Announcements

NASW's new and improved Joblink is active! Gain access to top-tier social work opportunities and connect with employers who value your skills. NASW members enjoy perks like a custom job-offer analyzer that tells you if your job offer is competitive or not!  Ready to take your career to the next level in 2025? Complete your profile today and unlock a world of possibilities!

Substance use during pregnancy is common: about 1 in 7 pregnant people drink alcohol, 1 in 20 binge drink, and 4 in 10 of those who drink also use other substances, most frequently tobacco and cannabis. January is Birth Defects Awareness Month, a call to action for social workers to share a key message: for a healthy pregnancy, it is safest to avoid alcohol, smoking, and other recreational drugs. 

Be merry and bright! Enjoy 20% off select NASW Press books and eBooks through January 2. Use code HOLIDAY24 at checkout. Wide range of titles including The Social Work Career Guidebook and Self-Care in Social Work, 2^nd Edition. Follow this link to learn more. 

In case you missed Thursday night’s Facebook Live event on the election moderated by NASW CEO Dr. Anthony Estreet, Ph.D., MBA, LCSW-C it was recorded. 

Watch on Facebook or YouTube

Don’t forget to take advantage of seven complimentary Connect to End COVID-19 self-study webinars. Funded by the CDC, the webinars offer free CEUs on a range of COVID-19 topics and include useful information, available through August 31. 

Get the 15% presale discount on the upcoming NASW Press title, “The Social Work Career Guidebook” by Jennifer Luna, Cindy Snell, and Michelle Woods. This interactive guidebook will provide you with useful tools and inspiration for every stage of your social work career journey.

Social Workers provide psychosocial assessments and treatment plans that aid in prevention, harm reduction, recovery efforts, counseling, and case management services to individuals who have co-occurring disorders, which may include a mental health or physical health condition in addition to a substance use disorder. 

NASW responded to a public review of the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Manual for potential revisions to be made public in 2028. The SOC classifies all occupations where work is performed for pay or profit. It is designed to cover all jobs in the national economy including public, private, and military occupations. NASW provided comments on social work occupations using the format and instructions requested by SOC.

Social Workers have often engaged at key points to broaden inclusion. What about the 2024 elections? Join us for a nonpartisan event on why social workers & students should get involved & how they can make a difference.

Date: September 12
Time: 1:00pm ET

The Department of Education created an On Ramp to Repayment to provide an additional grace period for borrowers who may have been unable to begin repaying their loans immediately. This period of protection ends on September 30, 2024. After this date, the rules from pre-COVID-19 forbearance will take effect.

• Student loans can fall into delinquency or default
• Missed payments can be reported to credit bureaus 
• Credit scores can drop as a result of missed payments
• Missed payments can be reported to debt collection agencies

Learn more and get all your questions answered at Savi’s upcoming webinar on September 4 at 4:00pm ET.

Don’t forget to take advantage of seven complimentary Connect to End COVID-19 self-study webinars. Funded by the CDC, the webinars offer free CEUs on a range of COVID-19 topics and include useful information, available through August 31.

In this NASW podcast episode of Social Work Talks we examine why it’s Never Too Late to enter the field of therapy. Our host, NASW member Elisabeth Joy LaMotte, LICSW, chats with chef Karey Swartwout, and political organizer and journalist Dr. Brooke Stroud, now a clinical psychologist & author Daniel Duane. Each discusses why they left past careers to enter the profession of therapy. Listen as they discuss why they leapt, later in life, to a field inhabited by many social workers. 

In celebration of our 70th Anniversary, NASW is working with a long-time partner, Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI), to produce an oral history publication for NASW. This project helps NASW receive valuable updates so we can know more about our members and how we can better represent and serve them. 

If you received a postcard or an email with a phone number, you may call the number on your card to speak with a PCI representative for the 70th Anniversary Member Album project. The representative will verify the information NASW has in your NASW member record, help you make any updates you choose, and then ask you to share your story about your life as a social worker and your time with NASW.

The representative will invite you to buy the album and optional NASW apparel after the data update and story. There is no obligation to buy anything in order to participate. NASW receives all updates regardless of whether a member purchases anything. 

NASW and the American Medical Association are leading a national Clinical Practice Information survey of clinical social workers and other healthcare professionals to collect updated and accurate data on practice costs and the hours of patient care that social workers provide. 

If you have received a survey by email or postal service mail, NASW strongly encourages you to complete and submit it as soon as possible. The survey which began in January 2024, will end in August 2024.

