The Leon County Office of Human Services and Community Partnerships (HSCP) isn’t messing around. It’s one of the unique municipal organizations out there that never says no when opportunities to help local residents arise. With dedicated divisions for housing, veteran, and general health and human services, there’s no independent social worker or privately- or government-run social services provider in Tallahassee, Woodville, or anywhere in the greater Leon County area that doesn’t have some reason to interact with HSPC. It’s a resource that every social work student here will soon become very familiar with, and something that anyone on the margins here can take comfort in.
From local hospitals and mental health clinics to nonprofit organizations and youth outreach programs, Leon County is full of opportunities for social workers to make a real difference. And with the growing need for solutions to address issues affecting people experiencing homelessness, along with duel substance use and mental health crises affecting both the unhoused and the general population, earning a BSW or MSW puts you in a position to step up and help.
In one example, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare has increasingly relied on social workers to support patients dealing with mental health and addiction challenges, providing critical care where it’s needed most. Likewise, the county’s partnership with local organizations, like the Big Bend Homeless Coalition, creates avenues for social workers to offer both direct support and systemic change.
Programs like these highlight how earning a social work degree allows you to be part of the solution, working on the front lines of some of the most pressing issues in Leon County.
Fighting for Equality: The Legacy of Leander Shaw, Florida’s First Black Supreme Court Chief Justice
Leander Shaw, a name synonymous with justice in Florida, left an indelible mark on Leon County and the state. As the first Black person to serve on the Florida Supreme Court and later become Chief Justice, Shaw’s career began in the heart of Tallahassee, shaping the legal landscape of the state and advocating for civil rights.
Before his Supreme Court tenure, Shaw made waves as a public defender and civil rights advocate, taking on cases that challenged racial segregation and discrimination in the South. His work in Leon County laid the groundwork for progressive changes in the state’s judicial system, opening doors for marginalized communities to receive fair representation in the courtroom. Shaw’s commitment to justice and equality culminated in his appointment to the Florida Supreme Court in 1983, where he served until 2003, with a term as Chief Justice from 1990 to 1992.
Perhaps most notably, Shaw penned landmark opinions that safeguarded the rights of minorities and advanced social justice causes. His rulings on capital punishment and civil liberties left a profound impact on the state’s legal system, ensuring greater protections for vulnerable populations. His influence extended beyond his legal career, as he was an active figure in local Tallahassee initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and improving education in Leon County.
Leander Shaw’s legacy is still felt in the halls of Florida’s courthouses, where his trailblazing efforts continue to inspire new generations of legal professionals. His work serves as a shining example of how one individual can drive transformative change through dedication to equality and justice.
CSWE-Accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) & Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degrees in Tallahassee and Throughout Leon County
If you’re serious about a career in social work in Leon County earning a degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is going to be an essential step. In Florida, social workers who want to practice clinically need to hold a master’s degree, and the path to licensure always involves a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW). Whether you’re pursuing the Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) or the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential, an MSW is the foundational requirement.
For students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), the journey to an MSW can be more direct. A BSW qualifies you for advanced-standing MSW programs, which can reduce the time to complete the degree to just one year, and sometimes even less.
If you’re coming in with a degree in a different major like psychology, a traditional two-year MSW will provide you with the necessary clinical education to move forward in Florida’s licensure process.
If you’re looking to pursue a career in social work, Leon County has two schools offering both BSW and MSW programs accredited by CSWE:
Florida State University
Other locations include Panama City and Sarasota
- MSW (online, on-campus)
- BSW
Florida State University’s College of Social Work offers top-ranked BSW and MSW programs that prepare students for impactful social work careers. The BSW is available at both the Tallahassee and Panama City campuses, providing foundational skills in areas such as advocacy, criminal justice, and military social work. The MSW program, available in full-time and part-time formats, allows students to specialize in Clinical Social Work or Social Leadership, with options for Traditional or Advanced Standing pathways. FSU also offers an innovative online MSW, with weekend workshops for hands-on learning.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Department of Social Work
Tallahassee, FL
Other locations include Orlando and Tampa
- MSW (on-campus)
- BSW
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) offers both Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The BSW program prepares students for generalist social work practice, emphasizing social justice and advocacy for diverse communities. Students engage in fieldwork and coursework aimed at building strong foundational skills. The MSW program focuses on macro-level social work, equipping students for leadership roles in administration, policy, and community development. Both programs provide comprehensive training to work with individuals, families, and communities from varied backgrounds.