Admission to the BSW Program
There are two levels of entry to the social work major. The first level is declaring social work as your major. If you are interested in becoming a social work major, you can do so by declaring social work when you enter ETSU. Existing ETSU students may change their major to Social Work by meeting with their advisor.
The second level of entry is formal admission to the major and the upper division Social Work Practice classes. Students must formally apply to the social work program when they are ETSU students enrolled in SOWK 3000 (in the fall of the junior year). At the time of application, ALL criteria must be completed. Applications are due by 11:59pm ET October 1st. Specific upper level courses (SOWK 3320, 3310, 4330, 4340, and the Field Experience) cannot be taken without formal admission to the major.
In order to accommodate our community college students with an ETSU articulation agreement and intra-university transfer students, an exception may be granted to allow enrollment in one or two of the introductory social work courses (typically SOWK 1020 or 1030) at the time of application for admission or an extension to complete the 60 human service activity hours.
Application Process
Application Process & Checklist
- Online Application Form Complete and submit the above form by 11:59pm ET on October 1st in the fall of your junior year for entry to the program in the spring semester. The documents below need to be completed prior to this form, as they will be uploaded to the form for submission.
- Personal Statement Essay (word document uploaded into online application)Use these guidelines to write a personal statement and upload the statement when you
submit your application above. Personal statements must be typed, double spaced, and formatted using APA. The completed essay is to be 900-1200 words total. - 60 hours of Human Service and/or Social Justice activities with completed Human Service
Activities Form (uploaded into online application)
Complete 60 hours of human service activity and/or social justice activity. Once completed, students will complete this form, which includes a supervisor’s assessment of performance (on back of form) and signature. Once completed, upload all forms (one for each agency hours have been completed) to the online application above. See tab below for pre-approved human service and social justice activities. To work at an agency not on this list, students must get pre-approval from their advisor or the BSW Program Director before beginning their hours. - Certificate of Completion of the BSW Student Orientation (uploaded into online application
Students should receive these forms after attending the BSW orientation. If you have not attended an orientation, please contact your advisor. - Acknowledgement of Requirements for Clinical and Professional Experience Form.
Admission Criteria
Admission Criteria
In addition to the application for admissions, students must satisfy the following conditions:
- Completion of, with a C or better, SOWK 1010 Introduction to Social Work. This course MUST be completed PRIOR to applying to the program (junior year, fall semester).
- Completion of, with a C or better, SOWK 1020 Professional Values and Ethics and SOWK 1030 Cultural Diversity.
Students who have not completed these two courses prior to applying MUST complete them by the end of the semester in which the student applies to the program (junior year, fall semester).
Students who take SOWK 1020 and SOWK 1030 during the semester in which they apply to the program are eligible to receive conditional acceptance to the BSW Program. Upon completion of these two courses, with a C or better, conditional acceptance will be converted to official acceptance. it is the student's responsibility to report their final grade in these courses to their faculty advisor by the end of the fall semester. Students who do not report their final grade are at risk of being purged from their spring semester courses.
- A minimum of 2.25 and a 2.5 average in SOWK 1010, SOWK 1020, and SOWK 1030.
- Positive feedback from social work instructors during the admission process on overall academic performance in completed social work courses.
- All application materials demonstrate potential and suitability for the social work profession, as defined in the program’s Academic Performance Standards.
Review Process
Application Review Process
Applications are reviewed and rated by the BSW Program Committee, using a rating rubric. Once the committee has reached its decision, the student is notified of the decision in writing, and reasons or conditions for the committee's actions are explained. Any student not satisfied with the committee's decision can appeal the decision through the formal appeals process outlined later in this handbook.
There are three possible outcomes for admissions:
- Full Acceptance into the BSW Program
- Conditional Acceptance into the BSW Program, where conditions must be satisfied by the end of the junior-year, fall semester
- Admissions Denied, due to failure of satisfying all admissions criteria
An interview may be scheduled if the student’s admission application or input from faculty suggests the need for further information prior to an application decision.
