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NASW Endorses National Report Advocating For Care Of Chronic Pain


January 7th, 2010

Recommendations Include Social Work Training and Mental Health Parity

In November 2009, a panel of experts released a report calling for increased interdisciplinary training on pain care and other systemic reforms to improve treatment of chronic pain throughout the United States. The panel was convened by the Mayday Fund, a family foundation dedicated to reducing human suffering caused by pain.

NASW joined 30 national organizations in endorsing the report, A Call to Revolutionize Chronic Pain Care in America: An Opportunity in Health Care Reform. The report describes chronic pain—that is, pain lasting more than six months—as “a tragically overlooked public health problem” that is frequently underaddressed, including in the current health care reform debate. Chronic pain, the report asserts, leading not only to decreased quality of life but also to unnecessary health care costs. Defining pain as a chronic illness, the report examines the physical, social, and psychological effects of untreated pain. Moreover, the report emphasizes that both adults and children experience chronic pain and highlights disparities in competent pain care related to race, ethnicity, gender, age, and class.

The report calls for multiple measures to improve pain care, including

  1. Universal access to primary medical providers who are competent in pain management;
  2. Increased access to specialists in pain medicine;
  3. Expanded funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for training social workers and other health and mental health professionals in pain assessment and management;
  4. Reimbursement reforms, including parity for mental health services, to promote interdisciplinary treatment of pain;
  5. Increased federal funding for research addressing pain management;
  6. Elimination of disparities in access to pain care; and
  7. Increased consumer education about pain management.

Click here to read the Mayday Fund report.

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Posted in NASW, aging | No Comments »

NASW Member Named to National Advisory Council on Aging


October 1st, 2009

A major responsibility for the council is to review and make recommendations regarding grant applications.

By Paul R. Pace, NASW News Staff - Vol. 54, No. 9, October 2009

W. June Simmons

NASW member W. June Simmons, CEO of the Partners in Care Foundation, has been appointed to the National Advisory Council on Aging. The council is among several national research advisory councils reporting to the director of the National Institutes of Health concerning pertinent programs.

“As a social worker, I am honored to represent the field — especially during these challenging times — on this very important advisory council,” Simmons said in a statement.

A major responsibility for the council is to review and make recommendations regarding grant applications to support biomedical research and research training activities.

Simmons will serve on the Advisory Council until December 2012 and will participate in council meetings held at the NIH.

According to the Partners in Care Foundation, Simmons’ career includes numerous activities involving aging issues.

She was a delegate to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging. She serves as senior adviser to the Alliance for Children and Families’ National Initiative for Transforming Social Service Geriatric Practice. She is an appointee to the HMO Caregiver Work Group, a national think tank funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to advance managed care models for caring for the aging population.

Simmons is an advisory board member of the Practice Change Fellows Selection Committee and was founding chair of the National Chronic Care Consortium. She initiates and directs the Institute for Advancement of Geriatric Social Work Education, a cooperative venture between major Southern California graduate schools of social work to develop the region as a center of excellence in geriatric social work education.

In addition, Simmons serves on major national and local technical committees, panels and advisory boards.

Posted in NASW, Social Work in the News, Social Workers, aging, health, members | 3 Comments »

NASW Credentials Highlighted in BusinessWeek Magazine


August 28th, 2009

BusinessWeek Magazine’s health care-themed August 17th issue includes an article on eldercare, titled “A Pro in Your Corner.” Focusing on the role and expertise of geriatric care managers among the vast network of caregivers, the article’s sidebar, “Decoding the Credentials,” specifically included NASW’s Case Management credentials. The master’s level Certified Advanced Social Worker in Case Management (C-ASWCM), and the baccalaureate degree Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM) distinguish the professional social work case manager from those not specifically trained and accomplished in the case management practice model. Visit the NASW Credential Center Web page to learn more.

