The KU School of Social Welfare is the only MSW program in Kansas and the greater Kansas City metro that offers a macro specialization. The macro practice specialization prepares students in the professional application of social work theory and skill to the development and management of social service programs. The interaction between the acquisition of knowledge about program design, financial management, advanced policy, research, and best practices, personnel management and assessing and managing client outcomes is at the crux of the development of specialized knowledge and skills in social work administration and of a solid identity as a social work administrator. The macro specialization is only available on the Lawrence and Edwards Campuses and is taught in the zoom blended format.

A founding aspect of social work is advocating for all individuals and groups especially those with the greatest need to have equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities.  Examples of influencing policy include, researching issues, drafting legislation, organizing coalitions, informing leaders and giving testimony to influence decision-makers. Many times social workers find themselves patient advocates in mental health, aging, child welfare, housing and which results in developing an expertise in these areas.

The MSW macro specialization includes advocacy skills training in a systemic way within its curriculum.

Field Practicum site examples:

• Administration for Children and Families
• Kansas Department of Corrections-Office of Victim Services
• Missouri Housing Development Commission-Community Initiatives
• Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence

Community practice can involve economic development such as improving local economies in rural areas experiencing population decline. Workers in the field of community development can be found in many areas of social work as listed throughout this book and in a variety of governmental and organizational settings.  

Field Practicum site examples:

• ECKAN
• Argentine Middle School-Youth Success
• Kansas Department for Children and 
• FamiliesHealth Care Policy Mental Health
• Administration for Children and Families

Fundraising skills are critical for executives of non-profits. It is not uncommon for social workers to be employed as fundraisers for social services and other types of non-profits. They enjoy the challenge of identifying prospects, developing long-term relationships, producing events, writing grants, and designing for-profit projects or enterprises to fund critical services. For small organizations they may also handle public relations and marketing tasks. Often these social workers are planning long-term executive careers. In for-profit corporations they might coordinate large scale volunteer projects and programs for company employees.

The macro practice specialization of our MSW program offers students the opportunities to learn the skills for effective administration.

Field Practicum site examples:

• The Phoenix Family Housing
• United Way

Social work professionals are often used to assist in the merging of families or individuals into the culture and society of a new country. Organizations which operate at an international level have social workers as program and project managers who help immigrants and refugees with legal issues, health, and basic needs to function in society. Generally, those who attain such positions have a long history of volunteer work for extensive periods abroad, have technical skills, and a strong network from their volunteer work abroad.

The School of Social Welfare offers international experiences through several study abroad courses to introduce students to various fields of international social work.

Field Practicum site examples:

• Mattie Rhodes Counseling Center
• Jewish Vocational Services
• Catholic Charities- Refugee and Migrant Services

Social workers can be found in numerous health care settings. These settings include hospitals, home health agencies, hospice programs, school-based clinics, physician offices, rehabilitation hospitals, addiction recovery programs and nursing home facilities. 

In these settings, you have the opportunity to work with individuals, families and groups. Services include providing discharge planning, patient education and counseling, advising for family care givers, making referrals for other services, finding financial support for payment of services, providing support for those coping with illnesses, crisis intervention, and policy development. 

Usually Master of Social Work degrees are required for positions in health care settings.  

Field Practicum site examples:

• Children’s Mercy Hospital
• Crossroads Hospice
• Kansas City Free Health Clinic