Arizona Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program

The AZ-GWEP MSW Fellowship aims to strengthen the geriatric and primary care workforce by preparing students to deliver age-friendly and dementia-friendly care. Fellows train in integrated care environments using the Age-Friendly Health Systems Framework.

• You must be an NAU MSW student.
• You must be able to complete your field placement at an eligible site in Arizona.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the U.S. Unfortunately, international students on a student visa are not eligible.

1. Attend an informational session hosted by Dr. Megan McCoy before applying.
2. Complete the online AZ-GWEP MSW Fellowship application, which includes:
   1. A 500-word essay describing why you are interested working with older adults and how the fellowship will help to support your future professional practice goals.
   2. Resume or CV upload.

Students selected for an AZ-GWEP MSW Fellowship participate in a one-year fellowship that includes the following required activities:

• Attend an AZ-GWEP orientation session and introduction to the Age Friendly Health Systems Framework.
• Participate in the GWEP Advances with Aging lecture series and apply the Age-Friendly Health Systems Framework to real-world practice.
• Engage in aging-specific coursework through SW623: Mental Health Practice with Adults & Older Adults.
• Complete your field placement in a Tribal, Tribal Organization, Underserved, and/or Rural (TTOUR) primary care site (i.e. healthcare provider; skilled nursing facility; assisted living, etc.) serving older adults located in Arizona. We will work with you to identify an approved site.
• Follow a field placement timeline that includes two designated four-week blocks (20 hours/week) in which the majority (greater than 50%) of the clients you work with will be age 50+. These hours count toward your required MSW field placement hours.
• Participate in individual and/or group mentoring sessions with NAU faculty.
• Attend required GWEP webinars (live and/or recorded) focused on aging related topics.
• Participate in other GWEP related activities as determined in consultation with the GWEP Program Coordinator.

Future plans include developing an interdisciplinary webinar series, “Conversations on Aging,” highlighting the research and applied work of NAU faculty and graduate students.

Fellows benefit from the expertise of aging-focused faculty, including Dr. Michael McCarthy and Dr. Megan McCoy, as well as the guidance of the Social Work Field Education team. The fellowship is embedded into the existing MSW field placement structure:

• Students placed in eligible rural or tribal agencies complete a one-year field placement.
• At least eight weeks of the placement focuses specifically on older adult care.
• Field supervisors receive a $500 stipend for supporting fellows in this specialized training.