Posted in NASW, Social Work in the News, Social Workers, aging, career, clinical, health, media, practice, public education | 1 Comment »

NASW Hosts Annual Practice Conference on Aging in Las Vegas


March 12th, 2009

For Immediate Release

Washington, DC -To help social workers meet the unique needs of the aging population, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) will host its first annual practice conference in Las Vegas on March 15-16, 2009. The conference—titled “The Aging Boom: Is Your Clinical Practice Ready?”—will prepare social work private practitioners to better serve this growing demographic.  NASW partnered with the American Society on Aging and National Council on Aging (ASA/NCOA) Aging in America Conference to host the event for approximately 400 professional social workers from across the country.

Sandra A. Lopez, LCSW, ACSW, DCSW, clinical associate professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work will serve as keynote speaker. Her speech, “Key Challenges in the Aging Boom: Honoring Diversity in Older Adults,” will address practical approaches for clinical social workers to meet the growing needs of diverse seniors.  Ms. Lopez is a widely recognized presenter, trainer and consultant, with 28 years of social work experience. She regularly trains social workers and other professionals on suicide, grief and bereavement, cultural diversity, social work supervision, ethics, compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.

“The United States population over the age of 65 is growing and reflects greater diversity far beyond race and ethnicity,” says Ms. Lopez. “Honoring diversity in older adults is crucial for social workers across settings to ensure that the needs of their clients are properly understood and supported.” (more…)

Posted in NASW, Press Releases, Social Work, Social Workers, aging, ceus, event, media | No Comments »

NASW Annual Practice Conference 2008


December 8th, 2008

The Aging Boom: Is Your Clinical Practice Ready?
In Conjunction with the ASA/NCOA Aging in America Conference
March 15-16, 2009 - Las Vegas, Nevada

Visit http://www.socialworkers.org/agingConference/for more information

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - Early Registration extended to February 20, 2009

Sandra A. LopezKEYNOTE SPEAKER
Sandra A. Lopez, LCSW, ACSW, DCSW
Clinical Associate Professor
University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work
Key Challenges in the Aging Boom: Honoring Diversity in Older Adults


CEUs
. Earn up to 14 social work CEUs
. CEUs qualify for your NASW professional credential in gerontology, health care, case management and others.

PROGRAM FEATURES
. 3-hour tools to use: Risk Management, Ethical
Decision Making, and Medicare Documentation
and Reimbursement.
. General sessions about workforce trends and
advancing your career with older adults.
. 16 breakout sessions for social workers

Posted in Cheers and Jeers, NASW, Press Releases, Social Work, Social Workers, aging, career, clinical, networking, practice | No Comments »

Social Work in the News - July 22, 2008


July 22nd, 2008


Source: Google News

Moving mother in right direction
MetroWest Daily News - Framingham, MA
By Debbie Gitner, LCSW, and Linda Sullivan, RN Q: My mother agreed to move to an assisted living facility. However, when we begin to talk about details of …

UI Social Work building construction set to start in September
Urbana/Champaign News-Gazette - Champaign, IL
The UI Board of Trustees in January approved $4 million for the School of Social Work project, and on Thursday will consider bumping up the budgeted amount …

Social workers lobby for additional benefits
Philippine Information Agency - Philippines
by L. Lopez Tabuk City, Kalinga (21 July) — Social workers employed with the provincial and municipal governments in the province are lobbying for …

Aging gracefully: As boomers age, career opportunities arise for …
The News-Press - Fort Myers, FL
Social workers may specialize in medical social work, working in hospitals, home health, long-term care facilities, or hospice settings. …

The trouble with when they get into trouble
Chicago Tribune
“Babies quickly learn how much they have to cry to get their parents to pick them up,” says Melissa Webster, a clinical social worker at the University of …

DC Child Agency To Borrow Staff, Hire Workers
Washington Post
Wells, chairman of the council’s Committee on Human Services, said Gerald needs more social workers and should hire outside management experts. …

