Rural Behavioral Health Social Work Stipend

The Rural Behavioral Health Social Work Stipend aims to reduce financial barriers for graduate students committed to specialized trauma-informed social work practice in the rural setting. This initiative supports the JSU Social Work Department's mission to increase the number of skilled behavioral health professionals serving rural and underserved communities within a 12-county catchment area in Alabama (Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Marshall, Randolph, St. Clair, and Talladega) and 7 counties in Georgia (Floyd, Paulding, Polk, Carroll, Bartow, Walker, and Haralson).

If you are interested in applying for the stipend, please review the eligibility and commitments listed below to determine if you meet criteria.

Stipend Eligibility Criteria

Applicant must be a United States citizen.
Applicant must apply to and be accepted as a fulltime student in the Jacksonville State University Master of Social Work program at the time of application.
Applicant must remain enrolled fulltime to receive the educational stipend.
Applicant must have an undergraduate GPA of 2.5
Applicant must agree to maintain a 3.0 throughout the Jacksonville State University Master of Social Work program.

Stipend Applicant Commitments

Sign a commitment letter to:
1. Complete required trainings, experiential learning activities, and evaluations coordinated by the Clinical Engagement Coordinator during the 2nd and 3rd semesters of the program.
2. Commit to taking certain required courses while in the program as outlined in the commitment letter.
3. Provide their NPI number within 1 year of graduation, per the grant requirements, as well as provide employment information.
4. Stay in contact with the Jacksonville State University’s Social Work Department for up to four (4) years post-graduation to participate in data collection, community engagement initiatives, and the best practices consortium.
5. Participate in at least 6 continuing education trainings to remain trauma certified.
Provide trauma-informed services to individuals ages 0–26 in behavioral health settings upon graduation of the MSW program, within the catchment area.
Embody trauma-informed care principles (e.g., safety, empowerment, cultural humility) in social work practice.

Stipend Application Process

The stipend application process includes four (4) steps. Applicants must complete the application form, the stipend essay, professional interview, and a review of official transcripts. Detailed instructions for the essay and interview are below. The stipend committee will not review incomplete applications.

We accept applications for the Spring Advanced Standing Cohort and the Summer Advanced Standing Cohorts.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes the following by the designated due date:

Application Form: Fully completed with all required fields.
Stipend Essay: Details provided below.
Professional Interview: Instructions provided below.
Review of Official Transcripts: Submitted directly from the applicant’s undergraduate institution to be considered with their application to the MSW program.

Stipend Essay Instructions

The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of trauma-informed care and their ability to apply a specific intervention to a population or social problem they are passionate about.

Essay Prompts

Identify a population or social issue affecting people ages 0-26 that you are passionate about addressing (e.g., survivors of domestic violence, youth in foster care, veterans, individuals impacted by systemic racism).
Explain the unique challenges this group faces, particularly as it relates to trauma.
Identify a specific trauma-informed intervention or therapeutic modality (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Trauma [CBT-T], EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [TF-CBT], Sanctuary Model, etc.).
Describe the intervention in detail, including its theoretical foundation, techniques, and evidence supporting its effectiveness.
Outline how you would implement the trauma-informed intervention with this population or issue. Provide a clear, realistic plan, including potential barriers and how you would address them. Discuss the expected outcomes and how the intervention aligns with trauma-informed principles (e.g., safety, trustworthiness, empowerment).
Reflect on why this intervention, population, or issue resonates with you. Highlight how your personal, professional, or educational experiences have shaped your commitment to this work.

Essay Format and Submission Guidelines

Essay Length: 1,500 words or less. Format: Use APA’s 7^th Edition Formatting Guidelines. Typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins all around. Include a minimum, of four (4) evidence-based references and corresponding in-text citations to support your argument. Submit as a PDF document titled “LastName_Essay_Stipend.pdf.”

Send to RTIBHWETScholarshipandStipend@jsu.edu by the application due dates. Applications are due by November 1^st (Spring Cohort) and April 1^st (Summer Cohort).

Stipend Professional Interview Instructions

The purpose of the professional interview is to provide the committee with insight into the applicant’s background, communication skills, professional readiness, and commitment to the social work profession. The interview will connect to the content of the applicant’s essay while allowing the applicant to discuss their interest in trauma-informed care, behavioral health practice, and service to rural and underserved communities.

