Mapping the practice of public health social work: Results from an MSW/MPH alumni survey

The integration of prevention and public health approaches into social work practice is expanding, as evidenced by increased research and scholarly writing on public health social work (PHSW), national conversations among social work leaders, and continued proliferation of MSW/ MPH programs. Each year, an unidentified number of graduates from MSW/MPH programs enter the workplace. Educated in theories, frameworks, skills and practices of public health and social work, these dual practitioners are critically positioned to provide insight into the opportunities and challenges associated with public health social work's potential for trans-disciplinary leadership in community health promotion. To date, there has been little research on the careers of these graduates. As a consequence, contemporary PHSW practice remains “unmapped.”

To better understand PHSW practitioners' experiences and strengthen understanding of current PHSW practice, a 57-question survey of multi-modal questions was developed and administered to alumni of a large, northeastern MSW/MPH program (n=293) in fall, 2010. Seventy-three percent of alumni could be contacted for potential participation, with a final response rate of 65% (n=141). Findings provide a comprehensive view of employment and professional experiences (salaries, educational debt, professional development, leadership); obstacles and opportunities for PHSW practice; and insight into the roles and experiences of PHSW practitioners in the public health infrastructure. These data provide a baseline upon which to build and strengthen support for PHSW, whose practitioners are in pivotal community health leadership positions. Together, the findings offer a snapshot of current PHSW practice; implications for both social work and public health will be discussed.