crisis. Social workers are resourceful, dedicated, and hard working. If this sounds like you, request more information today!

Graduates of our Social Work Department are equipped to work as generalist-level social workers with diverse populations. They have been trained in utilizing varied practice roles and change processes that focus on strength-based problem solving in a variety of settings. Our program prepares graduates for success in addressing social issues and improving social well-being in their communities.
Did You Know?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 74,700 openings for social workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

The median annual wage for social workers was $50,390 in May 2021.
Accreditation

Talladega College The Talladega College Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.
The purposes of the Social Work Department are:
  •   to prepare students for entry-level generalist social work practice for employment in public and in private social service agencies that provide a variety of human services to all income levels and all groups in society,
  •   to support the values and ethics of the social work profession, and promote social and economic justice and human dignity for all people, and
  •   to prepare eligible students to apply for social work licensure and for admission to graduate programs in social work. The program consists of the liberal arts foundation and general elective component, and the social work program curriculum.
Admission to Social Work Program

The Social Work Program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (1725 Duke Street, Suite 500, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3457). Admission to Talladega College does not qualify a student for admission to the Social Work program. Eligibility for admission is determined after the student has completed the sophomore year.
Criteria for Admission
  • Application for admission submitted into the program following successful completion (minimum grade of “C”) of SW 125 Introduction to Social Work, SW 231 and 232 – Human Behavior and the Social Environment (HBSE) I and II.
  • A minimum grade point average of 2.5 on all college work attempted
  • A personal interview with Social Work faculty
Retention and Completion of the Program
The student must meet the following minimum requirements to remain in the program:
  • Satisfactory completion of all college requirements with a minimum 2.5 grade point average and at least a “C” must be earned in all courses required for the major.
  • Demonstrated readiness to perform as a Social Work intern.
  • Additional information about the Social Work program may be found in the Social Work Student Manual.
  • The Council on Social Work Education discourages specialty minors at the undergraduate level with B.S.W. Programs. A social work minor is not offered in the Social Work Program.
Social Work students in Montgomery

Talladega College Social Work students are on the move!

On-Going Social Work Department Activities

Social Work Mentoring – Monthly networking opportunities for students! Students will be paired with local Social Work Professionals to have one-on-one social work discussions and learning experiences throughout the semester.

Skills Labs – Each semester, students can join in for professional skills practice sessions. Topics include: Professional communication, interviewing skills, and assessment practice. Watch for postings for dates and times!

Social Work Club – This student led group plans and participates in volunteering on campus and in the local communities. The club will also host social justice activities and LBSW exam study sessions throughout the semester.

The Talladega College Social Work Department Web Series – Join the Department live online the last Friday of each month as presenters from Alabama and beyond discuss social justice and child welfare topics and issues!

Spring Field Trip to the Alabama State House – Social Policy II students will travel to Montgomery mid Spring semester to meet with their legislators and discuss the Legislative session.

Vulnerable Youth Virtual Symposium – Join us every April to learn how to advocate against discriminatory practices and policies that are harming BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth in Alabama and beyond.

Rally

The Talladega College Social Work Department has been proud to partner with organizations across Alabama and beyond in an effort to support service and social justice.

 
Getting Ready For Your Field Practicum

Field education is the heart of social work education. It is considered our signature pedagogy as it provides undergraduate students the opportunity to apply the knowledge, values, and skills they are taught in the classroom in actual situations involving real client systems that seek to change in some self-determined manner.

Students enroll in field instruction courses in their senior year. Students must complete a minimum of 400 hours for the academic year within a field instruction placement. Students typically attend the field placement four days per week and complete 30-35 hours during that time frame.

Field Manual

Field Prep Checklist

 
For more information about Field Education
please contact:

 Trace Fleming-Trice
Trace Fleming-Trice, LICSW-S
(she/her/hers)
Assistant Professor & Director of Field Education
Department of Social Work
Talladega College
ttrice@talladega.edu