Five Social Work Organizations to Help Your Career

National Association of Social Workers
Council on Social Work Education
School Social Work Association of America
Association of Oncology Social Work
Clinical Social Work Association

The diverse field of social work has a wealth of professional organizations that providing ongoing education, professional development, advocacy, networking and much more that can help those you are serious about building a solid career. Joining one or more of these organizations is a good way to set yourself apart and show prospective employers that you are serious about your commitment to the field as well as staying abreast of professional development.

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

NASW is the world’s largest social work organization with more than 132,000 members. Its Code of Ethics is considered the gold standard for how social workers should conduct themselves. The association’s mission is to enhance professional growth while also advocating sound social work policies. You’ll find chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico as well as many countries throughout the world. NASW publishes the premier journal in the field, “Social Work,” with members receiving copies as part of their membership. Other advantages include discounts on HIPAA compliance training and continuing education courses and conferences.

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

This national association is known for its work in accrediting baccalaureate and master’s degree social work programs. CSWE is dedicated to improving the quality of social work programs through a variety of initiatives and activities and plays a part in achieving the field’s goals of social and economic justice. The Council’s Commission on Accreditation is recognized as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States. Members receive monthly newsletters, an annual subscription to the Journal of Social Work Education and discounts on other publications.

School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA)

SSWAA is the nation’s premier professional organization for school social workers who work to promote the social and emotional growth for children in grades K through 12. Joining SSWAA provides social workers with niche-related information such as research papers, articles and practice tools that will enhance their roles in the school community. Members have access to state chapters, online webinars, professional continuing education courses and a annual national conference.

Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW)

Another niche professional organization is AOSW, an associations for social workers who deal frequently with cancer patients and their families. Although most members work in a healthcare setting, the organization is also open to practitioners who are consultants to community service agencies or private industry for cancer counseling services. The organization’s mission is to improve psychosocial support services for cancer patients and families. AOSW collaborates with other patient advocacy groups and oncology organizations to improve care for cancer patients. Members can attend an annual conference, have access to online learning and the organization’s advocacy blog.

Clinical Social Work Association (CWSA)

CWSA calls itself the national voice of clinical social work and focuses on strengthening the identity of clinical social workers. The organization works to protect the clinical social worker profession throughout the United States and has preservation of social work integrity as its goal. CWSA works to implement mental health parity within the healthcare system and strives to ensure fair pay for all clinical social workers. The association also takes stands on advocacy issues.

By joining one of these five professional social work organizations, you’ll have a better chance of furthering your career. These groups can provide invaluable information, especially in the niche areas of the field where much of social workers’ daily activities are specialized.