Trained social workers are at the forefront of addressing a significant mental and behavioral health need in Northeast Ohio—particularly when it comes to substance abuse. That’s part of the reasoning behind the new strategic partnerships between four area nonprofit organizations and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.
The Mandel School recently signed the last of four new agreements with service providers—FrontLine Service; Bellefaire JCB; Murtis Taylor Human Services; and the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities—aimed at recruiting and training diverse leaders of service workers in its top-ranked Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Prospective students will be eligible for 50% scholarships.
The goal is to enroll about 10 employees from each of the four organizations into the school, noting that part-time classes and weekend MSW programs are also available. Because according to a report published by the National Institutes of Health, economists expect a shortage of 195,000 social workers in the U.S. by 2030.
Bellefaire JCB
Bellefaire JCB is among the nation’s largest, most experienced child service agencies providing a variety of behavioral health, substance abuse, education and prevention services. Through more than 25 programs, they help more than 30,000 youth and their families achieve resiliency, dignity and self-sufficiency each year.
"This partnership with the Mandel School is a win for the children and families, as we work to meet the community demand for behavioral health services amidst a system-wide shortage of mental health professionals. By making an advanced social work degree accessible to our staff, we can be assured that Bellefaire will continue to meet the current and emerging needs of our community.”
– Jeffrey A. Lox, LISW-S, ACSW, Executive Director
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD), established in 1967, strives to support and empower people of all ages who have a developmental disability and reside in Cuyahoga County to live, learn, work and play in the community. Cuyahoga DD is part of the state's developmental disabilities' system, which is overseen by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). DODD certifies both people (independent providers) and agencies that provide an array of services directly to people with developmental disabilities.
FrontLine Service
FrontLine Service helps those who are homeless, severely mentally disabled, in psychiatric crisis or have been traumatized by violence in their home or community. In operation since 1988, they provide the largest and most comprehensive continuum of care for homeless persons in Ohio. FrontLine Service's homeless assistance programs provide assertive street outreach, coordinated intake to the county’s emergency shelters, temporary housing, case management, psychiatric and drug and alcohol programming for individuals with co-occurring disorders, and permanent supportive housing.
"The FrontLine Service Scholars program is a result of the agency's anti-racism work that recognizes the need to lower one of the most significant barriers employees of color face when pursuing career advancement. FrontLine is thrilled to partner with Case Western Reserve University to provide professional development, elevate services in our community and take steps toward diversifying FrontLine’s leadership."
– Meredith Black, Director of Human Resources at FrontLine Service
Murtis Taylor Human Services System
Murtis Taylor Human Services System is a county-wide United Way charitable organization that provides behavioral health, addiction, youth, family and senior services. They have been serving the community since 1948, working to help more than 10,000 children and adults annually at nine locations achieve a better quality of life and a healthier community through engagement, teamwork and commitment.
"This is a transformative multi-year collaboration providing educational opportunities and benefits to our current and future human services workforce. By removing financial barriers and offering professionals the flexibility to attend classes around their work schedules, this collaboration will create unprecedented access to Case Western Reserve University’s world-renowned Mandel School. In addition to enhancing professional growth, it will also strengthen neighborhoods, promote equity and advance social justice."
– Lovell Custard, President & CEO