Social Work in the Caribbean

With the importance of a productive and cared for community, Social Workers make this possible. In the Caribbean there are many courses available to help you pursue a life long career in this field.

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Academic Routes

Before you start an academic course, there are a few things that you should consider:

Entry Requirements
What suitable subjects should you choose for the career/s you have in mind?

Be sure to speak to us at Brain Food TCI or any career adviser you may have access to, if you need assistance where entry requirements are concerned.

Secondary and Post Secondary towards Higher Education

Most, if not all high schools require you to do CXC’s, GCSE’s or any other equivalent, to be able to excel to Higher Education (college/university). In institutions in the Caribbean such University of West Indies for example you are required to have 5 CXC (CSEC & CAPE) OR IGCSE & GCE Subjects including Mathematics and English. If an institution does not have any of these listed when searching what is required, search for equivalencies through their admissions page or contact them directly for more information. Also, some courses may require you to have certain subjects that relate to the course, so be sure to check the entry requirements to know exactly what is required.

Higher Education

As mentioned earlier, CXC’s and or other equivalents are required to proceed to this level. In higher education, you have the ability to obtain:

Undergraduate

Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree

Postgraduate

Masters Degree
PhD

Depending on your journey and your career, you can decide how far you are willing to go in terms of further education. You do not need to go towards a Masters/PhD level unless it is required based on your field.

Academic Public Health Related Courses

If you are taking the academic route, here is a list of options for you.

University of Common Wealth Caribbean (Jamaica): Bachelors in Social Work. UCC’s aim of this course is to offer students the opportunity to enter the professional practice for individuals interested in working with people, and addressing social and community issues and problems. The designed the programme to produce graduates who will work and advocate for the well-being and development of their clients and provide implementations of appropriate and relevant social policies, while also contributing positively to the administration of organisations.

To search for further information and seek entry requirement information, click here.

The University of the West Indies (Open Campuses, Turks and Caicos Included): BSc and ASc in Social Work. UWI designed their courses to foster and demonstrate understanding of core theories and practices in social work through new ways of thinking and learning. Covering areas such as counselling techniques and abnormal psychology, the programme covers and implements advocacy for social justice and community advancement.

To search for further information and seek entry requirement information, click here.

Northern Caribbean University (Jamaica): BSc and ASc in Social Work. NCU created this course for individuals to develop skills and knowledge for the ability to promote social justice, social change and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance their capacity and well-being towards social functioning .

To search for further information and seek entry requirement information, click here.

Technical Routes

As for technical routes or for ways to do social work without going to University or college. There may not be a specific outlook, but internships within the industry can help. Below there are a few internships that I found to be useful. Otherwise, it is best to find ways to wok in social work. Try interning for the Department of Social Development in the Turks and Caicos, or in any other Social Development department in the Caribbean.

Community Development Facilitator in Jamaica: via Go Overseas.com

World Wide Village in Haiti: via Go Overseas.com

Community Internships in the Dominican Republic: via Go Overseas.com

Careers in this field develops and sets the tone for progression and can start right here in your region and at home. Feel free to embark on those opportunities. Always remember, embrace all opportunities near or far.