This newsletter was created by SJSU School of Social Work Student Assistant, Destiny Santana. For any accessibility issues or broken links, please email destiny.santana@sjsu.edu
Table of Contents
APRIL IS WORLD AUTISM MONTH
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
- Follow the School of Social Work Social Media
- Office Hours and Contact Information
- Evaluation forms and misc quick links
- Job Announcements - Transition to Handshake
CLASS OF 2022 ANNOUNCEMENTS
ALUMNI, WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
- Throw Back Thursday - Class of 2021 farewell graduation video
- Alumni, where are they now? - Gaby Hernandez, BASW
- Alumni, where are they now? - Nancy Martin, BASW
FACULTY HIGHLIGHT
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
- BASW Student Highlight - Christina Olivo
- BASW Student Highlight - Genesis Smith
- BASW Student Highlight - Irene Hernandez
- MSW Student Highlight - Jennifer Tai
STUDENT ORGANIZATION UPDATES
SCHOLARSHIPS
RESOURCES AND EVENTS
What is autism?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today.
We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.
Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues.
Indicators of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.
To learn more about autism, visit www.AutismSpeaks.org or contact our Autism Response Team at 888-288-4762 or en Español 888-772-9050, or email help@autismspeaks.org.
AUTISM RESOURCES
Autism Speakers: Parent Support Group (Virtual)
April 12, 2022 from 10am-11am
- Calling all parents and caregivers who want to learn, share, and grow in a supportive environment.
- We open our virtual doors to allow parents and caregivers to come together once a month to discuss and share experiences. This is a safe and perfect way to hear and learn from other parents experiencing similar situations.
- Register today for our next meeting on April 15th space is limited, so act now!
- Join us to:
- Learn more about the diagnosis of autism
- Share experiences, strengths, and challenges
- Learn about coping and self-care strategies
- Click here to learn more and register
Autism Family Network Santa Cruz: Parents Supporting Parents
- April 7, 2022 from 12:00pm-1:30pm
- Register and learn more by clicking here
Additional Resources
- San Andreas Regional https://www.sanandreasregional.org/quick-links/autism-resources/
- Autism Speaks https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide
- CDC https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/links.html
- Autism Society https://autismsociety.org
- 4Kids https://4kids.com/autism-resources-for-families-in-and-around-santa-clara-county/
- Kaiser Permanente https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/Images/South%20Bay%20Area%20Resources_tcm75-1319722.pdf
Follow the School of Social Work on Social Media
Instagram @sjsusocialwork
Linkedin @SJSU School of Social Work
Youtube @SJSU School of Social Work
We thrive to build a connection with our social work community by sharing resources, community events, and by shining a spotlight on our School, Students, Alumni, and Faculty!
Office Hours and Contact Information
Office Telephone # 408-924-5800
Official Website: www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/
General Email Address: socialwork@sjsu.edu
Post Masters PPSC Email: socialwork-post-masters@sjsu.edu
On-Campus PPSC Program Coordinator: lissette.moore-guerra@sjsu.edu
Office Address: One Washington Square. WSQ Room 215 San Jose, CA 95192-0124
Office Spring 2022 Hours
- Monday - Wednesday 8:00am - 6:30pm
- Thursday - Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
School of Social Work Quick Links
- School of Social Work Evaluation, Suggestion, and Feedback Form (ANONYMOUS)
- BASW, MSW, and Alumni can nominate themselves for our on going series known as, "Student Highlight of the Week" or "Alumni, where are they now?" by clicking here
- SJSU Faculty and Staff can nominate themselves to be highlighted in our future newsletters by clicking here
Job Announcements - Transition to Handshake
(SJSU Online Job Board Service)
Due to high demand and to streamline the process, beginning March 16, 2022, the School of Social Work has moved job announcements coming from community agencies to the SJSU Career Center’s system. We now require agencies who want to share their job openings with our network to use SJSU’s Handshake, an online job board service
- If you are an agency wanting to share a job opening with our network (SJSU Students and Alumni), please click here to learn how you can share your opening on the SJSU Handshake App.
- If you are a SJSU Student or Alumni seeking employment, we encourage you to sign up for the SJSU Handshake App by clicking here !