Optum Behavioral Health Care has informed NASW that a second wave of recovery overpayments will take place between August 2-8, 2024. The recovery seeks 25 percent of the 100 percent reimbursement. 

NASW-PACE has voted unanimously to endorse Kamala Harris for 47th president of the United States. "Vice President Harris is a shining example of America's promise. Her presidential bid is historic in many ways, and it's clear that she is the most qualified person in the race," NASW CEO Anthony Estreet said. 

In our latest episode of Social Work Talks, we chat with Dr. Michael Kaufman, MSW, PhD., author of the new book, “Doing Good & Doing Well: Inspiring Helping Professionals to Become Leaders in Their Organizations,” and why social workers specifically have what it takes to be natural born leaders. Dr. Kaufman shares the lessons he’s learned throughout his 30-year career and uses anecdotes to inspire social workers. Listen, like & leave us an iTunes review!
https://buff.ly/3WI3ieK

“Once again, we are shocked, saddened and appalled by an incident in which an unarmed person of color—within her own home—has died tragically at the hands of a police officer, someone she called on for protection,” said NASW CEO Dr. Anthony Estreet, Ph.D., MBA, LCSW-C. “This is unacceptable. NASW will continue to confront racial violence—no matter the perpetrator. This association is unwavering in its quest to make sure all communities are safe.” 

Headed to the DNC Convention in Chicago? Please join NASW CEO Dr. Anthony Estreet, Ph.D., MBA, LCSW-C & NASW chapter executives for a Social Work panel & reception August 20th at 5:00 pm CST. 

NASW is working with Publishing Concepts Inc., to update member records and create a commemorative album of member stories to celebrate our 70th anniversary October 2025. Watch for a postcard or email with a phone number you can call to participate. Your record updates and stories are very helpful to NASW in representing you! 

Our partner will invite you to buy the album and merch, but there is no cost to be in the book. NASW receives all your stories whether or not you order an album. Thanks for contributing!

Check out the latest Tips & Tools for Social Workers which describes several virtual, national-level professional development programs that are relevant to social work with older adults and are offered by external organizations with which NASW collaborates. The resource also includes information about programming by the NASW California Chapter’s Council on Aging, which is accessible to social workers regardless of geographical location or NASW membership. Each program described is free of charge and does not include continuing education credits.

NASW offers President Joe Biden our deepest thanks for his commitment to educating more social workers, investing millions in creating a multi-state social worker licensure compact, and his unwavering dedication to the American people. 

NASW will celebrate a milestone anniversary with a commemorative album recognizing members and the association's history. We are working with our long-time partner, Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI), to create the album for NASW's 70th anniversary in October 2025. PCI will be contacting members beginning in July to invite you to

• Update your member information, which will help us provide relevant resources based on your social work practice interests and help us represent you better as we advocate on your behalf at the national, state, and local levels.
• Share your social work history and impactful moments in your professional career for the commemorative album.

There is no cost to be in the album, or to update your member information through PCI. If you choose to purchase the album, you can buy your copy when you update your information with PCI. When NASW last published a commemorative album in 2020, thousands of members included their social work histories, impactful moments, and experiences.

Learn more!

NASW Press offers continuing education credits on a wide array of books via the NASW Social Work Online CE Institute. Titles range from burnout, self-care, and meditation to ethical standards in social work, digital practice, economic well-being, social entrepreneurship, and mentoring women for leadership, to name a few. Visit the NASW Press website to learn more about the full list of books offered and how to participate.

The Network for Social Work Management (NSWM) invites NASW members who meet the requirements to join the 2024 Certified Social Work Manager (CSWM™) cohort for just $50 (a total savings of $100). The CSWM™ credential is a mark of excellence for social work managers with the highest levels of competence and dedication to the profession. By earning the CSWM™ credential, you demonstrate your commitment to advancing your leadership skills and knowledge and your ability to effectively manage the complex challenges facing social work/human service organizations today. As part of this nationally recognized credential, you will take part in cutting-edge CE opportunities hosted by NSWM. Apply by August 1, 2024.

It's not too late to register! Join the premier conference for professionals within the healthcare ecosystem, featuring NASW CEO Dr. Anthony Estreet, Ph.D, MBA, LCSW-C. NASW members receive a 20% discount by using code: NASWBHC20

What: 2024 Black Health Connect Conference
When: July 11-14
Where: Washington, DC

If you would like to propose a change to the NASW Bylaws, please submit your amendment for consideration by the NASW Board of Directors by September 1, 2024. Proposed amendments may be submitted by individual members in good standing, NASW chapter executive directors and chapter boards, NASW Board members, and NASW committees and task forces.

