Professional Education and Training

Posted October 17, 2017  As a member of the consortium Partners for Understanding Pain, NASW observed Pain Awareness Month in September. Although the observance has ended, NASW encourages social workers to educate their colleagues and clients about resources to prevent and address pain—and to advocate for comprehensive, integrative pain care—throughout the year. Many people associate pain with advanced illness and ... Read More »

The Delegate Assembly of the National Association of  Social Workers (NASW) on August 4, 2017 approved the most substantive revision to the NASW Code of Ethics since 1996. After careful and charged deliberation, the Delegate Assembly voted to accept proposed revisions to the Code that focused largely on the use of technology and the implications for ethical practice. The NASW Code of Ethics continues ... Read More »

More than 100 social workers participated on expert panels to revise and/or develop 25 NASW policy statements over the last two years. These statements were recently voted on and approved by the National Association of Social Workers’ (NASW) key policymaking body, the Delegate Assembly (comprised of 277 professional social workers who represent NASW’s diverse membership).  Policy topics ranged from human trafficking, ... Read More »

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and three other social work organizations today released new Standards for Technology in Social Work Practice. The standards were created after two years of discussion and research. Here are some commonly asked questions about them: Q: Who worked on this project with NASW? A: The standards were created by NASW, the Council on Social ... Read More »

Whether you are a college student, recent graduate, or currently employed, a master’s in social work (MSW) can help boost your career. Here are four reasons why. 1. Advocate for underserved populations. Social workers get to advocate for the most marginalized and vulnerable populations. At-risk populations require the most assistance from social workers, but they have the most difficult time ... Read More »

NASW invites you to participate in a Congressional briefing that identifies strategies to prevent child maltreatment of infants from the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The briefing will enhance awareness about NICU families, identify their unique needs and review program and policy solutions that promote positive parenting outcomes.  The briefing will highlight policies and legislation that can support NICU families. The ... Read More »

The revolution of digital technology has “changed the way social workers practice with, and on behalf of,  older adults and has enhanced the connection between older adults, caregivers, providers, and the community,” explains Dawn Hobdy, MSW, LICSW, Director of the NASW Office of Ethics and Professional Review. Hobdy will present the breakout session “Ethical Considerations in Social Workers’ Use of ... Read More »

Robyn Golden, MA, ACSW, LCSW, Director of Population Health and Aging at Rush University Medical Center, explains the importance of advocacy in the current atmosphere. “The policy and political environment, specifically around health care and social services, is particularly fraught right now due to the uncertainty of federal health care reform and the threat of cutting federal funding for a ... Read More »

Posted May 5, 2017 NASW invites social workers to join and promote the celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM). Established in 1963 and coordinated by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM celebrates the contributions older adults make to society. The theme for OAM 2017 is Age Out Loud. This theme emphasizes the ways in which older adults live with boldness ... Read More »

Posted April 13, 2017 The mission of National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is to enhance understanding of, and participation in, advance care planning. Now in its 10th year, NHDD 2017 will be a weeklong event, observed April 16 through 22. This year’s theme matches that of the 2016 observance: It’s always too early, until it’s too late. Learn more about ... Read More »