Graduation Announcement
as of 3-24-2022
Dear School of Social Work Students, Faculty, and Staff,
This update is sent on behalf of the Social Work Graduation Committee led by SWGSA and USWA.
Thank you everyone for your patience in regards to graduation announcements. The School of Social Work is invited to attend two ceremonies.
The first ceremony is the official one sponsored by SJSU (also called graduation or commencement). It is scheduled for Thursday, May 26th at 12:00 Noon. This ceremony will be with the other departments within our College of Health and Human Sciences.
The second ceremony (also called "convocation") focuses only on the School of Social Work (BASW and MSW graduates). This ceremony is tentatively scheduled for Sunday May 29th at 11:00 AM at SJSU's Event Center. This ceremony is the one that the Graduation Committee has been working on. The Graduation Committee is working on the other logistics with convocation (i.e. tickets, ADA accommodations, etc.) and will have an announcement shortly.
Please reach out to the Graduation Chair, Imani Savage via email at swgsa.graduationchair@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding convocation. You can also ask questions at the next Graduation Committee meeting on April 6th at 7:30 via zoom. Meeting ID: 821 3474 0787; password: spartans22
Everyone is welcome to attend both events. We expect that the Social Work graduating classes of 2020 and 2021 will also be included. More details will be sent when they become available.
Student Speaker Application 2022
The graduation committee is looking for students speakers (2 MSW and 1 BASW) for the upcoming SJSU social work convocation.
Applications close on Sunday, April 17, 2022 at 11:59pm
Apply by clicking here
For any questions regarding graduation, please reach out to SWGSA Graduation Chair at swgsa.graduationchair@gmail.com
#THROW BACK THURSDAY
We would like to share a #throwback video with you! Last year, SJSU BASW Students made a farewell graduation video due to graduation being canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check it out below and then learn more about where alumni are now!
ALUMNI, WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Gaby Hernandez, BASW
(she/her/hers)
BASW, Class of 2021
School-Linked-Services (SLS) Coordinator for Franklin-McKinley School District
"My current role is a School Linked Services Coordinator. I work with students ranging from Kindergarten to 8th grade. I also work with families and link them to services in the community. Since graduating I have been spending lots of time with my family and partner."
"Advice that I have for current students is once you get into the SW field you have to take it day by day. You definitely will have your good and bad days!"
ALUMNI, WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Nancy Martin, BASW
(she/her/hers)
BASW Class of 2021
Social Worker at Aids Legal Referral Panel
"A lot has happened since graduating, right after graduation, I decided to take time off after experiencing a loss of a loved one. I bought a one way ticket to Mexico to allow myself to heal and grieve properly, I ended up living in Mexico for four months. When coming back to the states, I applied to social work positions one of them being where Im currently working! I have been a Social Worker at ALRP for a month now and I'm super happy with my job."
"A piece of advice I can give to students is to not get discouraged if you don't get your career job right away after graduation, there's a job out there for you, just be patient."
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Emily Bruce, Ph.D., LCSW
she/her/hers
SJSU Associate Professor
Research Director - Research Institute for Foster Youth Initiatives (RIFYI)
Congratulations to our very own, Dr. Emily Bruce with Dr. JP Horn and Dr. Toni Naccarato of Cal State East Bay, on their recent publication of a book chapter on Child Welfare in the Encyclopedia of Social Work!
BASW Student Highlight
Christina Olivo
(she/her/hers)
Class of 2022
USWA Graduation Officer and Student Representative for AY 2021-2022
Wellness Specialist at Abode Services
Intern at Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS)
"I am a full time student in my Senior year of the BASW program. I am a mother of three children. I work part time at Abode services assisting individuals who are chronically homeless keep housing. I intern at Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children Services where I get to help families identify their strengths and partner with the community to provide services to promote healthy growth.
The Social Work program has been rewarding and meaningful. I have made great connections with peers who share the same passion as myself. Completing the program has reassured my commitment to serving my community to empower and advocate for vulnerable populations.
"Tip for future students: Don’t procrastinate, knock out one assignment at a time!"
Proud mommy moment, my daughter Serenidy will be graduating high school this year. Go Falcons! I’m honored to announce that I have been accepted into the MSW program at SJSU and will be starting this Fall."