Human Service Activity
One of the requirements for admission to the program is completion and documentation of 60 hours of human service activity, paid or volunteer. This requirement provides experience in helping that allows you to determine if a career in social work is a good "fit" for you. In addition, it allows you to gain some insight into and experience with working as a helper. To meet this requirement, we want you to have some type of post-high school, face-to-face helping experience. Therefore, life guarding, running agency errands, working with animals, babysitting, or doing secretarial work for an agency are among the kinds of activities that are viewed as inappropriate in fulfilling the human service requirement, although they might be otherwise valuable personal experiences. Instead, we want students to enter the social welfare and social justice arena and engage in helping activities that are outside of the normal spheres of student experience that are campus related and church related, although occasionally the faculty advisor may grant partial credit in advance for such activities if they are in keeping with the spirit and intent of the human service requirement. Appropriate human service activities would include, for example, working as a camp counselor, being a Big Brother or Big Sister, interacting with nursing home patients or hospital patients, working in a shelter, determining need and distributing food and clothing to individuals or families, and so on. Appropriate social justice activities (a maximum of 30 out of the 60 hours) would include assisting in efforts to organize events and promote education about social justice movements. Students may be granted up to 15 hours for "shadowing" a social worker as that person carries out his or her duties.
Human service activities completed by the student within two years prior to application to the program may count toward this 60-hour requirement. In some circumstances, students may be able to use paid human service activity toward this requirement. Students must meet with their advisor to determine if, and how many, of these hours may be used.
Students may work in more than one setting but will need to have a completed form to document their volunteer hours filled out for each different setting in which they work.
If you have questions about whether or not a volunteer experience will count toward the 60 hours, see your faculty advisor or the BSW Program Director.
Below is a list of agencies that have already been approved for human service activity:
-
Adult Day Services, Johnson City
Adult Day Services
(423) 928-8855
https://www.facebook.com/FirstTennADS/Contact Information:
Pamela Gardner, Director or Sherry Morton
(423) 928-8855
pgardner@fthra.orgBrief Description of Organization:
Adult Day Services provides care, exercise, and nutritious meals to adults with dementia and intellectual disabilities in a communal setting. In addition, ADS provides respite to clients' families to work, do errands, and have alone down time.Volunteer Activities:
One on one contact with participants providing activities such as, games, art, crafts, exercise, and help serving meals. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to socialize with participants, supervise dementia patients, assist in applying community services, complete nutritional surveys, and sit-in on counseling sessions/family meetings.Requirements to Volunteer:
Volunteers will need to prearrange a 30 min. orientation, complete a volunteer application, and complete confidentiality and Title VI Training before placement. Background checks are required depending on depth of placement-not required for brief placements.Location:
603 Bert Street
Johnson City, TNPopulation Served:
Dementia/Intellectual Disabilities-Communal Setting -
Appalachian Christian Village at Pine Oaks Campus, Johnson City
Appalachian Christian Village at Pine Oaks Campus
(423) 232-5500
http://www.christianvillage.org/Contact Information:
Barbara Bowling
(423) 232-5504
bbowling@christianvillage.orgBrief Description of Organization:
Appalachian Christian Village offers the widest spectrum of retirement living choices including: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled and Long Term Care.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers have the opportunity to assist and interact with Resident's Activities, including a variety of cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual activities, as well as one on one activities.Requirements to Volunteer:
Appalachian Christian Village requires a volunteer application, background check, and reference check. A confidentiality agreement must be signed also.Location:
213 University Parkway
Johnson City, TN 37604Population Served:
Retirement -
The Arc, Johnson City
The Arc
(423) 928-9362
http://www.arcwc.org/
Contact Information:
Kim Wheeler
(423) 928-9362 ext 207
(423) 737-7626 cell
kimw@arcwc.orgBrief Description of Organization:
The Arc is a nonprofit service organization dedicated to promoting the growth of nurturing communities where all people have the opportunity to join in fellowship and contribution to family, friends, neighborhood, work, spiritual, and community life.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers have the opportunity to assist clients at the Respite Centers which currently cares for 17 individuals with disabilities in order to give parents time away. Volunteers will work alongside staff to ensure clients are engaging in an activity of the client's choice.Requirements to Volunteer:
The Arc requires an application which should include evenings volunteers are available. No background check required however, volunteers are not allowed to be alone with clients.Location:
110 East Mountcastle DrivePopulation Served:
Disabilities -
Court Appointed Special Advocates, Johnson City
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
(423) 461-3500
http://casanetn.org/
Contact Information:
Emily Tester
(423) 461-3500
tester@casanetn.orgBrief Description of Organization:
