From addressing the needs of the elderly struggling to stretch social security checks to the end of each month to tackling issues of homelessness and open substance use, the same kind of social problem plaguing the rest of Florida can be seen showing through the cracks even in the affluent areas of Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and the greater Palm Beach County area.
But these aren’t places where these challenges are simply accepted as inevitable. Now more than ever Palm Beach County is buzzing with opportunities for social workers to roll up their sleeves and get some very meaningful work done. Whether you’re interested in working with healthcare providers, supporting local government initiatives, or joining nonprofits that focus on mental health, social justice, or community outreach, earning a BSW or MSW degree opens doors to becoming part of the solution here.
When Palm Beach County launched its CARE (Comfort, Assistance, Resources, Empathy) pilot program in 2024 to integrate social workers into emergency response teams, the volunteers and local leaders involved made a statement about where their priorities are at — the people of Palm Beach County. Social workers and other CARE team volunteers are now on-scene during emergency calls to offer the kind of support and resources law enforcement officers and paramedics alone aren’t equipped to provide. And it’s making all the difference. By delivering appropriate and immediate responses to mental health crises as they unfold in real time, CARE teams are reducing the burden on law enforcement and ensuring people in distress receive the specialized care they need.
This initiative is backed by local funding sources like the Palm Beach County Community Services Department, which focuses on delivering human services that improve the lives of low-income and at-risk residents.
With programs like these continually evolving, the demand for qualified social workers is higher than ever. Getting your degree is more than just a career move—it’s a way to step up and serve the community by solving real problems.
Fighting for Social Equity Through Education: Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler's Impact on Palm Beach County
Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler has been a powerful force for social justice in Palm Beach County, using education as her primary tool for change. As a former Palm Beach County School Board member and the first African American woman to serve as chair of the Palm Beach County Commission, Dr. Carey-Shuler’s contributions to both education and social justice have shaped the region for decades.
One of her most influential projects was founding the Barbara Carey-Shuler Equity Institute at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). The institute focuses on fostering social justice through educational programs, research, and community partnerships. Dr. Carey-Shuler’s passion for ensuring that marginalized communities have access to quality education and resources has led to initiatives that aim to close the achievement gap, reduce juvenile delinquency, and promote racial and economic equity across Palm Beach County.
Her tireless work has earned her numerous awards, but her most enduring legacy is in the countless lives she has touched through educational advocacy and public service. Social workers in Palm Beach County often find themselves drawing inspiration from Dr. Carey-Shuler’s dedication to justice, using her work as a blueprint for creating meaningful change in their communities.
CSWE-Accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) & Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degrees in Boca Raton and Throughout Palm Beach County
If you’re ready to take the next step in your social work career, earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) is a great place to start. In Florida, all levels of social work licensure require a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited MSW, but a BSW still offers opportunities in non-clinical roles across a variety of settings.
For those looking to working directly with clients in a clinical capacity to diagnose and treat behavioral disorders, an MSW is the gateway to earning the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential.
Florida’s licensing structure includes three distinct credentials across two primary paths:
- Micro-level clinical practice - Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern is the temporary credential for those gaining the clinical experience necessary to go on to earn the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential.
- Mezzo- and macro-level community and policy practice - Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) is the voluntary advanced credential for experienced social workers in virtually any area of practice outside of the clinical environment.
Whether your goal is clinical practice or a leadership role in social services, a CSWE-accredited MSW provides the path forward for success in the field.
Palm Beach County is home to one school offering CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs to get you started on the path to becoming a social worker in Florida:
Florida Atlantic University
Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work
Boca Raton, FL
Other locations Davie and Fort Lauderdale
- MSW (on-campus)
- BSW
Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work offers both BSW and MSW programs designed to prepare students for impactful careers. The MSW program focuses on advanced clinical social work practice with various populations, including children, families, and elders. It is available in both traditional and advanced standing tracks, with flexible completion options ranging from two to four years. Advanced standing students must have earned a BSW within the past five years. FAU’s MSW graduates are eligible for licensure in Florida and can pursue careers in areas like mental health, gerontology, and child welfare.