Jax State Social Work

Stronger Together starts with voices like yours.

The Out of the Shadows Summit Call for Proposals is open now through June 30. This year’s theme, Stronger Together: Collaboration, Connection, and Care, is a call to action for educators, professionals, advocates, and community leaders who have something meaningful to share.

If your work touches mental health, wellness, recovery, or community support, we want to hear from you. Submit your proposal and help shape a day that brings our community closer together.

Link in bio to apply.

*****Faculty Spotlight*****
For more than 25 years, Mr. Adams has been part of the heart of the Jax State Social Work Department. As BSW Program Coordinator and Faculty Sponsor of the Social Work Club, he has helped shape generations of students as they found their voice, discovered their purpose, and stepped into the profession of social work.

Those who know Mr. Adams know the steady presence he brings, thoughtful, grounded, humble, and deeply committed to students. He creates space for students to think critically, reflect honestly, and begin seeing themselves as future social workers with something meaningful to offer. His impact reaches far beyond the classroom. It lives in the alumni he has mentored, the students he continues to guide, the agencies strengthened by Jax State graduates, and the communities touched by the social workers he helped prepare.

Mr. Adams is more than a faculty member. He is part of our story. He is part of our legacy. And we are deeply grateful for the care, wisdom, and dedication he continues to bring to Jax State Social Work.

Please note: This job announcement is being shared for informational purposes only. Interested individuals are strongly encouraged to research and evaluate the hiring agency independently before submitting an application.

Cullman County Schools is hiring a School Social Worker for the 2026–2027 school year. Interviews are expected to begin within the next two weeks.

**Position:** School Social Worker
**Location:** Cullman County Schools / Central Office
**Start Date:** August 4, 2026, or TBD
**Schedule:** Full-time, 187 days, 7.5 hours per day
**Salary:** CCBOE Salary Schedule

This position is a meaningful opportunity for someone interested in supporting students, families, schools, and community partners. The School Social Worker will help assess students’ social, emotional, behavioral, and material needs; provide direct and indirect services to students and parents; support crisis intervention; assist with grief and su***de prevention, intervention, and postvention; and serve as a liaison between schools, families, and community agencies.

The role also includes consultation with administrators, faculty, and school staff on mental health-related concerns; support for district-wide SEL check-ins and early warning systems; assistance with Social Emotional Learning planning; and collaboration with parents and community resources to help students be successful in and out of school.

Applicants should demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills, knowledge of child development, sound professional ethics, respect for confidentiality and FERPA requirements, the ability to maintain accurate records, and a commitment to supporting the school system’s vision, goals, and priorities.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW. Educational qualifications may be flexible for individuals actively pursuing this pathway.

Applicants may apply online at **ccboe.org**.

Interested applicants may contact:
**Karen Pinion**
[email protected]
Learning Support Facilitator & Mental Health Services Coordinator
Cullman County Schools

Something big is coming this fall. Out of the Shadows Summit returns on September 1, 2026, and this year’s theme says it all: Stronger Together: Collaboration, Connection, and Care.

Mental health is not a journey anyone should walk alone. This is a day set aside for coming together as professionals, families, advocates, and community members to learn, connect, and find hope.

Registration is open: https://outofshadowssummit.com

For Kayden Sneed, one of the most meaningful lessons from social work is the power of active listening.

As a BSW student at Jax State, Kayden has learned that supporting others does not always begin with offering advice or solutions. Sometimes, it begins with listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and seeking to understand another person’s perspective.

That lesson now shows up in her everyday conversations with friends, family, classmates, and coworkers. Kayden’s experience reminds us that social work skills reach far beyond the classroom, they shape how we connect, communicate, and care for others.

Meet Becky Cox. For Becky, social work is both a profession and a calling. Her journey has been shaped by faith, service, compassion, and a commitment to walking alongside individuals and communities facing adversity.

Becky’s connection to Jacksonville State University began as an undergraduate student, where her involvement in Baptist Campus Ministries and mission experiences helped her recognize her passion for advocacy and service. Those experiences opened her heart to diverse populations and strengthened her desire to support people whose voices are often unheard.

Now, as a Jax State MSW student and Rural Behavioral Health Social Work Stipend trainee, Becky is preparing to provide behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and young adults. Through the program, she is building the clinical knowledge and advocacy skills needed to serve with empathy, cultural responsiveness, and ethical care.

Becky credits the Social Work Department’s faculty with helping her feel welcomed and encouraged as she returned to school after many years. Becky’s story reflects the heart of Jax State Social Work: service, advocacy, personal growth, and a commitment to serving others.

Tri-County Crisis Services is collecting new comfort items for survivors receiving hospital-based sexual assault crisis support in Calhoun, Cleburne, and Talladega Counties. These items help provide clean clothing, basic personal care, comfort, and dignity after a forensic medical exam.

Please see the flyer for needed items and drop-off details.
Drop-off location: JSU Brewer Hall, 2nd Floor

Questions: Tina Deshotels at [email protected] or Donna English at [email protected]

24/7 Crisis Line: 888-996-1262
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Please do not share private or crisis-related information in comments or public messages.

Don’t wait. Registration closes June 1!

Seats are limited for our Summer Play Therapy Training with renowned play therapist Liana Lowenstein. This hands-on workshop will take place Friday, June 5, 2026, from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM at Merrill Hall.

Registration includes 6 Continuing Education Credits, training manipulatives, breakfast, and beverages.

Cost: $150
JSU Alumni Discount: $50 off (JSUALUMNI)
Only 10 seats available

Reserve your spot today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or clicking the link in the caption.

Registration Link: https://secure.touchnet.net/C20901_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=392