LA DCFS and UCLA Academy of Workforce Excellence Program

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services and UCLA Academy of Workforce Excellence Program is a specialized, two-year training program for MSW students. The program is a collaborative endeavor between the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (LA DCFS) and the graduate programs of social work at CSULB, UCLA, USC, CSULA, CSUN and CSUDH. 

The overall goal of this program is to increase the professional skills and knowledge of LA DCFS Children’s Social Workers. At CSULB, our program is designed to prepare students in the most recent and innovative programs available to support effective careers with LA DCFS. 

The stipend program is a two-year program available to MSW students in their first year of practicum education and continues to their second year of practicum education. Participants will complete their first-year practicum experience in an agency that provides services to children and families. Their second-year practicum experience will be at LA DCFS. Students are required to attend specialized training, seminars, presentations and symposiums hosted by LA DCFS, as well as the CSULB School of Social Work. Students are awarded a $26,000/year stipend to support their tuition and associated academic expenses, distributed over the course of the academic year of program participation. Participants are expected to accept full-time employment with LA DCFS for at least two years immediately following graduation to fulfill their commitment. 

Current LA DCFS employees are not eligible for this program. 

Interested candidates must attend an information session, submit an application and complete the interview process. 

 Program Requirements  

 Students accepted into the program must: 

  • Complete pre-screening for LA DCFS employment which includes Livescan and physical examination. 
  • Sign a contract to secure full-time employment with LA DCFS for two years immediately following graduation. 
  • Maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance while enrolled in the MSW Program 
  • Maintain active enrollment in the MSW program and maintain a B (3.0) average 
  • Select the Child and Family Wellbeing specialization for their final year in the program 
  • Successfully complete and receive a CREDIT grade in two practicum placements 
  • Complete the required MSW and Child Welfare curriculum, including the LA DCFS Stipend Orientation 
    • SW 643 - Social Work Practice with Child Welfare Services 
    • Culminating Experience that focuses on a child welfare related population, issue, or service delivery system
  • Attend regularly scheduled Public Child Welfare training, meetings/events, and monthly LA DCFS seminars  
  • Successfully complete the MSW Program within a normative period/model (Unless a hardship extension is granted by LA DCFS and CSULB) 
  • Adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics  

Students are responsible for repayment of the stipend, if they are unable to successfully complete any of the requirements of the program.