CASA is a nonprofit, community based, and volunteer service organization. CASA works hand in hand with the Juvenile Courts acting on behalf of abused and neglected children.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers will have the opportunity to meet face to face with a child at least 2x/month. Volunteers will review appropriate records/reports, observe the child, provide a written reports to the CASA office, attend court hearings and appropriate interagency meetings, and participate in case conferences.Requirements to Volunteer:
Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, submit an application, submit 3 personal references, complete a background check, be interviewed by CASA, and complete 35 hours of training. Volunteers will be sworn in via Juvenile Court Judge. CASA asks that volunteers make a twelve-month commitment to the program.Location:
P.O. Box 1021
Johnson City, TN 37605Population Served:
Abused/Neglected Children-Juvenile Court -
Contact Ministries 211, Johnson City
Contact Ministries 211
(423) 926-0144
www.contact211jc.org
Contact Information:
Joyce Lindfors
(423) 926-0140
joyce_lindfors@contact211jc.orgBrief Description of Organization:
Contact Ministries 211 is a faith-based call center serving the community by helping people make connections that matter. Three services are provided including, Reassurance Calls, Crisis Helpline, and Information and Referral.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers will be trained to answer incoming helpline and Information and Referral calls and to make reassurance calls. Volunteers will speak directly to clients over the phone and provide services.Requirements to Volunteer:
Volunteers must be at least 19 years of age, submit an application, complete a brief interview, and complete a background check. Training is provided online and on-site.Location:
P.O. Box 1403
Johnson City, TN 37605Population Served:
Elderly/Homebound/Crisis-Community Call Center/Faith Based -
Families Free, Johnson City
Families Free
(423) 557-9731
www.familiesfree.comContact Information:
Robin Ledford
(423) 956-3441
robin@familiesfree.comBrief Description of Organization:
Families Free provides intensive outpatient services for adult women and men with a history of illegal substances, alcohol abuse, and prescription drug abuse. The program is 6 weeks consisting of group sessions, individual sessions, and case management.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers will have the opportunity to shadow IOP group facilitators for all programs, help facilitate with the jail class programs, engage with the NAS or drug exposed babies while mothers are attending group, lead some psychoeducational lessons, and engage with clients during transportation.Requirements to Volunteer:
Volunteers must complete an application form.Location:
2408 Susannah Street
Johnson City, TN 37604
Population Served:
AOD -
First Tennessee Human Resource Agency, Johnson City
First Tennessee Human Resource Agency (FTHRA)
(423) 975-5005
www.fthra.orgContact Information:
Stephanie Walker
(423) 461-7769
swalker@fthra.orgBrief Description of Organization:
FTHRA provides services for clients with limitation of life/daily activities. In addition, FTHRA provides a Meals on Wheels Program which serves over 1,400 meals a day to seniors and NetTrans, a rural public transportation service.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers will have the opportunity to engage in the Adult Day Services Program which includes, crafting, group exercises, games, serving meals, socializing, and observing/documenting client behavior. Additionally volunteers participate in the Meals on Wheels program by delivering meals to individuals' homes and Personal Support Services by observing/documenting client behavior, assisting in light housekeeping/running errands, and participating in assessment.Requirements to Volunteer:
Volunteers must complete an application and background check.Location:
704 Rolling Hills Drive, Johnson City, TN 37604Population Served:
Limitation of life/daily activities/Seniors -
Mountain States Health Alliance, Johnson City
Mountain States Health Alliance
(423) 431-6111
www.MountainStatesHealth.com – About Us – Volunteer and Auxiliary ResourcesContact:
Whitney Larkin, Director Volunteer Services
423-431-4776
LarkinWD@msha.comJackie O’Sullivan, Manager Volunteer Services
423-431-3543
OSullivanJT@msha.comBrief Description of Organization:
Mountain States Health Alliance serves 29 counties in Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. There are 13 hospitals and over 1,000 physicians serving the region from an acute care, level one trauma center to community hospitals with surrounding First Assist Urgent Care clinics and several primary care provider and specialty physician practices.Volunteer Activities:
Students will interact with patients and families by serving as liaisons between guests and the clinical team, helping with way-finding, and delivering needed items to patients. Companionship and adding the component of human compassion to our patient’s experience is an important role for any volunteer. Volunteer tasks will vary among the different service areas, but at the core of each role is a caring individual who is here to help in any way possible.Requirements to Volunteer:
Completing an application is the first step to volunteering. Once an application is submitted, an automated email will be sent to the applicant with further details on how to complete the next steps. A reference, orientation, background check, TB test, flu shot (during flu season), will be required and then each volunteer will be equipped with a volunteer badge and uniform. Each assignment will be made on an individual basis depending on the volunteer’s area of interest, availability, and the availability of related opportunities. There is generally something for everyone, morning, afternoon, evening, and weekends are all possible.Location:
400 N. State of Franklin Road, Johnson City, TN 37604 -
Rise Up!, Johnson City
Rise Up!