 Proposed amendments related to Delegate Assembly (DA) and NASW national/chapter dues allocation will follow the Delegate Assembly process and should also be submitted by September 1, 2024 .All other bylaws amendments are within the authority of the NASW Board of Directors.

 Visit the NASW Bylaws page for more information, and to submit a proposal click here .

NASW and other mental health organizations condemn a SCOTUS ruling that upholds criminalization of people who are unhoused. There are more effective and cheaper ways to address homelessness in America. 

Fentanyl has been permeating the illicit drug market causing an increase in dependency and high rates of overdose. The latest Practice Perspectives shares information on what fentanyl is, its impact on communities, and the role of social workers.

Social workers: Tell us about your work with clients on COVID-19. Your anonymous feedback will help NASW shape training and education for social workers in vaccine confidence, access, and uptake, especially among vulnerable populations. 

Learn more about Connect to End COVID-19 and take the eight-minute survey today!

We are taking the Conference to new heights. Join us in Chicago for the NASW 2025 Conference! Register now for presale tickets at 2024 prices before July 5 and be part of a revolutionary experience. 

NASW urges Israel and Hamas to work with negotiators to reach a peace agreement. The association condemns the increased, related hate incidents against social workers in the U.S. Social workers should work together to reach understanding and help heal divisions caused by this conflict. 

Meet the NASW Press Team at the NASW National Conference: Booth 301! Come visit with us. Share your ideas. Get involved. Check out our Exam Copy Program for faculty or learn about reading Press books for CEUs. Pitch a book. Become an author! Follow this link to learn more about NASW Press authors who will present at the June 19-22 NASW National Conference. 

Each June, NASW joins advocates around the globe in observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Read our latest Tips and Tools for Social Workers which outlines elder abuse–focused activities throughout and beyond the month of June, describes NASW’s recent activities to address elder abuse, and provides a robust resource list you can use throughout the year.

Signed June 3, the president’s order temporarily suspends the processing of most asylum claims at the southern U.S. border when the 7 day average of unauthorized crossings exceeds 2,500 people. This policy’s singular objective of closing the U.S. border to people seeking asylum from violence and oppression is in direct opposition of  advocates for communities impacted by the order. It is fully legal for refugees to seek asylum once they enter America, yet the Biden administration’s executive order appears to disregard  that fact. 

Meet the Connect to End COVID-19 team at Exhibit Booth 401 at the 2024 NASW National Conference, June 19-22, Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. Learn about NASW’s three-year campaign to help social workers and their clients to make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccines. Hear about complimentary self-study webinars with free CEUs and how to register. Find out about MI-SBIRT trainings and communications administered by NASW’s Chapters. 

NASW is part of an Opioid Response Network (ORN) Addiction Workforce Interest Group. This group will be meeting to address factors contributing to the current workforce shortage. You can help us by responding to this 7-question inquiry to give us a snapshot of the current situation. We encourage you to pass the link on to your colleagues and any other staff working in any aspect of the addiction field. Please respond by June 30, 2024.

Connect to End COVID-19 complimentary national webinar and CEUs, COVID-19 Year 5: Are We Prepared for the Next Pandemic, is available for self-study. Featuring acclaimed epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm, founding Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, and advisor to the Biden Administration on COVID-19 response.

NASW Press invites you to decide before you buy! Faculty affiliated with a U.S. university or college can place an order for books they are considering adopting for the classroom. You have 90 days to make a decision. 

Neysa Fanwick Memorial Scholarship helps support the education of MSW students who are taking action to help vulnerable populations. Potential candidates will have worked in mental health fields helping to solve the most critical, emerging social and health problems with creative solutions.

The Association of Social Work Boards, in collaboration with the Social Work Workforce Coalition, is conducting a Social Work Census across the United States and Canada. The census will be the most comprehensive profession-wide study to date and will generate a more accurate picture of who today’s social workers are and what they are doing in their practice. Findings will help support the development of a more inclusive and equitable social work workforce and will be used in designing future competence assessments for social work licensure. The deadline to complete the Social Work Census is June 30.

Individuals who complete it will be eligible to earn two hours of continuing education credit and will be invited to select a list of charitable causes to receive a $1.00 donation from ASWB.

Get the same great education that the 2024 NASW Conference offers live, but virtually! The Virtual Program will live-stream keynote presentations, plenary sessions and select breakout sessions so you can view the 2024 National Conference from your computer or mobile device anywhere. Earn up to 16.5 CEs by attending the whole virtual program!

