A $2 million grant will fund a new program aimed at increasing the number of social workers in Winnebago County, helping to ease the ongoing mental health provider shortage in the region.
The program, called Social Worker Opportunity Tracks (SWOT), is funded by the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board through the county’s half-cent sales tax. SWOT was created to build a steady pipeline of local social workers who are trained and committed to staying in the area.
The board continues to invest in mental health solutions after a 2016 assessment revealed serious gaps in services. Many local residents face long wait times for care or cannot afford treatment, said Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green, dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford.
“There’s nowhere for them to go. If they do find care, they often wait months. Or they simply can’t afford it,” Green said.
Currently, Winnebago County has more than 100 open positions for social workers. Recruiting from outside the region has proven difficult, which is why local leaders are now focusing on developing talent within the county.
“It’s tough to bring in so many professionals from other places. So we’re going to grow our own,” Green explained.
SWOT is led by the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford and partners with Rock Valley College, Rockford University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work, Rockford Public Schools, and the Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Education.
The program offers multiple training pathways, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree options in social work. Students from different educational backgrounds, including high school, can enter the program and receive tailored training and support.
“This program gives people a way in, no matter where they are in life,” said Janet Liechty of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “Even a high school student thinking about social work can get started with the wellness initiative.”
A similar program existed in the 1960s but eventually dissolved when it moved online. SWOT leaders say reviving a community-based model is urgent and necessary.
“Social workers are the foundation of our services. Without them, we can’t reach those who need help the most,” said Amanda Penney, a board member of the Mental Health Board.
SWOT is already accepting students. To qualify for funding, applicants must be admitted to one of the partner schools and commit to working in Winnebago County after graduation.
Program officials stress that the goal is not only to fill jobs but to build a lasting workforce that will strengthen mental health care in the community for years to come.
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