(423) 610-1242
www.RiseUpForKids.comContact Information:
Andy Malcolm
(423) 863-3085
Andy@RiseUpForKids.comBrief Description of Organization:
Rise Up! is dedicated to inspiring, influencing, and impacting kids to one day attain post high school training and education through mentoring, small groups, and after school programs.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers in the classroom duties consist of playing with the children, helping with homework, reading, serving dinner, and helping with special activities.Requirements to Volunteer:
Volunteers must submit an application, complete an interview, and complete a background check.Location:
1500 E Millard St.
Johnson City, TN 37601Population Served:
Children-School -
Youth Villages, Johnson City
Youth Villages
(423) 283-6500
http://www.youthvillages.org/Contact Information:
William "Regg" Bonnevie
(423) 283-6501
William.bonnevie@youthvillages.orgBrief Description of Organization:
Youth Villages helps children, young people, and families through a continuum of programs including intensive in-home services, transitional living services, residential treatment campuses, and intensive residential treatment centers. Other programs include, specialized crisis services, foster care, adoption, and mentoring.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers will have the opportunity to help organize/participate in Peer to Peer group events with young adults in the transitional living program. Additionally, volunteers may help organize/participate in Foster Care family support group meetings and events and provide individual tutoring opportunities to all programs.Requirements to Volunteer:
Volunteers must apply online; once the application is submitted, volunteers are invited to attend an introductory meeting and complete a background check.Location:
3915 Bristol Hwy, Suite 101
Johnson City, TN 37601Population Served:
Children/Young People/Families/Foster Care/Adoption-Home/Transitional Living Services/Residential -
Abuse Alternatives, Bristol
Abuse Alternatives Inc.
(423) 652-9093Contact Information:
Dr. Flora Craig
(423) 652-9093
volcoordinator@abusealternativesinc.orgBrief Description of Organization:
Abuse Alternatives, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides domestic violence intervention services. The agency provides client-centered accessible services which promote empowerment, choice, and safety. Services provided include: 24-Hour Hotline, 24-Hour Emergency Shelter, Children's Program, Batterer's Intervention Program, Victim/Court Advocacy, Community Education, Volunteer Program, Outreach Office (Abingdon, VA), Support Group, and Walk-In CounselingVolunteer Activities:
Volunteers will have the opportunity to work in the shelter or will administration. In the shelter, volunteers will work side by side with the staff to provide services to the residential clients and their children. Additionally, the 24-hour crisis hotline is another service volunteers will be trained to work in. In the administrative office, volunteers will learn the inner workings and day to day functions of running a nonprofit organization.Requirements to Volunteer:
Training is provided and mandatory for working in the office and the shelter-flexible training hours are provided.Location:
104 Memorial Drive
Bristol, TN 37620Population Served:
Domestic Violence -
Caris HealthCare, Bristol
Caris Healthcare, LP
(276) 494-0465
www.carishealthcare.comContact Information:
Gloria Gentry
(276) 623-3018
ggentry@carishealthcare.comBrief Description of Organization:
Caris Healthcare delivers care to people with life-limiting illness and their families through a professional team of healthcare workers. Patients may reside in their home, in a nursing facility, or assisted-care facility.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers will have the opportunity to visit patients and families in their home or nursing facility. Volunteers may read, sing, provide small treats, companionship, small meals, music, and crafts. There are three types of volunteers: Patient Care, Administrative, and Special Project.Requirements to Volunteer:
Volunteers must complete an application and other paperwork required as well as attend orientation. Additionally, volunteers must have a valid driver's license and proof of car insurance. There are additional requirements for Patient Care Volunteers (drug screening, TB test, background check).Location:
1701 Euclid Ave. Suite H
Bristol, VA 24201Population Served:
Illness-Home Care/Nursing Facility/ Assisted-Care Facility -
Caris Healthcare, Greeneville
Caris Healthcare, LP
(423) 638-2226
www.carishealthcare.comContact Information:
Bethany Leatherwood
(865) 566-6029
bleatherwo@carishealthcare.comBrief Description of Organization:
Caris Healthcare delivers care to people with life-limiting illness and their families through a professional team of healthcare workers. Patients may reside in their home, in a nursing facility, or assisted-care facility.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers will have the opportunity to visit patients and families in their home or nursing facility. Volunteers may read, sing, provide small treats, companionship, small meals, music, and crafts. There are three types of volunteers: Patient Care, Administrative, and Special Project.Requirements to Volunteer:
