Date of Award

6-2019

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Dr. Thomas Davis

Abstract

The present study explored advance year Master of Social Work (MSW) candidates and graduated social workers perceived preparedness to serve individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). There has been minimal of studies that have explored perceived preparedness in serving individuals with DD, more specifically in the field of social work. Due to the lack of research on the topic and the recent growth of the DD population, the present research was an exploratory project that utilized qualitative techniques. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews that analyzed advance year Master of Social Work candidates and graduated social workers perceived preparedness serving individuals who are developmentally disabled. The findings of this study suggested that Master of Social Work candidates and graduated social workers are not prepared to serve the DD population. Based on the qualitative analyses, four themes emerged about social workers serving the DD population. The implications of this study include the need for reevaluation of the Council on Social Work Education accreditation standards and ethical standards put forth by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

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