Social workers are in demand!
According to a recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, employment opportunities for social workers are projected to grow faster than average across the next decade! About 74,000 openings for social workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Social work is a rapidly growing field with increasing opportunities across Connecticut and the nation:
• Mental health and substance use social workers: 10% growth nationally
• Healthcare social workers: 8% growth nationally
• Mental health and substance use social workers in Connecticut: 9% growth
• Healthcare social workers in Connecticut: 10% growth
These growth rates exceed the national average for all occupations, reflecting a strong and sustained demand for trained social workers. UConn’s BSW and MSW programs prepare graduates to meet this growing need—equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to make a lasting impact in communities throughout Connecticut and beyond.
What can you do with a degree in social work?
A degree in social work prepares students for meaningful careers helping individuals, families, organizations, and communities thrive. Social workers are employed in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child and family services, aging services, government agencies, community organizations, policy and advocacy, corrections, research, and private practice.
Social work offers flexible career paths at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Entry-level roles may include case management, community outreach, residential support, and human services coordination. With an MSW and licensure, graduates can move into clinical, supervisory, policy, leadership, and specialized practice roles.
Cassandra Marrero, CLAS ’15, MSW ’18, LCSW
Cassandra Marrero is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Supervisor at The Village for Families and Children in Hartford, Connecticut where she supports clinicians in providing high-quality, ethical, and trauma-informed care to children and families.
“I’ve been able to help people see their own power, strength and resilience. I hope people see that no matter what adversities they may face, they are worthy,” she says. Learn more about Cassandra.
Vannessa Dorantes, MSW ’98, LMSW
Vannessa Dorantes has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing human services and transforming public child welfare systems with vision, integrity, and compassion. Vannessa served as Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) and chaired The Governor’s Kids Cabinet — advising on conditions, strategies and outcomes related to the wellbeing of state’s children. She currently works at Casey Family Programs, improving outcomes for children and families nationwide.
Vannessa also served as an adjunct professor at Central Connecticut State University from 2004 until her appointment as Commissioner. In 2026, she was honored with the UConn School of Social Work’s Lifetime Achievement Award for making significant long-term contributions to the field of social work. Learn more about Vannessa.
Gus Marks-Hamilton ’03, ’17 MSW, LMSW
Gus Marks-Hamilton is an advocacy and organizing manager at the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Connecticut (ACLU-CT). Based in Hartford, he leads advocacy efforts focused on ending the harms of mass incarceration, eliminating racial disparities in the state’s criminal legal system, expanding people’s equitable access to voting rights, and protecting civil rights and liberties.
At the state Capitol, Gus works closely with individuals directly impacted by incarceration, many of whom testify before lawmakers.
Gus also is adjunct faculty at UConn SSW, teaching students advanced skills assessing communities and organizations, designing interventions, leadership, and broad-based campaigns to build community capacity.
Natasha A. Stapleton MSW ’16
Natasha is a school social worker with the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC). In this role, she works with a variety of students and families helping to support a variety of social and emotional needs. As a social worker, Natasha is responsible for educating staff about various diagnosis and how to engage students from a trauma informed lens. Part of this work is supporting staff in recognizing their biases and its impact on educating student from diverse backgrounds.
Natasha has over 15 years of experience providing community-based support and therapy to both children, families and adults. She is a member of the UConn School of Social Work Alumni Board of Champions. Learn more about Natasha.