Continuing Education in Social Work
The Center for Excellence in Social Work Continuing Education Program is committed to provide accessible and affordable ongoing learning opportunities for practicing social workers. Workshops offered throughout the year focus on a variety of topics that help enhance the skills and knowledge for effective practice with the populations of New Mexico. In keeping with the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work’s mission, several workshops focus on working with Hispanic and Native American populations of New Mexico and the Southwest.
These workshops meet the continuing education licensure renewal requirements as set forth by the New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE). The counseling board accepts Center for Excellence in Social Work Continuing Education Program CEUs. It is recommended that you check with your accrediting board to ensure proper CEU acceptance.
Most workshops are offered via Zoom, allowing participants access to ongoing professional development.
Center for Excellence in Social Work Administration
Anna Nelson, Ph.D., LCSW
DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN SOCIAL WORK
P: 505-319-8822
Continuing Education Program
P: 505-260-6197
Center for Excellence in Social Work
P: 505-429-1340
Monica Otero, MSW
SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR, CESW
P: 505-260-6197
Amber Vilas, MSW
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COORDINATOR
Joey Jimenez Jr., MSW
SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
P: 505-429-1340
Mission Statement
The New Mexico Highlands University Board of Regents approved, on December 17, 2015, a change in the name to the School of Social to honor the founder of the School, Facundo Valdez. The mission of the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work is to educate students to practice social work competently with the diverse, multicultural populations of New Mexico and the Southwest. This context of cultural and regional responsiveness informs the School’s creation and implementation of all its educational programs.
The School has a primary commitment to Hispanic and Native American people. Our curriculum grounds students in core professional social work values, skills and ethical principles, and provides a focused awareness and respect for cultural differences and how poverty affects the well-being of people in the region.
Social Work Degree Requirements
Social Work Undergraduate Requirements
Undergraduate course catalog: Social Work
The New Mexico Highlands undergraduate catalog outlines your options and the steps you need to take to complete degree requirements for your chosen major. To ensure the seamless completion of your degree, consult often with your academic adviser and utilize Highlands’ Degree Audit tool to keep track of your academic progress.
Social Work Graduate Requirements
Graduate course catalog: Social Work
Graduate students are assigned to a faculty adviser within their area of study. The faculty adviser will help the student complete a program of study to satisfy the specific course requirements within their area, outlined in the Graduate Catalog. The courses listed must satisfy the course requirements prescribed in the catalog of record. The academic adviser will provide guidance in completing your program of study.
Careers
Graduates of the School of Social Work can be found in the following occupations
Social Worker
Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist
Social and Community Service Manager
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
Sociologist
Clinical Social Worker
Mental Health Counselor
Marriage and Family Therapist