GOP picks social worker to face Carson
Indianapolis Star
Campo, an Indianapolis social worker, will replace Jon Elrod on the ballot. Elrod dropped out of the race in June to focus on retaining his Statehouse seat. …

Prescription for addiction: Abuse of painkillers fastest-growing …
The Missoulian - Missoula, MT
“What’s strange is how the opiate overdoses have really slipped under the rug,” said Melody Barnes, a licensed clinical social worker who, since 2001, …

Posted in Social Work, Social Work in the News, Social Workers, advocacy, aging, children and families, clinical, education, school social work | No Comments »

Social Work in the News - July 15, 2008


July 15th, 2008

Source: Google News

Social work agencies: budget cuts would lead to health care crisis
Marion Daily Republican - Marion, IL
By Tom Kane Franklin-Williamson Human Services CEO John Markley explains state budget cuts’ impact on social service agencies at a Monday press conference …

Need More Schooling? Maybe the Boss Will Pay
KOAM-TV - Pittsburg, KS
According to a National Association of Social Workers Center for Workforce Studies-commissioned report titled “Licensed Social Workers Serving Older Adults, …

Local social workers implore state legislators to address the …
The Southern - Carbondale, IL
BY JOHN D. HOMAN, The Southern MARION - Area social service directors gathered Monday at the Illinois Centre Mall in Marion, where they voiced outrage over …

Can alarm clocks boost school attendance?
Charlotte Observer - Charlotte, NC
By Ann Doss Helms After 20 years as a social worker in Mecklenburg County, Gwen Forney is launching Bright Hopes, a push to cut school absences in half. …

Grant helps schools hire social workers
Muskegon Chronicle - MLive.com - Muskegon, MI
By Lynn Moore A nearly $6 million federal grant awarded to Muskegon Public Schools will expand “Family Resource Centers” that connect families with local …

Posted in NASW, Social Work, Social Workers, advocacy, aging, career, children and families, health, practice, school social work | No Comments »

