FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2009

Contact: Gail Woods Waller
202.336.8236
gwaller@naswdc.org

New Social Work Policy Institute Launches with Nov. 16 Symposium

WASHINGTON DC—Prominent social work researchers met at the National Association of Social Workers today to examine how the social work profession might best contribute to expanding comparative effectiveness research (CER) for health and psychosocial services. The goal is to develop a profession-wide action agenda that addresses areas of enhanced social work research, researcher training, interdisciplinary collaborations, research-to-practice connections and communication efforts.

CER compares the benefits and harms of different interventions and strategies to prevent, diagnose, treat and monitor health care conditions in real world settings. The purpose of this research is to improve health outcomes by disseminating evidence-based information about the most effective services to patients, clinicians and other decision makers.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 contained $1.1 billion for such research and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has identified 100 top priorities for policy implementation—many of which involve social work interventions.

“For decades social work researchers across the country have been investigating and evaluating what works in social service and health interventions,” said Joan Levy Zlotnik, director of the Social Work Policy Institute which hosted the meeting. “The new federal commitment to expanding research in these areas is a welcomed validation of this work, and an important call to action for the entire social work profession.”

Today’s symposium covered a range of topics, including:

• Economic analysis of effective psychosocial interventions
• Gaps and challenges between CER and psychosocial research
• Effectiveness research in complex systems with special populations
• Researcher training and capacity building
• Linkages between social work research and practice

(more…)

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is deeply saddened by the death of United States Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Massachusetts), who after a year-long battle with brain cancer, died this week. Sen. Kennedy has been a champion for many social policies of significance to social workers and their clients throughout his tenure in the Senate of more than 40 years.

Two of the cornerstones of the social work profession are social justice and advocacy on behalf of individuals and families whose voices otherwise would not have been heard. Sen. Kennedy’s commitment to social justice mirrored the core values of social work and will be greatly missed.  NASW extends condolences to Sen. Kennedy’s family, friends and all who will feel the void from his absence including the millions of individuals who have benefited from his decades of service.

Sen. Kennedy’s influence can be found in some of the most important legislation of our time, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Ryan White CARE Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and most recently the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, Wellstone/Domenici Mental Health and Addiction Parity Act of 2008 and the Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009. Even while dealing with his own cancer struggle, Sen. Kennedy introduced a bipartisan cancer reform bill, the 21st Century Cancer ALERT (Access to Life-Saving Early detection, Research and Treatment) Act to address cancer research, treatment and preventative services.  Sen. Kennedy has fought unrelentingly for policies that affect social workers in their work with individuals and families every day. His tenacity and passion to bring a better healthcare system to America never wavered, even in the face of partisan opposition and political backlash.

As our government works to reform our health care system, let us remember the great lengths that Sen. Kennedy and others have gone to fight for equal opportunity and fairness for all. Sen. Kennedy has called universal healthcare the “cause of his life” and he will certainly be remembered in the social work community for his tireless work to bring our country a step closer to reaching this goal. NASW will continue to support Sen. Kennedy’s ideal that all individuals have the right to affordable, accessible, and high-quality health care and as a fitting tribute asks all NASW members to contact their members of Congress in support of universal healthcare.

Contact: Elizabeth Franklin
(202) 408-8600 x537
efranklin@naswdc.org

Credential designed for social workers who specialize in hospice and palliative care

Washington, DC – The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has partnered with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) to develop a baccalaureate level credential for social workers who specialize in hospice and palliative care. The Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (CHP-SW) designation is now available for bachelor’s social workers with experience and expertise in end-of-life issues for patients and their caregivers.

The CHP-SW credential was designed by social workers who are leaders in the field for social workers who have demonstrated compliance with national standards of excellence. This credential highlights the professionalism of social workers who have received post-education specialty training in hospice and palliative care, and demonstrates the social worker’s commitment to and expertise in end-of-life services. An advanced level of the credential was launched last fall for social workers licensed at the master’s level.

“We know that bachelor’s level social workers play an equally important role in providing hospice and palliative care to patients and families,” says Elizabeth Clark, PhD, MSW, MPH, executive director of NASW.  “NASW and NHPCO recognized the need for highly qualified social workers to be recognized at all education levels, and are pleased to introduce this much anticipated credential for BSW social workers.”

Certified social workers in hospice and palliative care provide a professional continuum of services addressing the biopsychosocial needs of patients and families affected by serious and life-limiting illnesses in order to maintain or improve their quality of life.

“Hospices rely on the expertise of professional social workers at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels to provide care and support to patients and families during the last months of life,” says J. Donald Schumacher, PsyD, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “This new credential recognizes those at the bachelor’s level who have invested in their professional development to ensure patients and families receive the highest quality care possible.”
The collaboration between NASW and NHPCO enhances the depth of the hospice credential, with NASW addressing evolving social work issues, while NHPCO focuses on emerging issues in hospice and palliative care.

Some of the basic requirements for the hospice and palliative care credential include:

• A bachelor’s  degree in social work from an accredited university,
• Where applicable, a professional  social work license in the jurisdiction of practice
• At least two years of supervised social work experience in hospice and palliative care,
• 20 or more CEU’s related specifically to the specialty practice,
• A commitment to compliance with NASW Code of Ethics and the NASW Standards for End of Life Care,
• Membership in NASW and NHPCO.

For more information or to apply for the Hospice Credential, please email credentialing@naswdc.org or visit www.socialworkers.org/credentials.

Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (CHP-SW) and Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (ACHP-SW)
The premier credentials for social workers in hospice and palliative care

Developed jointly by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Designed by social work leaders in hospice and palliative care for social workers who meet national standards of excellence.

