By Ja’Bree Harris, MSW
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries, it is clear that social work cannot afford to be a passive observer. Just as global leaders convened in Paris to discuss the risks and promises of AI, social workers must come together to shape how AI impacts the people we serve — and our profession. If we don’t act now, AI could fundamentally alter the fabric of social work — and not for the better.
NASW recognizes that AI’s potential is vast, but without careful consideration and strategic planning, it could leave our profession behind. As AI develops at breakneck speed, social workers must be actively involved in shaping its integration into our practice.
This is why NASW is calling for the creation of an AI Commission for Social Workers in Congress — an initiative that will only move forward with the direct action of social workers across the country. This commission would provide a forum for social workers to influence how AI is applied in our field and ensure that it enhances, rather than replaces, human connection.
AI has already begun to reshape industries from healthcare to criminal justice, and social work is no exception. AI-powered tools have the potential to improve case management, provide data-driven insights, and expand access to services. However, AI also poses significant risks, especially if its integration is unchecked. Our profession’s future depends on us taking control of this revolution.
Much like the Paris Climate Accord, where global leaders recognized the urgency of climate change and came together to set a course for the future, we must recognize the urgency of AI’s potential to disrupt social work. The stakes are high, and the risks are real. AI could reinforce existing inequities, reduce the human element of care, and even displace jobs if not handled with caution.
The Risks of AI Without Social Work Leadership
- Bias and Discrimination: AI systems are only as fair as the data they are trained on. Left unchecked, AI could perpetuate racial, economic, and gender disparities, undermining the core values of equity and justice that social workers fight for every day.
- Loss of Human Connection: Social work is rooted in human connection—trust, empathy, and the ability to engage with clients in their most vulnerable moments. While AI can automate tasks, it cannot replicate the emotional and relational depth that defines our work.
- Job Displacement: As AI tools become more advanced, there is a risk of replacing social workers. As demand for services grows and the need for human connection becomes even more essential, we cannot afford technology to push us out of the workforce.
The Potential of AI to Strengthen Social Work
- Improved Case Management: AI tools can help streamline administrative tasks, reducing time spent on paperwork and giving social workers more time to engage directly with clients.
- Data-Driven Insights: AI can help social workers make informed decisions by analyzing data and identifying patterns, allowing for more effective interventions.
- Expanded Access to Services: AI-powered systems can increase access to mental health support and resources, particularly for underserved communities, improving service delivery on a larger scale.
However, this potential can only be realized if social workers are actively involved in shaping how AI is integrated into our field. The future of social work depends on our engagement and leadership in this transformation. We cannot afford to let AI redefine our profession without our input.
But we cannot do this alone. Social workers must actively advocate for the AI Commission, engage with policymakers, and ensure that our voices are heard. Just as the Paris Climate Accord was the result of years of global organizing, the AI Commission will only come to fruition with the collective action of social workers across the country.
How Social Workers Can Get Involved:
- Advocate for the AI Commission for Social Workers: Contact your representatives and demand its creation. Your voice is critical in shaping the future of our profession.
Get Educated on AI: NASW is committed to providing resources to help social workers understand the potential impact of AI on our work. Equip yourself with the knowledge you need to be part of this critical conversation.- Support Local Advocacy: Host discussions and raise awareness in your local chapter or agency about the importance of AI in social work. The more informed social workers are, the more effectively we can advocate for policies that protect our profession.
- Prepare for the Future: As AI becomes more integrated into social work, it’s essential to train social workers to use these tools responsibly. NASW is working to provide the training and resources needed to ensure that AI empowers social workers, rather than replacing us.
Social work has always been a profession rooted in justice and advocacy. Now, as AI advances, it is more important than ever that social workers take the lead in shaping how technology is used in our field. Just as social workers have fought for civil rights and health equity, we must now fight to ensure that AI works for the people we serve, not against them.
AI can be a force for good, but only if we act now. Social workers are uniquely positioned to lead the charge, to ensure that AI remains a tool that supports human connection, not replaces it. It is our responsibility to safeguard the future of our profession, and in doing so, protect the most vulnerable among us.
The future of social work—and the future of democracy—depends on the actions we take today. Visit our advocacy page and learn how you can answer the call to get involved.
Ja’Bree Harris, MSW is NASW’s Public Policy and Advocacy Manager.