Applicants selected for an interview will participate in a structured professional interview with members of the stipend committee. The interview will be approximately 30 minutes and may be conducted virtually or in person. Applicants should be prepared to address the following:

Introduction: Provide your name, educational background, and current status (e.g., undergraduate student, prospective MSW student). Briefly introduce the population or social issue you are passionate about.

Professional and Educational Background: Highlight any relevant professional, volunteer, internship, leadership, or educational experiences that have prepared you for specialized social work practice. Discuss coursework, academic experiences, or professional interests that align with trauma-informed care and behavioral health social work.

Connection to the Essay: Summarize the trauma-informed intervention described in your essay. Explain why this intervention is meaningful to you and how you would apply it to the population or social issue you identified.

Commitment to Rural Behavioral Health: Discuss your understanding of behavioral health needs in rural or underserved communities and how you see yourself contributing to this area of social work practice.

Professional Readiness: Be prepared to discuss your ability to meet stipend expectations, including required trainings, experiential learning activities, evaluations, and continued engagement with the Social Work Department after graduation.

Closing: Reiterate why you are a strong candidate for the stipend. Describe how receiving this support would impact your academic goals, professional development, and future contributions to the social work profession.

Interview Scheduling and Guidelines

Applicants selected for an interview will receive instructions regarding the interview date, time, and format. Interviews may be conducted virtually or in person and will last approximately 30 minutes. Applicants should approach the interview professionally but do not need to be overly formal. Business-casual attire is appropriate. Applicants should be prepared to communicate clearly, reflect on their essay, and discuss their interest in trauma-informed behavioral health practice.

Send to RTIBHWETScholarshipandStipend@jsu.edu by the designated application due dates. Applications are due by November 1st for the Spring Cohort and April 1st for the Summer Cohort.

Stipend Awards and Disbursements

Total Award: $25,000.

Stipend Disbursements

Semester 1: $4,800
Semester 2: $7,150
Semester 3: $13,050

Rubric for Jacksonville State University Rural Behavioral Health Social Work Stipend Application

Component	Criteria	Points	Description
Stipend Essay	Understanding of Trauma-Informed Care	20	Demonstrates an accurate understanding of trauma-informed care and clearly explains how trauma may affect the selected population or social issue.
	Intervention Knowledge and Application	20	Identifies an appropriate trauma-informed intervention or modality and explains its theoretical foundation, core techniques, and relevance to the selected population or issue.
	Implementation Plan	15	Provides a realistic plan for applying the intervention, including potential barriers, ethical considerations, and expected outcomes.
	Writing Quality and APA Format	5	Essay is organized, clearly written, professionally presented, and follows APA 7th edition formatting guidelines.
Professional Interview	Communication and Professional Presentation	10	Communicates clearly, respectfully, and professionally during the interview. Demonstrates appropriate preparation and engagement.
	Connection to Essay	10	Effectively discusses the essay topic, selected population or issue, and trauma-informed intervention. Responses show the applicant can explain and apply their written work.
	Commitment to Rural Behavioral Health	10	Demonstrates interest in behavioral health practice, rural or underserved communities, and service to individuals ages 0–26.
	Professional Readiness and Reflective Capacity	10	Demonstrates maturity, self-awareness, openness to feedback, ability to manage responsibilities, and readiness to meet stipend expectations.
Application Materials	Completeness and Organization	10	Application materials are complete, organized, submitted by the deadline, and follow all stated instructions.
	Alignment with Stipend Goals	10	Application reflects alignment with the goals of the stipend, including trauma-informed care, behavioral health, rural practice, and service to children, adolescents, emerging adults, and families.
Relevant Experience and Preparation	Social Work, Behavioral Health, or Community-Based Experience	10	Applicant demonstrates relevant work, volunteer, internship, leadership, lived, educational, or community-based experience that supports their readiness for the stipend.
Academic Performance	GPA Review	20	Points are allocated based on GPA: 4.0 = 20 points; 3.5–3.9 = 15 points; 3.0–3.4 = 10 points; 2.5–2.9 = 5 points.

For more information, please contact RTIBHWETScholarshipandStipend@jsu.edu

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $2.4 million dollars with no percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the Social Work Department at Jacksonville State University and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.