NASW Press Journals Online - Social Work- July 2008


July 10th, 2008

Volume 53 Number 3 July 2008

Editorial
197 The Presidential Election Jorge Delva
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.197-198
Articles
199 Child Welfare Worker Characteristics and Job Satisfaction: A National Study Richard P. Barth; E. Christopher Lloyd; Sharon L. Christ; Mimi V. Chapman; Nancy S. Dickinson
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.199-209
Abstract
The education, recruitment, training, and retention of a quality child welfare workforce is critical to the successful implementation of public policy and programs for the nation’s most vulnerable children. Yet, national information about child welfare workers has never been collected. The National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being is a study of children who are investigated for child maltreatment that also offers information about the child welfare workers (unweighted N = 1,729) who serve them in 36 states and 92 counties. These cases represent the national population of child welfare workers, estimated at more than 50,000, serving children approximately 12 months after a case was opened. Child welfare workers having any graduate or social work degree in a nonurban setting were more satisfied than their peers. Regression results indicate that worker satisfaction is associated with quality of supervision and urban setting but does not have a clearly independent relationship with having a degree in social work. Practice implications are discussed.
211
 Available Supports and Coping Behaviors of Mental Health Social Workers Following Fatal and Nonfatal Client Suicidal Behavior Laura Ting; Jodi M. Jacobson; Sara Sanders
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.211-221
Abstract
Research indicates that mental health social workers risk being confronted with fatal and nonfatal client suicidal behaviors during professional practice. Although reactions to client suicidal behavior have been documented, there is little empirical evidence about coping behaviors and available supports following client suicidal behavior. This study explores types of supports available, perceived effectiveness of support resources, and coping behaviors of 285 mental health social workers who experienced either fatal or nonfatal client suicidal behavior. Factors predicting positive and negative coping were also explored. Predictors of positive coping included increased levels of secondary traumatic stress, the availability of family and friends, group therapy, religion, older age, and male gender. Predictors of negative coping were increased levels of secondary traumatic stress, male gender, having support from family and friends, and the lack of administrative support. Future research recommendations and implications for social work administrators and practitioners are discussed.
223
 What if the Spirit Does Not Move Me? A Personal Reconnaissance and Reconciliation Carlos A. Hoyt
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.223-231
Abstract
The burgeoning recognition of the influence of religion and spirituality in personal, cultural, and political affairs has spurred discussions regarding the need for social work practice to be sensitive and responsive to the presence of spirituality in the lives of clients. However, though attending properly to clients’ coping styles involving religion or spirituality is indeed crucial, discourse on spirituality and practice too often involves unclear definitions and problematic assumptions about the prevalence and relevance of spirituality in the lives of clients. This article considers spirituality from the perspective of a nonspiritual social worker who is nevertheless committed to practice that recognizes the importance of spirituality in the lives of many clients. This article discusses some problematic aspects of dominant discourse on spirituality and offers recommendations, pedagogy, and assessment for spirituality in clients’ lives that should work well for all social workers, no matter their personal views on the subject.
233
 Conation: A Missing Link in the Strengths Perspective Karen E. Gerdes; Layne K. Stromwall
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.233-242
Abstract
Conation is action derived from instinct, purposeful mode of striving, volition. It is a conscious effort to carry out self-determined acts and, as such, may result in the same goal being approached by different individuals through the use of different actions. It is a critical, yet neglected aspect of the “tripartite” human mind, which is composed of cognitive, affective, and conative elements. Because most social workers are not familiar with the concept, client behavior that represents action toward a goal might not be understood or might be misunderstood. A true strengths-based approach to social work requires this understanding. The authors use case studies to describe conation and to demonstrate its applicability. They present examples of how clients’ and social workers’ conative ability are important to the assessment and intervention process and describe implications for research.
243
 Notation of Depression in Case Records of Older Adults in Community Long-Term Care Enola K. Proctor
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.243-253
Abstract
Although significant numbers of social service clients experience mental health problems, virtually no research has examined the responsiveness of social service agencies to mental disorder. This article examines the extent to which client depression is reflected in records of a public social service agency, community long-term care (CLTC). Researchers assessed new, consenting CLTC clients for depression using standardized research criteria in a telephone interview. Agency case records were abstracted to determine the extent to which client depression was noted. Sensitivity and specificity of depression notation were 25.21 percent and 92.80 percent, respectively, indicating that agency records reflected depression for about one in four clients meeting depression criteria. Factors associated with accurate depression notation included cognitive impairments, low social support, psychotropic medications, and mental health treatment. The depression notation rates found are comparable to those in medical settings. Structured screening and assessment might enhance detection of mental disorder for social service clients.
255
 Social Work with Religious Volunteers: Activating and Sustaining Community Involvement Diana R. Garland; Dennis M. Myers; Terry A. Wolfer
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.255-265
Abstract
Social workers in diverse community practice settings recruit and work with volunteers from religious congregations. This article reports findings from two surveys: 7,405 congregants in 35 Protestant congregations, including 2,570 who were actively volunteering, and a follow-up survey of 946 volunteers. It compares characteristics of congregation volunteers and nonvolunteers. Volunteers tended to be married, older, more highly educated, longer term congregational members, and to score higher on all measures of faith maturity and faith practice than did nonvolunteers. Volunteers perceived their involvement as meaningful, important, and challenging. A large majority of volunteers (80 percent) reported changes in faith, attitudes and values, and behavior as results of their volunteer work. Findings provide insights into how religious individuals begin and continue to volunteer in service settings and how congregations promote high levels of community service among their members. These findings have implications for effective social work practice with congregation volunteers.
267
 Low-Wage Maternal Employment and Parenting Style Aurora P. Jackson; Peter M. Bentler; Todd M. Franke
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.267-278
Abstract
This three-year longitudinal study investigated whether low-wage employment was associated with improved psychological and parenting outcomes in a sample of 178 single mothers who were employed and unemployed current and former welfare recipients both before and subsequent to the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Participation in employment predicted fewer depressive symptoms and less negative parenting style over time. Employment at time 1 was associated with a reduced likelihood of receiving welfare in the interim between times 1 and 2, less financial strain at time 2, and (through these) a decrease in mothers’ depressive symptoms at time 2. Fewer depressive symptoms at time 2, in turn, predicted less negative parenting style, net of the mothers’ earlier demographic, mental health, and parenting characteristics. Mothers with higher education attainment were more likely to be employed (and to earn more) at both time points. Implications of these findings for welfare policies are discussed.
Practice Update
279
 Training Students for a Shared Traumatic Reality Orit Nuttman-Shwartz; Rachel Dekel
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.279-281
Commentaries
283
 The Immigration Debate: Lessons for Social Workers Rich Furman; Nalini Negi; Ana Liza M. Cisneros-Howard
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.283-285
286
 Whither the Social Workers? Why the Silence? Alice Skirtz
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.286-288