Basic Requirements:

• A degree in social work from an accredited university
• At least two years of supervised social work experience in hospice and palliative care
• A license to practice as a professional social worker *
• Twenty (20) or more CEU’s related specifically to the specialty practice
• A commitment to compliance with the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for End Of Life Care
• Professional affiliations with both the National Association of Social Workers and the National Council of Hospice and Palliative Professionals, a division of  the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NCHPP application can be found on the right)

  BSW’s - CHP-SW Application
  MSW’s - ACHP-SW Credential Application

* BSW’s who practice in states that do not license social workers at that level have additional experience (4 years) and CEU (40 contact hours) requirements

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…)

New Web Site Highlights “50 Ways to Use Your Social Work Degree”

Washington DC—The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has kicked off its annual Social Work Month celebration with an outreach effort aimed at educating prospective and returning college students about the great purpose and countless possibilities of the social work profession.

To improve public awareness and understanding of social work careers, NASW has developed an interactive microsite at 50ways.helpstartshere.org. The site showcases more than 50 different ways that social workers are using their degrees from the nation’s 600 schools and programs of social work to make life better for individuals, families and communities.

Through individual profiles of social workers employed everywhere from schools, hospitals, and private businesses to government and non-profit agencies, foundations and the U.S. Congress, the site explores what experiences and interests led each person to the profession.

“People who are looking for a career with meaning, action, diversity, satisfaction, and an abundance of options are often drawn to social work,” says Elizabeth Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, executive director of NASW. “Social workers are highly trained professionals who care about people, who want to make things better, who want to relieve suffering, who want their work to make a difference.”

The 2009 Social Work Month theme—Social Work: Purpose and Possibility—highlights the special characteristics of those who choose social work as a profession, and underscores the goals of their work. Social workers are purpose-driven, compassionate individuals who work in collaboration with other disciplines to help the most vulnerable in our society overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

“Having a social work degree helps me be part of the largest profession of mental health care providers. It helped me found the Baltimore Psychotherapy Institute. It helped me achieve faculty appointments at Johns Hopkins, Smith and University of Maryland in order to pass [my knowledge] on,” says Dan Buccino, clinical supervisor at the John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Community Psychiatric program and a social worker profiled on the site.

“I love knowing that my work has a positive impact on the lives of others. I also love the flexibility of the profession. As the mother of three children, I’ve appreciated the control I have over my schedule and have chosen to work part-time,” notes Judith Matz, Director of the Chicago Center for Overcoming Overeating, Inc., also profiled on the site.

“There is so much that I love about this profession. It is so inspiring to see people heal and find joy despite great adversity. I love collaborating with, inspiring, empowering and motivating clients, students, and co-workers to make positive changes,” says Heidi Horsley, executive director and co-founder of the Open to Hope Foundation in New York, when asked what she likes most about being a social worker.

For more information about the recruitment campaign or to learn more about the many ways social workers help, visit http://50ways.helpstartshere.org.

About the National Association of Social Workers
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, D.C., is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world with nearly 150,000 members in 56 chapters throughout the United States and its territories.  It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers.  NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.

For Immediate Release
February 3, 2009

Contact:
Gail Woods Waller
202.336.8236
gwaller@naswdc.org

Elizabeth Franklin
202.408.8600 x537
efranklin@naswdc.org

111th Congress Urged to Support Social Work Reinvestment

New York Congressman Ed Towns Champions “Safety Net” Profession

Washington, DC - Congress has reintroduced legislation to strengthen the social work workforce.The workforce, currently at 600,000 professionally trained members, is facing significant challenges including an impending shortage.Today, U.S. Representative Edolphus “Ed” Towns reintroduced the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act to address challenges facing a profession that helps millions reach their full potential.

H.R. 795 calls for a Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide recommendations and strategies associated with the recruitment, retention, and research in the profession of social work. Specifically, the Commission will analyze how issues such as fair market compensation, educational debt, labor trends, social work research, workplace safety, and state-level licensure contribute to the lack of a sufficient social work workforce.

In addition, the House bill’s proposed demonstration programs would fund competitive grants in the areas of workplace improvements; research, education and training; and community-based programs of excellence to guide effective solutions in the recruitment and retention of social workers. A companion Senate bill is expected in the coming weeks. When the 110th Congress ended last year, the Social Work Reinvestment Act had 84 House co-sponsors and 14 Senate co-sponsors, including former Illinois Senator Barack Obama.

“A healthy society is one filled with people who can participate fully in family and community life,” says Rep. Towns. “Social workers make it possible for millions of Americans struggling with mental illness, unemployment, disabilities, addictions, violence and abuse, and chronic health conditions to transcend these challenges.This Act ensures that these dedicated professionals will have what they need to continue strengthening our communities.”

“Social workers are society’s safety net, and in our current economy, the need for a safety net has grown to include and protect a diverse group of people from all walks of life, says Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers. “However, serious safety concerns, significant educational debt, and comparatively insufficient salaries are threatening the ability of our nation’s social workers to provide essential social services. Social workers need better support to provide quality care to those most in need.”

NASW Executive Director Betsy Clark was honored to receive an invitation to the White House on Thursday January 29, 2009 to witness President Obama sign his first piece of legislation into law, the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. This historic legislation reverses the Supreme Court decision that limited women and other workers’ ability to sue for wage discrimination. The success of the bill indicates that Congress is ready to move towards the ideal of fairness in pay for women across America. Dr. Clark is joined by other women’s advocacy groups, members of Congress, and high-profile strategists that all worked to make this bill a reality.

Follow Betsy Clark’s live posts from the event on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/nasw

Click here to view NASW’s Press Release
http://www.socialworkers.org/pressroom/2009/012709.asp

Source: Google News

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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

KEYNOTE 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

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