Volunteers must complete an application and other paperwork required as well as attend orientation. Additionally, volunteers must have a valid driver's license and proof of car insurance. There are additional requirements for Patient Care Volunteers (drug screening, TB test, background check).Location:
2140 East Andrew Hwy
Greeneville, TN 37745Population Served:
Illness-Home Care/Nursing Facility/Assisted-Care Facility0 -
Haven of Rest Rescue Mission, Bristol
Haven of Rest Rescue Mission
(423) 968-2011
http://www.bristolmission.org/Contact Information:
Patsy Elsea
(423) 968-2011
bristolmission@aol.comBrief Description of Organization:
Haven of Rest Rescue Mission provides shelter for homeless, hopeless, helpless, and hungry men, women, and children. Meal and Chapel services are also provided. Additionally, a 4-month residential program for men and women with life-controlling problems is available.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers will have the opportunity to engage directly with residents from both the homeless and residential programs. In addition other opportunities are available including, individual/group counseling sessions, social-demographic studies, direction of assistance programs, and job mentoring.Requirements to Volunteer:
Sex offenders/violent felons not accepted.Location:
624 Anderson St.
Bristol, TN 37620Population Served:
Homeless/Life-controlling Problems-Shelter/Residential/Non-Denominational Christian Charitable Organization -
Amedisys Hospice
Amedisys Hospice Services
(423) 288-9777
http://www.amedisys.comContact Information:
Kingsport:
Cassie Parish
(423) 288-9777
Cassandra.parrish@amedisys.comElizabethton:
Stephanie Burton
(423) 547-0852
Fax: (423) 546-6449
stephanie.burton@amedisys.comBrief Description of Organization:
Amedisys provides personalized health care to patients and families in their homes. Their focus is delivering the best health care, whether that is home-based care focused on empowerment to manage chronic disease, palliative care for terminal illness, or hospice care at the end of life.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers for hospice will work with patients and their families for companionship and support in their home or nursing home facilities.Requirements to Volunteer:
Amedisys requires an application process, mandatory training, a background check, and TB test. All fees are covered through Amedisys.Kingsport Location
116 Jack White Drive
Kingsport, TN 37664Elizabethton Location
1500 West Elk Ave #202
Elizabethton, TN 37643Population Served:
Heath Care-Home/Nursing Home/Hospice -
Girls Inc, Kingsport
Girls Inc of Kingsport
423.247.2321
https://girlsinckpt.org/Contact Information:
Julie Wright-Short
423.247.5881
jwshort@charter.netStudent Volunteer Coordinator’s:
Gail Newland
423.247.2321
gailnewland59@gmail.comBrief Description of the Organization:
Girls Inc of Kingsport is a single sex provider of educational and enhancement programs for girls ages 4 -19. Our mission is to “inspire all girls to become strong, smart and bold!” We serve girls from 1:30 – 6:00pm during the school year and from 6:00am to 6:00 pm in the summer. 95% of our members come from single parent headed homes with annual incomes of less than $20,000 per year. Girls Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization.Volunteer Activities:
Mentoring, tutoring, assistance with parenting classes, opportunities to conduct a class on a wide range of topics with specific age groups, assistance with facilitating workshops and opportunities to assist Family Resource Director with helping our clients with specific needs.Requirements to Volunteer:
A volunteer application will need to be completed, background checks are conducted on all volunteers and a 1 hour volunteer training session is required.Location:
1100 Girls Pl., P.O. Box 981, Kingsport, TN 37662
Population served:
Youth -
The Salvation Army, Kingsport
The Salvation Army-Kingsport
Contact Information:
Director’s name: William Ellis
423-390-4259
william.ellis@uss.salvationarmy.orgBrief Description of the Organization:
Salvation Army is a non-profit organization serving the individuals that are low income or homeless. The organization provides shelter and assistance with referrals.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers are able to engage in one on one contact with participants for most all of their time at our facility. Accepts and processes residents staying a housing facility overnight; monitors the activity of residents on an assigned shift to ensure safety, security and compliance to house rules.Requirements to Volunteer:
Contact William Ellis for more information.Location:
505 Dale Street, Kingsport, TN 37660Population Served:
Homeless, Low Income -
Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency, Jonesborough
Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency (UETHDA)
(423) 753-3097/
(423) 753-3623
www.uethda.orgContact Information:
Kim Moore
(423) 753-3097
kimm@uethda.orgBrief Description of Organization:
UETHDA is a nonprofit, government funded agency that provides a variety of services geared towards people experiencing emergency situations. The agency also serves the elderly and disabled population.Volunteer Activities:
Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in the prescreening process which involves assessment of client's needs, making referrals, assisting clients with application intake for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the USDA Commodity Food Distribution Program.Requirements to Volunteer:
Volunteers must sign a confidentiality statement and record all hours completed.Location:
125 E. Jackson Blvd. Suite 11A
Jonesborough, TN 37659Population Served:
Emergency/Elderly/Disabled -
Washington Co. Neighborhood Service Center (A division of U.E.T.H.D.A), Jonesborough
Washington Co. Neighborhood Service Center (A division of U.E.T.H.D.A)
Contact Information:
Kimberly Moore Washington Co. NSC Coordinator
423-753-3097 or 423-753-3623
kmoore@uethda.org
www.uethda.orgBrief Description of Organization:
The Neighborhood Service Center is a non-profit, government funded agency which offers a variety of services geared towards people experiencing emergency situations. Examples include housing assistance, utility bill assistance, employment related services, limited health related services, nutrition services, education and self-sufficiency services. This agency also serves the elderly and disabled population.Volunteer Activities:
Students may participate in the prescreening process which involves assessments of client’s needs, making referrals, assisting clients with application intake for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the USDA Commodity Food Distribution Program.Requirements to Volunteer:
Contact the Washington Co. NSC Coordinator.
Days and hours of operations when students are needed: Monday – Friday (8:00am – 4:30pm)Location:
125 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 11A, PO Box 1176, Jonesborough, TN 37659Population Served:
Low income, elderly, persons with disabilities -
Morristown Hamblen Central Services, Inc., Morristown
Morristown Hamblen Central Services, Inc.
423-586-9431
http://mhcentralservices.org/Contact Information:
Barbara Simmons, LAPSW
423-586-9431
bsmhcs@musfiber.comBrief Description of the Organization:
Central Services is a 44,000 square foot emergency social service agency that has served the community for over 80 years. The programs serve clients who live or work in Hamblen County. Services include assistance with food, clothing, furniture, utilities, rent/mortgage and medicine. There is also a program that provides Traveler’s assistance for people who are stranded in this area. Classes are offered to encourage client self-reliance and for perpetrators of domestic abuse. Central Services also coordinates monthly interagency meetings and partners with 5 other agencies to provide a centralized location for client services.Volunteer Opportunities:
Students have direct client interaction with services that are provided through the food pantry and clothing area. They can also have direct client services during the commodity distributions. During the fall semester, they are allowed to conduct client interviews with clients who are requesting assistance for the Holiday season and with LIHEAP (emergency heating assistance applications). They do not determine eligibility, but do have the opportunity to practice interviewing at a very basic level (attention is focused on verbal and non-verbal communication and presenting with non-judgmental attitudes).Requirements to Volunteer:
Students are required to complete an orientation and volunteer application prior to beginning service. The orientation is usually about 1 hour and we try to have all students come in at one time for the orientation.Location:
2450 South Cumberland St. Morristown, TN 37813
Evaluation of Applications
After applications are received, they are distributed among BSW faculty for review and evaluation, using a rating sheet developed by the program, which attaches a point value to overall GPA, social work GPA, and references from the human service activity. Point values also are awarded to the essay and self-assessment forms to rate the level of student writing skills, motivation for a career in social work, appropriateness of career goals, and self-awareness. Admission decisions include acceptance, conditional acceptance, reject, or conduct an interview before rendering a decision. Interviews with students are used to clarify information in the application or to discuss issues that are raised by review of the application or by faculty who have had experience with the student. Serious questions about student suitability for entry into the social work profession would likely trigger an Academic Performance Review to enable the faculty to meet with the student and explore suitability issues further.