Posted in NASW, Social Work, Social Workers, aging, children and families, clinical, health, mental health, research | 2 Comments »

Social Work in the News - June 24, 2008


June 24th, 2008

News Source: Google News

Sahara stands up against domestic violence
IndiaPost.com - Union City,CA,USA
Founding board member LCSW Sheela Mehta is still on the Sahara board and continues her dedicated efforts with a focus on client empowerment and mental …

UB School of Social Work Students Receive Awards
UB News Center - Buffalo,NY,USA
Rebecca Green of Buffalo, the Terese M. Eusanio Memorial Scholarship recognizing and supporting a continuing part-time MSW student who demonstrates an …

A PORTRAIT OF CHANGE
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com - Newark,NJ,USA
Two social workers showed up at the Hightstown apartment, and later returned with two carloads of shopping bags filled with canned tuna, cereal, tea, …

Families get gift when seniors accept help to handle grief
BurlingtonFreePress.com - Burlington,VT,USA
According to Rebecca Brooks, a licensed clinical social worker with Networks and a hospice social worker for the VNA, “Losing a partner can be difficult due …

Keep pop cool and safe this summer
Daily News Tribune - Waltham,MA,USA
By Debbie Gitner, LCSW, and Linda Sullivan, RN Q: My father does not drink a lot of liquids and I am worried with the warm weather that he will become …

Posted in NASW, Social Work, Social Work in the News, Social Workers, aging, children and families, clinical, global, international, school social work | No Comments »

Social Work in the News - June 18, 2008


June 18th, 2008

News Source: Google News

University trains social workers to meet challenges of elder care
Sarasota Herald-Tribune - Sarasota, FL
The University of South Florida at Sarasota-Manatee’s School of Social Work is actively involved in numerous efforts to better meet the comprehensive health …

Seeking a few good men
Baltimore Sun
Boys are quite influenced by having a male figure around, said Richard Barth, a professor and dean at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. …

PU Social Work students present anti-dowry skits
Daily Times - Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Punjab University Social Work (PUSW) students presented different skits against dowry and illiteracy at the annual dinner of the department on …

Stress remains long after disasters
Indianapolis Star
“It’s been eerie quiet,” said Roger Brinkman, a licensed clinical social worker in Columbus who has been visiting shelters there. …

Ending cycle of crime: Ex-cons get helping hand
Arizona Republic - Phoenix, AZ
Parole officers team up with state social workers, working out of the same offices, to make it easier for former inmates and their families to get services …

Summer Harassment
Bangor Daily News - Bangor, ME
Dr. Fineran, who teaches in USM’s School of Social Work, has researched peer-to-peer sexual harassment in schools and decided to extend her inquiries into … (more…)

Posted in Social Work, Social Work in the News, Social Workers, advocacy, aging, children and families, clinical, global, practice, school social work, social justice, women | No Comments »
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