“I think social work chose me,” – Jamaica Crearer MSW ‘26
Photo courtesy of Jamaica Crearer
As a student in the USC Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Crearer is building a career supporting mothers through pregnancy and postpartum care. She first found her path while working as a case manager with individuals experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. What started as hands-on experience quickly became something more, as she built strong relationships with clients and began to see the impact of that work. With encouragement from a clinical supervisor, she began exploring graduate social work programs and ultimately chose the USC online MSW program to grow her clinical skills.
Today, Crearer works as a Family Support Case Manager with Alameda County, where she co-facilitates childbirth psychoeducation groups and supports mothers throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey. Drawing on her MSW coursework and practicum experience, she continues to build on that foundation while staying grounded in the relationships that first drew her to the field.
What drew you to the social work profession?
I think social work chose me. In my previous role, I worked as a case manager with people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco, under the supervision of clinical social workers. Through my work with clients, my direct clinical supervisor noticed my work and suggested that I consider a career in social work. At the time, I hadn’t thought about it, but she encouraged me to explore programs and see if it felt like a good fit. She highlighted my ability to build strong relationships with clients and my potential to grow into a skilled social worker. I took her advice, explored the field, and ultimately found this program.
What do you currently do for work?
I am currently a Family Support Case Manager with Alameda County, working specifically with the EmbracerHer and Beloved Birth programs. In this role, I co-facilitate childbirth psychoeducation groups and provide case management services for participants and support them through pregnancy and postpartum journey. I’ve learned to seek out and apply evidence-based research to guide interventions. Through practice, I’ve gained confidence in therapeutic interventions, including sitting with clients in silence, improving my ability to ask meaningful questions, and strengthening my ethical decision-making using the NASW Code of Ethics in complex client situations.
Why did you choose the USC online MSW program, and what stood out to you when comparing social work graduate programs?
USC has been a dream school of mine since I visited the campus in 2017. I was impressed by the school’s strong academic reputation and the accomplishments of its graduates. When I began looking for MSW programs, USC was the first school I considered. An important factor for me was the ability to continue working while pursuing my degree, and the online MSW program offered the flexibility I needed to balance both.
What are some of your favorite experiences from your online courses?
My favorite experience in the program was working with a client/actor in our first practicum course. It was very intimidating and unlike anything I had done before, but I appreciated the challenge and the real-time practice. This experience helped me in my practicum and employment by giving me a place to practice asking more impactful questions and sitting in silence.
As an online MSW student at USC, how do you connect with your peers and professors in the program?
As an online MSW student, I connect with other students in several ways. We share contact information to stay in touch outside of class, collaborate on group projects, and use breakout rooms during synchronous sessions as an opportunity to get to know each other. Additionally, seeing the same classmates in multiple courses helps create a sense of community. I have connected with my professors through email, Zoom, or phone. Whenever I have reached out with questions through any of these methods, they have made themselves available. I really appreciate how flexible and dedicated most of the professors are to my success as a student.
What track are you in, and what led you to pursue this track?
I am on the Adult Mental Health and Wellness track. I have always been interested in mental health. I think that comes from growing up learning the importance of therapy and around people suffering with mental health issues. Also, I have always been very attuned to people’s emotions and have always been a helper.
Can you tell us more about your practicum experience? Where were you placed and what have you learned or enjoyed?
Fortunately, I was able to use my place of employment as my practicum. The organization serves Black pregnant women, providing education and comprehensive support to reduce complications for both mothers and babies. I enjoy collaborating with a passionate and multidisciplinary team of doctors, midwives, therapists, doulas, fitness trainers, nutritionists, massage therapists, and lactation specialists. I especially love working with the mothers, who are so open with me, and getting the opportunity to meet and hold their babies.
Are there any emerging trends or areas of practice in social work that excite you as you continue your MSW journey?
While this is not an emerging trend, one intervention that excites me is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). While it’s not a new trend in social work, it is new to me personally. When I first learned about it in the program, I questioned its logistics, but as I studied it further, I became fascinated. I am very interested in using this intervention with clients in the future.
As a current student, what is one piece of advice you want to share with prospective students?
One piece of advice I would share with prospective students is to stay on top of your work and start assignments as early as possible. Take advantage of training opportunities and use your practicum to apply what you’re learning in class. Most importantly, trust your ability to learn, your skills, and your intuition.
Crearer’s experience highlights how the USC Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students to make a meaningful impact in diverse communities—from maternal health to mental health and beyond. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on practicum experience, and flexible online learning, students gain the skills needed to pursue a wide range of careers in social work.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about USC’s Online Master of Social Work program and how it can support your goals.