Social Work Office of Research & Public Service

Who We Are

The Social Work Office of Research and Public Service (SWORPS) began nearly 30 years ago as a small arm of the University of Tennessee College of Social Work that could provide continuing education for social workers in the state of Tennessee. The morphing of SWORPS into today’s form has been a gradual process and one that is continuing.

SWORPS now serves clients on local, state, and national levels ranging from the Knoxville Police Department to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This past year more than $12 million dollars in work was contracted through the office, and 168 employees worked for the organization. Campbell's vision for SWORPS and a highly motivated staff has made the programs successful.

Individuals who work for SWORPS say that they enjoy meaningful work and see their productivity as connected to serving the social service needs of people in our state and locale. For example, staff members who do research on the Families First program see improved services for the needy as a result of their work, even though the work that is done is not in the field. Folks who are involved with the Drug Court project or the Metropolitan Drug Commission experience a real sense of mission for helping kids live responsibly in a culture where drugs are available.

SWORPS employees are serious and purpose driven, hard working and energetic, ready to take on new challenges and use new methods to creatively solve new, and old, problems.

What We Can Do for You

As a service center within The University of Tennessee, SWORPS works directly with state agencies and regional policy makers, linking them to academic and professional resources. Our research skills and staff-development expertise allow us to be involved at any stage of a project, from development through implementation and review. In addition, SWORPS partners with organizations such as the United Way; Nine Counties. One Vision.; and the Administration on Aging to carry out service and research projects. Go to the Services Page to learn more about what SWORPS can do for you.

Contact us:
600 Henley Street
Suite B80
Knoxville, TN 37996-4104
Phone: (865) 974-6015
Fax: (865) 974-3877