Adult Protective Services MSW Training Program

The Aging & Adult Services (AAS) MSW Training Program is a statewide, specialized training initiative funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and coordinated by San José State University (SJSU). The program prepares MSW students for careers in Adult Protective Services (APS) and other public adult service systems that serve aging and vulnerable adults throughout California.

The AAS Training Program provides financial support, specialized field training, professional development, and a pathway to public service employment in California’s adult services sector.

Stipend & Participation Details (AY 2025–2026)

• Stipend Amount: $25,000 per academic year
  
   
• Disbursement: Two equal payments in week 6 of Fall and Spring semesters (contingent on continued eligibility)
  
   
• Participation: Only available to MSW students at Cal Poly Humboldt in a qualifying placement. 
  
   
• Duration: Students may participate for up to two academic years (foundation and/or advanced year), but must reapply each year.
  
   

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the AAS Training Program, students must:

• Be enrolled full-time or part-time in the MSW program at Cal Poly Humboldt
  
   
• Be in good academic standing
  
   
• Be matched with an eligible practicum placement site
  
   
• Not be receiving funding from any other CDSS-administered stipend or training program in the same academic year

While the Aging & Adult Services (AAS) MSW Training Program at Cal Poly Humboldt does not support part-time participation in the stipend program, all MSW students enrolled in either the Campus or Distributed Learning (DL/Online) program are eligible to apply. This includes students in extended-format DL programs.

Field Placement Criteria

All field placements must be publicly funded and specifically designed to serve aging and/or vulnerable adult populations.

Foundation Year:

Students must be placed in publicly funded agencies or programs that:

• Provide social work services specifically for older or dependent adults, and
  
   
• Operate within systems such as community-based case management, aging services, or public behavioral health
  
   

Advanced Year:

Students must be placed in:

• County or Tribal Adult Protective Services (APS) units,
  
   
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS),
  
   
• Public Guardian/Public Conservator offices, or
  
   
• Other qualifying public adult services agencies

Note: Medi-Cal reimbursement alone does not qualify a site as publicly funded.

Post-Graduation Service Commitment

For each year of stipend received, students must:

• Complete one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) employment in a qualifying California-based public or Tribal APS or adult services agency
  
   
• Begin employment within 12 months of MSW graduation
  
   
• Complete all service within 36 months
  
   

Graduates are responsible for securing their own employment. Repayment of the stipend is required if the service obligation is not met.

Additional Program Components

• Participation in a 1.5 unit APS-focused seminar and monthly training enhancements
  
   
• Completion of required virtual trainings, surveys, and program meetings coordinated by SJSU
  
   
• Ongoing mentorship and career development support
  
   

Application Process

Applications typically open in late spring for the following academic year. Students must complete the AAS program application, interview, and be verified in a qualifying placement prior to award notification. 

If you have any questions or would like to be notified of upcoming opportunities related to this training program, please let us know by filling out  this form. 

Important Financial Aid Information

Please note that the AAS stipend is awarded as part of your overall financial aid package, not in addition to it. This means that receiving the stipend may impact your total aid eligibility for the academic year.

We strongly encourage all applicants to consult with the Cal Poly Humboldt Financial Aid Office to understand how receiving the stipend may affect other awards, including grants, loans, and work-study eligibility.

Contact

Jamie Jensen, MSW, PhD
 AAS Program Coordinator
 Department of Social Work
 Cal Poly Humboldt
 jlk45@humboldt.edu