Associations for Social Workers

Many associations for social workers exist at the national and state level. These associations help to keep workers in a given field, network or group stay informed of changes that may affect them. Social worker associations also provide legislative advocacy services and are instrumental in passing laws, such as social worker title protection, that maintain the quality and reputation of the profession.

Joining a social worker association may also present outlets for earning continuing education credits, networking opportunities that lead to employment, access to research and databases or other benefits and services.

Below is an extensive, but by no means comprehensive, list of associations for social workers that may prove beneficial. The associations have been grouped by category. Follow the links for more information on what each association offers.

Global Social Worker Associations

International Federation of Social Work

International Association of Schools of Social Work

International Association for Social Work with Groups

National Social Worker Associations

Association of Social Work Boards

Society for Social Work and Research

Social Work Policy Institute

Association for Community Organization and Social Administration

Network for Social Work Management

Social Work Education Associations

Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors

Council on Social Work Education

Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work

National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work

Network Associations

National Rural Social Work Caucus

North American Association of Christians in Social Work

National Association of Black Social Workers

National Association of Puerto Rican and Hispanic Social Workers

Latino Social Workers Organization

Social Workers Helping Social Workers

Clinical Associations

Clinical Social Work Association

American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work

American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work

Health Care Associations

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care

American Case Management Association

American Public Health Association Social Work Section

Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network

Association of Oncology Social Work

Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work

National Association of Perinatal Social Workers

National Kidney Foundation of Nephrology Social Workers

Professional Association of Social Workers in HIV and AIDS

School, Children and Families Social Worker Associations

American Council for School Social Work

School Social Work Association of America

Child Welfare League of America

Social Welfare Action Alliance

Other National Associations

National Organization of Forensic Social Work

Association of VA Social Workers

Kentucky State Social Worker Associations

Kentucky Board of Social Work

Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Kentucky Society for Clinical Social Work

Kentucky Association for School Social Work

National Association of Social Workers Kentucky Chapter

Dennis W. Gish

Dennis W. Gish

After recently completing my graduate studies in Educational Psychology, it was time to reflect and plan toward my future in teaching that had seemed only a dream just a few short years ago. For me, the online undergraduate coursework and instructors at Brescia provided the perfect learning opportunity and preparation for my recent academic successes. The online academic structure at Brescia provided the right levels of flexibility to overcome the challenges of balancing a full-time job, family and school in making my dream of a new career become a reality. If anyone is considering returning to school, the “Brescia Experience” is one that offers a friendly and supportive faculty with proven successes in delivering a life-changing learning experience second to none.

Danielle Moran

Danielle Moran

I enrolled in Brescia University online after taking many years off of school. I was worried about going back to school, and had heard online college courses and professors could be difficult. All of my worries were put to ease once I attended my first class. The classes are easy to access, and all the assignments are clearly laid out in advance. The professors are great, they are knowledgeable and have to teach a lot of information, but are fair about expectations. I can even interact with the professor and other students in chat during class. I am really enjoying the entire setup of BUonline.

Cheryl Powell

Cheryl Powell

The academic preparation I have received from Brescia University has been instrumental in enabling me to fulfill my vocation to serve the Church as a Lay Ecclesial Minister. Brescia has provided me with a strong foundation in Theology, helping me grow in my faith life, as well as my professional life. The online classes have given me the flexibility needed to obtain my degree completely online while working full time. I am grateful for all of the support I have been given by my academic advisors who helped by listening and guiding me to successful completion of my degree in Theology.

Gregory A. Smith

Gregory A. Smith

I cannot put into words the range of emotions I felt Friday and Saturday [at graduation]. Meeting [Eva Atkinson], Rachel Besing and Vickie Will along with my fellow [classmate] Rachel made an already amazing experience something I will recall as a favorite lifetime event. Even as I am writing this I feel I am falling short putting this into words. As an online student, everyone made me feel like I had been on campus for four years and built meaningful academic relationships. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Christina Hull

Christina Hull

As an online student, I cannot say enough about all of the teachers that I have encountered. They are dedicated, they care and they are supportive. If I absolutely had to pick one professor, it would have to be Tim Nugent. He had such an impact on me that I will never forget. I hope to be half the Social Worker that he displays as a professor in my future profession. His experience, patience and genuine care for his students is very apparent. It was a privilege getting to meet him. Thank you for the opportunity to make my dreams come true Brescia!

Pamela Hammon

Pamela Hammon

In my experience, online classes have always given me a feeling of taking classes with my family. I say this because the sizes of the classes are smaller [and] you get to know your classmates and build emotional connections with them.

Angel Clark

Angel Clark

Master's in Social Work, Advanced Standing Student

President, Phi Alpha Honor Society, Chi Psi Chapter Brescia University

Haley Savannah Mandeville

Haley Savannah Mandeville

Kim Anderson

Kim Anderson

Kayla Draughn

Kayla Draughn

I was able to use my husband's GI Bill to attend Brescia. Brescia is very military friendly.