Social Worker Associations

This is a professional membership organization for social workers in the United States. Services include complaints, advocacy, and continuing education. The organization sets and enforces standards for professional performance; certifies social work practitioners; disseminates information to members about employment, regulations, and relevant innovations and legislation that affect practice; provides continuing education opportunities; is involved in legislative advocacy on issues that relate to the profession and human needs; and provides a variety of benefits for members. There are no geographic restrictions.

The organization enforces the NASW Code of Ethics which defines the manner in which services are to be provided, accepts and investigates complaints about unethical behavior by members, and imposes sanctions on members who violate professional standards. It also administers the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) which provides nationally recognized voluntary social work certification. It publishes national and local newsletters, the Register of Clinical Social Workers which lists members who meet the current standards for clinical practice and insurance reimbursement, the Encyclopedia of Social Work, Social Work Journal, and a variety of abstracts and special reports. Continuing education opportunities for members include a variety of conferences, workshops, and symposiums as well as a major national conference. The organization also provides courses to prepare members for the ACSW and LCSW exams. The benefits for members include the opportunity to purchase professional liability insurance and life insurance, professional journals and professional recognition.

To become a member, people must have undergraduate or graduate degrees in social work from accredited programs; student and associate memberships are also available.