Facebook Live Event: Update on the Interstate Licensing Compact. 

Join us Thursday, May 16 at 7:00 pm for an update on licensure portability. Discover the latest advancements in this initiative aimed at streamlining multistate practice among member states and breaking down barriers to license portability. Open to everyone!

Get a reminder on our Facebook Page or on our YouTube Channel! 

The 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule details services that social workers can provide to address health-related needs for Medicare Part B beneficiaries. This resource describes Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Risk Assessment, Community Health Integration (CHI) Services, and Principal Illness Navigation (PIN) Services. It clarifies the role of social workers in delivering these services to support patients with medical and social needs.

No CE Credit: FREE
CE Credit: $25 NASW Members/ $35 Non-NASW Members

Join our esteemed panel, Dr. Frederic G. Reamer, Gortrell Cox, Tanya Rhodes Smith, and Dr. Meredith Tetloff to explore key ethical questions emerging from our complex socio-political times. Using the NASW Code of Ethics and other resources, we will revisit social workers’ ethical responsibilities in the face of professional, personal, and political values that at times do not align.

Friday, May 17
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET

“An equal world depends on recognizing and respecting diverse identities,” the United Nations Population Fund states on its website. “With that in mind, the theme for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia this year is “Together always: United in diversity.’” NASW Recognizes this global day of action to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ rights violations. 

Now more than ever, especially after the aftermath of the COVID 19 pandemic, libraries are much more than book depositories. They are living, breathing community centers, filled with people who have psychosocial needs – people who could benefit from the support of a Social Worker. 

Older Americans Month (OAM) recognizes the contributions and achievements of older adults and highlight important trends in aging. NASW's latest Tips and Tools for Social Workers explores the OAM theme for 2024 (Powered by Connection), describes selected NASW activities to support social work with older adults, and provides a robust resource list.

The federal government is soliciting three types of proposals to fund programs that prevent and address elder abuse. Social workers play critical roles in elder abuse programming, including programs funded by the federal government. 

Connecting with NASW just got smarter, easier, and faster with NASW's enhanced mobile app. That's because the new app features take you where you want to go in seconds. Quickly access social work news, content, and training and connect with colleagues. No more website urls to remember or look up! Download it today! Watch this to learn more!

Search on "NASW" in your store app:
Download on the App Store
Download on Google Play

May is National Foster Care Month. Many aspects of foster care are challenging for children and their families but as social workers we can help families through this difficulty. Prioritizing kinship care, training foster families, and incorporating lived expertise into service delivery are all important practices to support foster youth this month and beyond. 

National Women’s Health Week (May 12-18) starts each year on Mother’s Day to encourage women to make their health a priority. This message is especially important given that women’s drinking has increased substantially over the last two decades. Social workers can help women prioritize their health by making conversations about alcohol use part of routine practice.  

NASW celebrates Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month by honoring the achievements of individuals of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander descent throughout the country. Let's recognize the creativity, strength, and trailblazing nature of countless AANHPI leaders who have played a vital role in shaping the narrative of America!

Join our esteemed panel, Dr. Frederic G. Reamer, Gortrell Cox, Tanya Rhodes Smith, and Dr. Meredith Tetloff to explore key ethical questions emerging from our complex socio-political times. This live, virtual discussion will look at social work ethics against the backdrop of challenging developments in the US and global political landscape. 

When: Friday, May 17
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
No CE Credit: FREE
CE Credit: $25 NASW Members/ $35 Non-NASW Members

A new resource,  NASW Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, has been posted to the Tips and Tools website. During the month of May, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) recognizes millions of people impacted by mental health conditions in the United States and acknowledges the ongoing dedication of social workers who provide mental health services such as crisis intervention, assessment, treatment, and support.

Calling All NASW Members! Voting for NASW board and NCNLI members is now underway! Polls close May 31. Voting is open to NASW members.

Learn about candidates

Cast your ballot here!

On April 8, 2024, Dale A Masi, PhD released the 5th International Employee Assistance Compendium, a comprehensive guide to the latest developments in Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) around the world. She extended a special thanks to NASW Senior Practice Associate Denise Johnson for her contributions as a peer professional. This book is a must-read for social workers looking to stay informed and up to date on the latest developments within the EAP landscape. 

Information from NASW coalition partner, the National Consumer Law Center

Starting May 1, 2024 the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) repayment program will be transitioning servicing from MOHELA to the Department of Education’s StudentAid.gov platform. During this transition from May 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024, all processing of forms and other PSLF information will be paused.