BASW Student Highlight
Genesis Smith
(she/her/hers)
Class of 2022
USWA Vice President for AY 2021-2022
Case Manager at Encompass Community Services in Santa Cruz, CA
I am a senior in the BASW program and have recently been accepted to the 2 year full-time MSW program at SJSU. I am currently serving as the USWA Vice President and I'm loving it! I'm currently interning for Encompass Community Services on the housing support team. I love hot weather and I am looking forward to the future.
"Some tips I would give future students is to remember to do self care and treat yourself when you can!"
BASW Student Highlight
Irene Hernandez
(she/her/hers)
Class of 2022
Intern at San Benito High School
Irene transferred to SJSU in Fall 2020 from West Valley College and is the first in her family to graduate from college and attend a university. She will be graduating from SJSU’s BASW program Spring 2022.
She is currently interning at San Benito High School, providing case management and socio-emotional support to students. Starting Fall 2022, she will be returning to West Valley College as a Mentor for the Puente Program, working with first-generation college students to transfer to 4-year universities and graduate
She is currently employed as a California Licensed Barber and Cosmetologist at a small family-owned barbershop and has served the San Jose, Campbell, and Los Gatos communities since 2015.
She intends to pursue a Master’s program in the future and work with underserved populations in the CA Central Coast area.
Her professional interests include community social work, education, and historic preservation in Latinx/Chicanx communities
MSW Student Highlight
Jennifer Tai
(she/her/hers)
Second Year MSW, Full-time On-Campus Program / Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC)
"Hi everyone, my name is Jennifer Tai and I’m a final year on-campus SJSU MSW/PPSC graduate student. This program has helped me with my life mission: supporting youth from underprivileged backgrounds, especially those from foster care along with improving mental health services for youth/young adults.
As a former foster youth myself, I’m deeply passionate about this mission.
I’d experienced challenges that impacted my mental health, such as being in foster care, the passing of my mother, my dad’s abuse, food/housing instability, along with surviving two abusive partners that led to my anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It’s from these lived experiences that I’m passionate about this mission. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate journey, I’d dedicated myself to develop personally/professionally to achieve my goal. I've been in multiple leadership positions in community service organizations, interned at nonprofits, social services agencies, and schools, along with leading conferences and studying abroad. These experiences plus my B.A. in Communication Studies and Child & Adolescent Development and minor in Psychology along with my MSW will continue to support me with my mission. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to learn from others within this field to best serve my communities."
Undergraduate Social Work Association (USWA)
USWA is a student organization at San José State University that was created by and for social work undergraduates.
USWA T-Shirt Sale, 2022
These custom-made SJSU Social Work t-shirts sold FAST! There are only a few sizes left. You can inquire about purchasing a t-shirt by sending a DM on Instagram @uswasjsu OR by emailing uswasjsuofficers@gmail.com (All proceeds support BASW students and their upcoming convocation ceremony)
Social Work Graduate Student Association (SWGSA)
SWGSA is a student organization formed by and for MSW students at San Jose State University.
SWGSA Merchandise Sale
New SWGSA merchandise has been designed and ordered. Once the merchandise is available for purchase, SWGSA will make another announcement to students! In the meantime, check the designs out below!
Scholarship Opportunities
sent to students on 4/5/2022
Dear Students,
We hope you all are doing well! Every year, towards the end of the spring semester, the Field Education Office announces various scholarships and awards that students may apply for or nominate others for. Each scholarship and award lists the instructions for submitting the nomination/application. Please review carefully. These are all due by 5 p.m. on April 25th. There will be no extension to this due date as we need to allow time to review the nominations.
Listed below are the links to the various options. Please consider making a nomination and/or applying for a scholarship. Good luck!
Scholarships for MSW Students:
*** Please note whether or not the nominee needs to be a graduating MSW student and any other required criteria:
- Alicia Najera Scholarship
- Deborah Ann Gregg Memorial Scholarship
- Dorothy Miller Scholarship
- Helen S. Hansen Scholarship
- Helen Walsh Soderstrom Scholarship
- Stanley Lee Memorial Scholarship
Awards that MSW Students can make nominations for:
Awards that BASW Students can make nominations for:
Please read all criteria on each form carefully. If you have questions email both derek.wang@sjsu.edu and erin.osanna-barba@sjsu.edu
