Substance Use Disorder Workforce Expansion (SUDWE) Fellowship

With grant support from the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration, three graduate programs of social work, (University of Maryland-Baltimore, Morgan State University and Salisbury University) are addressing the growing need for licensed, skilled, social workers to work with individuals seeking substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.

The current substance use treatment workforce in Maryland is insufficient to meet the treatment needs of individuals with SUD. The SUDWE Fellowship will increase the workforce of social workers providing evidence-based interventions in the substance use treatment field.

The Substance Use Disorder Workforce Expansion (SUDWE) is a one-year fellowship for SU School of Social Work students in the specialized year of the MSW program, who are committed to working in integrated behavioral health settings. Recipients will be awarded a stipend for the academic year, with half dispersed during each semester (stipends are contingent on funding availability). Fellows agree to participate in online specialized training throughout the year and successfully complete SOWK 653: Substance Abuse Assessment and Intervention.

Eligibility

• BSW students entering the MSW program as an advanced standing student in the fall of 2024, graduating summer of 2025.

Or

• MSW students entering their advanced year field placement in fall of 2024, graduating in 2025.
• Must live in Maryland
• Must be a specialized year student and have chosen the clinical social work and advocacy specialization
• Demonstrate a career focus in behavioral health, specifically in SUD treatment
• You can not be enrolled in Title IV-E.

What Will You Receive

• Education and training in evidence-based practices regarding SUDs
• Financial stipend to assist with tuition costs
• Potential eligibility for certain loan repayment/loan forgiveness programs
• License and exam fee reimbursement
• Professional resources

Requirements

• Must complete advanced field placement at SUDWE-approved field site, which primarily serves individuals with SUDs
• Attend monthly seminars with other SUDWE fellows
• Successfully complete SOWK 653: Substance Abuse Assessment and Intervention
• Complete monthly training modules focused on SUD treatment and related topics
• A two-year commitment to work in a Maryland based SUD treatment setting post-graduation

Field Placements

SUDWE fellows will be assigned a SUDWE approved field placement where a large percentage of the population served is individuals with SUDs. SUDWE fellows will meet with their field coordinator to discuss available field placement options that meet this criterion and are within one hour driving distance from their residence.