How Online M.S.W. Student Polly Lund Balances School and Family Life
Online Master of Social Work student Polly Lund, mother of six with a husband in the military, builds her career as a therapist through remote learning.
Navigating Adult Protective Services in Virginia
What resources and support are available when dealing with elder abuse? Learn how to navigate adult protective services in Virginia to get the help you need.
How to Become a Substance Use Social Worker
Substance use social workers address a health crisis that affects millions. Find out more about the role and career path of addiction counselors.
Grief Counseling Techniques and Interventions in Social Work
Grief has affected many during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about grief counseling techniques and other ways social workers support people suffering a loss.
Social Work Today: Addictions Advisor: How the Pandemic Is Affecting Those With Substance Use Disorders
Social workers – the largest group of behavioral health providers – can assist those in recovery from substance use who may be struggling during the pandemic, write Dr. Rebecca Gomez, an associate dean and faculty member at VCU, and her co-author. Social workers can validate the additional stress of clients, encourage them to utilize virtual peer supports, and look for early warning signs of new stressors while also encouraging healthy coping strategies.
Domestic Violence in Virginia: Statistics and Resources
What resources are available to people dealing with domestic violence in Virginia? Learn about empowering support systems that can lead you to a life of safety.
What Is a VA Social Worker? Understanding Veterans’ Needs
Whether arranging service member benefit payments, connecting homeless veterans with housing resources, or counseling veterans with injuries or trauma, VA social workers impact millions of veterans’ lives. Practicing in every medical and veteran center operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), their reach is exceptional. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the VA’s health care program, is the largest integrated health care network in the country.
What Does An Army Social Worker Do?
Army social workers serve as a lifeline for many enlisted men and women. Find out why their work is such an important part of supporting the armed forces.
Thrive Global: Healthcare Burnout and How Universities are Helping Equip Students
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased burnout among high-stress healthcare occupations, including social workers. An important part of the VCU School of Social Work’s curriculum is providing students “opportunities to learn about the practice of self-care during their coursework. They also get to see this modeled during their hands-on learning in the field,” says Dr. Rebecca Gomez, an associate dean and faculty member at the school.
A Plus: How We Can Beat Food Insecurity
Dr. Basil Gooden of the VCU School of Social Work is part of an interdisciplinary team working to fight food insecurity, which is the lack of access to nutritious food that supports a healthy lifestyle. Poverty and housing insecurity are key causes of food insecurity, which affects between 10-11% of the U.S. population. “With lower-resource, lower-income communities, those numbers go up,” Gooden says.