From directly delivering mental health counseling services to addressing the needs of families facing housing instability, Tampa is a hub of opportunities for social workers ready to get their hands dirty solving problems in the greater Hillsborough County area. Whether it’s working with local hospitals, nonprofits focused on child welfare, or state-funded programs designed to combat the fentanyl epidemic, earning your BSW or MSW degree opens the door to a career where you’re part of the solution.
Take, for example, the Tampa Homeless Outreach program, which connects people experiencing homelessness with vital mental health counseling and healthcare resources. This program is increasingly relying on social workers with the training and skills to address the root causes of homelessness, making a degree in social work all the more valuable.
In Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County, social workers are leading the charge in social justice initiatives and are part of a growing network of professionals solving the region’s toughest challenges. When you earn a BSW or MSW here, you’re not just gaining a credential – you’re positioning yourself to be part of a larger movement to change lives for the better.
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay: A Lifeline for Hillsborough County
Imagine a place where, no matter what you’re going through, someone will listen and offer help. That’s the mission of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, a nonprofit organization that has been at the forefront of providing support to individuals facing personal crises in Hillsborough County. The center offers a wide range of services, including mental health counseling, trauma recovery, and suicide prevention, making a profound impact on the community.
The Crisis Center’s 2-1-1 service is a 24/7 lifeline, connecting residents with critical resources, from housing assistance to emergency mental health support. For many, it’s a source of comfort in their darkest moments. Over the years, the Crisis Center has expanded its services to include trauma response teams and specialized programs for veterans, sexual assault survivors, and individuals struggling with substance abuse.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Crisis Center is its Trauma Response Team, which provides immediate support to people who have experienced a traumatic event. This on-the-ground support helps victims stabilize and start their recovery process. The Crisis Center’s ability to adapt to the needs of the community has made it a pillar of support for Hillsborough County, ensuring that no one has to face a crisis alone.
In a community with over 10,000 Baker Act cases annually, the Crisis Center’s mental health services are more crucial than ever. Their work exemplifies the power of social work and advocacy, showing that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, there is hope, help, and healing available.
CSWE-Accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) & Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degrees in Tampa and Throughout Hillsborough County
Are you looking to make an impact as a social worker in Hillsborough County? Whether you’re planning to work to develop and implement much-needed programs in local communities or aiming for a counseling role in clinical practice, you’ll need to start by earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Florida’s licensing structure requires an MSW for all levels of licensure, including the Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW), Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
The job market for non-clinical roles is also wide open to those with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). And earning a BSW also puts you in line to pursue an advanced-standing MSW to fast-track the path to higher credentials as you grow in your career.
Hillsborough County is home to one school offering a CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW program, paving the way for your social work career in Florida:
University of South Florida
College of Behavioral and Community Sciences
Tampa, FL
Other locations include St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee
- MSW (online, on-campus)
- BSW
The University of North Florida offers robust Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. The BSW program provides students with foundational skills for generalist social work practice, including 450 hours of supervised fieldwork in various local settings. UNF’s MSW program is available in traditional and advanced standing tracks, preparing students for clinical social work with individuals, families, and communities. Both programs emphasize hands-on learning and address key issues like social justice and advocacy for vulnerable populations.