The NASW Alabama Chapter

Social Work Reinvestment Plan

Introduction

In 2007, the Chapter executive director invited members of the Chapter to complete two surveys regarding services offered by the Chapter. Results from the surveys are incomplete waiting for final tabulation. Based upon cursory feedback, inexpensive or free continuing education programs offered by Units and workshops at the Chapter conference were identified to be of paramount value. This service assists members meet licensure continuing education requirements. Many cannot afford time from work to attend other conferences or programs or to pay for other programs. In general, responses indicated overall satisfaction with the Chapter.

The SWRI Power Point presentation provided by National was presented at a Board meeting and a copy was provided to all Board members and Units to share with members. The plan was discussed at Board meetings and active participation and input were invited. Due to the loss of the executive director just as the action plan was beginning and the transition period that followed, there has been a delay in gathering data, writing and implementing the plan. A committee has been formed to oversee the plan. Additional research and thorough thought will result in a more complete plan of action. The following presents the Alabama Chapter’s current plan as of February 15, 2008.

Social Work Regulation

Any person who identifies himself or herself as a social worker or who says he/she practices social work is required to be licensed.

  • Social workers are licensed at three levels: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) and Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW). Licensed Certified Social Workers must have a MSW/Ph.D. and two years of social work experience supervised by another LCSW. Also, a LCSW may apply for approval for Private Independent Practice (PIP). Those holding this privilege are usually not working in an organizational setting and are in private practice of some type. All levels are required to pass a national examination and must be a graduate of a social work education program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). At times, the state legislature has required that the examination be opened for persons with degrees in a “related field”. This has only applied at the bachelor level and was time-limited. However, it has resulted in a small group who hold the LBSW without having a degree in social work.
  • The number of licensed social workers at each level is provided below.
  • LBSW 2,355
  • LGSW 1,119
  • LCSW 1,448
  • Data of licensed social workers by county is not available. The Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners does not maintain records based upon location.
  • All licensed social workers are required to renew their license bi-annually.
  • All licensed social workers are required to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education. In addition the PIP requires 20 additional hours.
  • Subject categories (e.g. ethics) are not specified for continuing education.
  • Alabama law does not provide social workers with privileged communication or the right to make a mental health diagnosis.

Social Work Education Programs

Alabama has 13 CSWE accredited bachelor level social work educational programs, two that offer the MSW and one that has a PhD program. One program is in candidacy status. Each of the following offers the BSW. Alabama A&M and The University of Alabama offer the MSW and The University of Alabama has a Ph.D. program. Five institutions are historically African-American and two are faith-based.

InstitutionLocation

AlabamaA&MUniversityHuntsville

AlabamaStateUniversityMontgomery

AuburnUniversityAuburn

JacksonvilleStateUniversityJacksonville

MilesCollegeBirmingham

MontevalloUniversityMontevallo

OakwoodCollegeHuntsville

TalladegaCollegeTalladega

TroyUniversityTroy/Phenix City

TuskegeeUniversityTuskegee

University of AlabamaTuscaloosa

The University of Alabama offers the first year of the MSW in Hong Kong and these students may complete the second year of the MSW in residence at the University campus. The MSW is also offered in Gadsden and through distance education between locations in Tuscaloosa, Gadsden, Montgomery and Mobile. Students may complete the MSW by attending Saturday courses in Tuscaloosa.

University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham

University of NorthAlabamaFlorence

University of South Alabama (Candidacy Status)Mobile

Data is not currently available on the number of graduates from each program.

Social Work Employers

The majority of social workers are employed by public agencies at the county, state and federal levels. Alabama has 67 counties and each has a Human Resource and Public Health office. Most also have Rehabilitation offices. Those employed at the state level are usually located in central offices in Montgomery. VA medical centers are located in Birmingham, Montgomery and Tuskegee. Two military bases (FortRucker and Maxwell AFB) employ social workers. It is not known how many employed social workers provide services related to national guard or reserve units. These are located throughout the state.

  • Department of Human Resources
  • Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation
  • Department of Rehabilitation
  • Department of Youth Services
  • Public Health Department
  • Veteran’s Administration medical centers

A growing number of social workers are employed by private for-profit and none-profit organizations that provide services paid through government contracts, grants and fees. A large number of these agencies exist in many communities and specific employment data is not available because no central location maintains such information.

  • Community services for the elderly
  • Family and children community organizations
  • Group homes
  • Hospitals and medical agencies
  • Hospice programs
  • Nursing homes and assisted living programs
  • Therapeutic foster care

A small number of religious organizations and churches employ social workers and a few public schools have begun to use social workers.

Employment Required by Legislation or Court Decisions

As a result of a law suits, courts have stipulated that licensed social workers are required in state mental health programs and at countyHuman Resource agencies providing foster care programs. However, as conditions established by the courts are met, the courts have released agencies from strict supervision of such requirements.

It is not currently known how many accredited agencies utilize social workers.

Social Work Reinvestment Partnerships and Action Plan

Identified below are issues, goals and proposed Coalition Members that could be helpful in working in unison to accomplish goals. Issues and goals may change based upon priorities, resources and feasibility. At this time, a coalition has not been formed. A specific strategic plan will be developed. If approved by the Chapter Board, a contract will be made with an NASW member to help develop and implement the SWRI Plan.

Promote Positive Public Image of Social Work

  • Social Work education programs
  • Individual social workers
  • Social work organizations

Actions:

  • Letters to editors
  • Media interviews
  • Bill boards
  • Public speaking engagements
  • Organize community service projects.

Increase Salaries

  • State and county agencies (DHR, DPH, etc.)
  • State personnel department
  • Social work education programs
  • Board of Social Work Examiners
  • Alabama Conference of Social Work (ACSW)
  • Medical Social Work organization
  • Key service agencies (i.e. Gateway, Methodist Children’s Home, FamilyGuidanceCenter, hospice programs, therapeutic foster care programs)

Actions:

  • Meet with key decision-makers in large agencies.
  • Build support with legislators.
  • (Public image program will help others appreciate the contributions that social workers provide to communities and the state.)

Obtain Approval of School Social Workers

  • Alabama Education Association
  • Alabama Superintendent of Education
  • Alabama Board of Education
  • County and city superintendents of education
  • Alabama A&M, University of Alabama
  • VOICES for Alabama’s Children

Actions:

  • Coordinate with the ChapterSchool Social Work Committee.
  • Employ services of a professional lobbyist (done).
  • Meet with key decision-makers (in progress).
  • Respond to suggestions of lobbyist and committee (in progress).

Build NASW Membership

  • Unit Chairs
  • Social work education programs
  • Current members
  • Lapsed members
  • Retired social workers

Actions:

  • Strengthen connection with Units by visiting and supporting.
  • Strengthen connection with social work education programs by visiting each and improving communications.
  • Improve Chapter web site.
  • Improve communication with members and others with special emphasis upon the use of email, the website and the newsletter.
  • Recognize contributions of retired social workers by asking agencies to identify any who retire.
  • Welcome new members with an email or letter.
  • Identify new services that would support members; especially those that may be made available through use of the website.
  • Maintain an exhibit at professional conferences.
  • Offer additional quality workshops at conferences or at Unit programs.

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