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Gerontological Social Work
Gerontological social workers are experts at meeting the biopsychosocial needs of older adults. Part of the job is connecting the elderly with community resources. Social workers coordinate care for individuals who need a number of services and who will, over a period of months, years, and sometimes decades, require care at different levels.
Aging and Adult Services (AAS) MSW Training Program
Purpose
The goals of the Aging and Adult Services (AAS) MSW Training Program are to:
- Support MSW students with education, training, and stipends for careers in social work with aging and vulnerable adults in California’s public systems.
- Prepare MSWs to deliver evidence-based social work services for aging and vulnerable adults in California’s public Adult Services.
- Strengthen hiring, retention, and career growth of MSWs in public Adult Services statewide.
Funding
The AAS MSW Training Program is funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as part of a statewide workforce development initiative identified as a priority in California’s Master Plan for Aging. Funding is provided to the San Jose State University Research Foundation, which administers the AAS Training Program.
Eligible Students
The AAS MSW Training Program is open to MSW students who are:
- Enrolled in Chico State’s MSW program as a full time, part time, or advanced standing student
- Entering either a foundation year or an advanced year of MSW study in good academic standing
- Matched/matching with a practicum placement for the training year at a public services program serving vulnerable and aging adults
- Not receiving funding support from any other CDSS-administered or state-administered training, stipend, or scholarship program.
Trainee Selection Criteria
The Aging and Adult Services MSW Training Program seeks MSW students who demonstrate:
- Interest in and commitment to learning about the issues, challenges and needs specific to social work practice with aging and vulnerable adults
- Linguistic and cultural competencies that align with the needs of underserved individuals, groups, and communities in California
- A strong and sustained commitment to social work careers working with aging and vulnerable adults in public Adult Services programs in California
MSW students are accepted into the AAS MSW Training Program for one academic year at a time and may participate in the program for a maximum of two academic years. Acceptance into the AAS MSW Training Program for one academic year does NOT guarantee acceptance for a second year.
Stipend Award
Selected students will receive a stipend for the academic year disbursed in two payments.
- Full time students: $22,500 for 2025-2026 academic year
Fall and Spring semester disbursements of $11,250 are sent to trainees in mid semester, after confirmation of course registrations and academic standing. - Part time students: $11,250 for 2025-2026 academic year
Fall and Spring semester disbursements of $5,625 are sent to trainees in mid semester, after confirmation of course registrations and academic standing.
Coursework Requirements
Foundation Year
- Students must complete all required general and aging and gerontology-focused courses as specified by the MSW training program.
- Due to the structure of the MSW Program at Chico State, foundation year students are not required to enroll and complete SWRK 674: Policy and Programs with Older Adults and their Families. SWRK 674 must be taken and completed during the concentration year.
- Courses should include core practice, policy, and research classes relevant to aging and gerontology.
- Appropriate courses are those that are recommended as preparation for an advanced year aging and adult services option/concentration or the closest equivalent in that MSW program.
Advanced/Concentration Year
- Students must complete all required general and aging and gerontology-focused courses as specified by the MSW training program.
- Enroll and complete SWRK 674: Policy and Programs with Older Adults and their Families at Chico State during the awarded academic year.
- Courses should include advanced practice, policy, and research classes relevant to aging and gerontology.
- Appropriate courses include those required for an advanced-year aging and adult services/gerontology concentration or the closest equivalent in the MSW program.
Additional Coursework Notes
- AAS trainees should prioritize MSW course options that emphasize lifespan development, aging, health, and disability over those focused on child welfare or youth services.
- AAS trainees in MSW programs that offer Aging/Gerontology certificates must complete the certificate requirements by the MSW program during the training year.
Practicum Training Requirements
Match with a practicum placement that must involve delivering public services for aging and/or vulnerable adults at sites that are publicly funded programs serving aging and vulnerable adults, such as Adult Services Intake, In Home Supportive Services, PACE, Public Guardian, Seniors First, Area Agency on Aging, and Tribal programs.
- Foundation year students: Must be involved in contributing to the delivery of social work services for aging and vulnerable adults.
- Advanced year students: Must be involved in providing social work services for aging and vulnerable adults.
Additional Training Requirements and Student Commitments
Training Requirements
Participate in all San Jose State and Chico State SSW scheduled program meetings, trainings, and educational sessions during the academic year.
Student Commitments
- Participate in all scheduled program meetings and trainings during the training year (including training program orientation and new graduate orientation sessions).
- Submit trainee information, practicum details, and pre/post-training surveys promptly throughout the training year.
- Provide updated contact info to SJSU upon MSW graduation.
- Complete annual follow-up surveys as requested for at least seven years after graduation.
- Complete post-graduation service obligation within 36 months of graduation.
- (Ideally) take steps toward securing LCSW licensure, including registering as an ASW, seeking a position through which supervision hours can be accrued, and working towards eligibility for the ASWB Clinical Exam.
Post-Graduation Service and Repayment Obligations
Post-Graduation Service Obligation
SJSU oversees all post-graduation tracking of trainee service obligation.
Following completion of the MSW program, complete the equivalent of 12 months of full-time services as master’s level social workers in publicly funded services to aging and vulnerable adults in the state of California.
Service employment sites include public APS, IHSS and PG/PC programs, behavioral health programs for aging and vulnerable adults housed in public Adult Services or Behavioral Health units, and AAA programs funded by the CDA.
All Aging and Adult Services MSW students are encouraged to pursue LCSW licensure through BBS registration and supervised hour documentation.
Post-Graduation Repayment Obligation
Former AAS student trainees who fail to complete (1) the MSW degree, (2) the AAS training program, or (3) the post-graduation service obligation by the specified deadline of their original projected graduation date must repay the stipend funding received. Former AAS trainees and AAS graduates who fulfill NONE of the service obligation must repay all stipend funding in full. AAS graduates who fulfill SOME but NOT ALL of the service obligation must repay a prorated amount based on the number of months of eligible service completed. For current AAS students, please reach out to Dr. Jennifer James (jennifer.james@sjsu.edu) with any questions regarding post-graduation repayment questions and concerns.
Stipend funding for the Aging and Adult Services MSW Training Program for the 2026–2027 academic year is not yet confirmed. If you are interested in the program or would like more information, please contact Dr. Cindy Vang at cvang31@csuchico.edu or Dr. Judy Vang at tvang@csuchico.edu.
Application Process
The 2026–2027 Aging and Adult Services (AAS) MSW Training Program application is currently pending and will be determined based on funding availability. Once funding announcements are received, all current and incoming 2026–2027 MSW students will be notified of the opportunity.
For more information about the AAS MSW Training Program at the California State University, Chico, School of Social Work, please contact the Program Coordinator, Dr. Cindy Vang at cvang31@csuchico.edu.
Laws Impacting Curriculum on Older Adults
On September 18, 2002, California Governor Davis signed two laws that impact the curriculum on older adults.
- AB 2202 - California State University (CSU) students who will be serving senior populations (includes social workers, nurses, physical therapists, and psychologist) must compete a curriculum in the field of gerontology, and psychologist) must complete a curriculum in the field of gerontology. This law requires each state university to develop guidelines for gerontology training and a plan for recruiting students in the field.
- SB 953 - Applicants for licensure (such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW) must complete specified education requirements regarding aging and long-term care.