Growing the Next Generation of Social Workers
At CaringWorks, supporting individuals on their path to stability is central to the work. That work also includes helping prepare the next generation of social workers who will continue serving individuals and communities in the years ahead.
Through its practicum program, CaringWorks provides graduate-level social work students with hands-on experience in real-world settings—working directly with clients, navigating complex needs, and developing the skills required for professional practice.
That commitment was recently recognized by Herzing University, which named CaringWorks its Outstanding Practicum Agency—an award that honors organizations demonstrating excellence in student learning, supervision, and professional development.
Since 2023, CaringWorks has partnered with Herzing University to host Master of Social Work (MSW) students across its Permanent Supportive Housing programs and Hope House.
Stephanie Burkes
“In general, students operate with the same roles and responsibilities as staff,” said Stephanie Burkes, JD, LCSW, LICSW, Chief Programs Officer at CaringWorks. “They operate as Care Coordinators, therapists, addiction counselors, etc. Additionally, for students that are in community social work programs, they typically assist in the quality assurance department, grant writing, data collection, and entry.”
CaringWorks typically hosts between two and four practicum students each year, sometimes more, with capacity based on supervision and training resources. In addition to Herzing University, the organization partners with Kennesaw State University, University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Capella University, Baylor University, Simmons University, and Gallaudet University, with additional partnerships in development.
The structure of the program is designed to give students a broad view of the field, with exposure to both clinical and non-clinical practice.
“Social work as a discipline is about the whole person and their environment, and CaringWorks provides access to all of those things,” Stephanie said. “Students have the opportunity to engage in a large variety of diverse client issues and backgrounds.”
That exposure is critical in preparing students for the realities of the profession. Practicum placements provide the foundation for ethical, competent practice and help ensure that graduates are ready to step into complex roles with confidence.
“Practicum is extremely important for students to build that foundation,” Stephanie said. “This helps to avoid harm to clients and liability on practitioners and agencies. It also strengthens student confidence and understanding.”
For CaringWorks, serving as a practicum site is both an extension of its mission and an investment in the future of the field.
“We should always strive to give back to the next generation of social workers that will be taking over the work that we are all currently doing,” Stephanie said.
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About CaringWorks:
Built on the single idea that all people—no matter their social or economic standing—should have a chance to improve their quality of life, CaringWorks has served thousands of clients since our inception in 2002. Since then we have grown exponentially to become one of Georgia’s leaders in providing permanent supportive housing. We serve hundreds of individuals each year through unique programs and services that are specifically tailored to the needs of those facing chronic homelessness.
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March 2026