----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER® Social Work E-News
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue #53, April 12, 2005
EDITOR'S EYE
Dear Social Work Colleagues,
Welcome to Issue #53 of the Social Work E-News. This e-mail newsletter is brought to you by the publisher of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine and other social work publications.
We have just completed another Social Work Month, and as always, our work continues. I hope you took some time out to celebrate and honor yourself and colleagues for the ongoing work you/we do.
April is a busy month for national observances. These include (but are not limited to): Cancer Control Month, National Autism Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month. National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Alcohol Awareness Month.
I'd like to welcome the social workers who signed up for the E-News at the recent Pennsylvania NASW conference in Harrisburg. It was great meeting you and participating in the conference, which sparked many ideas and thoughts, including some that I'll share below in my article on continuing education. Also, read below for details on some exciting new developments on our Web site (http://www.socialworker.com)!
Until next time,
Linda Grobman, ACSW, LSW
Publisher/Editor
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER®
http://www.socialworker.com
linda.grobman@paonline.com
***********************
IN THIS ISSUE
Words From Our Sponsors
Features
Job Corner/Current Job Openings
News
On Our Web Site
In Print
Social Work Gifts
Newsletter Necessities
*****************************************************
WORDS FROM OUR SPONSORS
*****************************************************
Walden University's Ph.D. in Human Services: Clinical Social Work
Make a difference in the lives of others by gaining the knowledge and recognition that comes with advanced graduate study. Walden University's Ph.D. in Human Services with a specialization in Clinical Social Work prepares clinical scholars who are well-grounded in the qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry and highly skilled in a variety of intervention techniques. Graduates serve as leaders in direct practice, hold university-level teaching and clinical research positions, and advance into clinical administration, supervision and consultation.
Walden's enrollment advisors are available to help you learn more and reach your goals. For more information, visit http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;15324030;11198563;v?http://higher.waldenu.edu/sw
*****************************************************
www.CEU-Hours.com
CEU-Hours.com offers quality, affordable online continuing education for mental healthcare and substance abuse professionals. All material needed to complete each course is available online so you can complete the work and get same day credit. Features include immediate test results and a great variety of topics including Mental Health Ethics and HIPAA. CEU-Hours.com is an approved CEU provider for several state boards and many of the courses are also recognized by NBCC (Complete listing and provider numbers available on the site). There is even a free trial course available for real CEU credit.
*****************************************************
FEATURES
*****************************************************
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Safe Children and Healthy Families Are a Shared Responsibility
"Safe Children and Healthy Families Are a Shared Responsibility" is the theme of this year's National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The primary responsibility for children's health and well-being rests with parents, but they cannot do it alone. All families benefit from the help of strong, supportive neighborhoods and communities.
Throughout the month of April, and throughout the year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, its National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, and the FRIENDS National Resource Center encourage communities, organizations, and individuals to play a role in keeping families healthy and children safe.
Visit the 2005 Prevention Month Web site (http://nccanch.acf.hhs.gov/topics/prevention/index.cfm) for the 2005 Community Resource Packet and other resources for information on getting the word out about the need to support families, tip sheets on positive parenting, and what to do when a child is not safe. Resources are available in English and Spanish.
For more information, contact the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information at 1-800-394-3366 or 703-385-7565.
*******************************
CONTINUING EDUCATION-IT'S GOOD FOR YOU
By Linda May Grobman, ACSW, LSW
I've always been a big believer in continuing education. Years before it was required for licensure renewal, I attended conferences and workshops, read professional books, and met regularly with colleagues to discuss professional issues. I enjoyed it, and I found the workshops educational and career-enhancing. I found networking with colleagues equally important to my continuing professional development.
Most (if not all) states now require that licensed social workers attend a specified number of hours of continuing education for each renewal period. I think this is good, because it forces social workers to continue their education beyond the bachelor's or master's degree. However, I find it disheartening to think that social workers would NEED to be forced to do so.
There are several options when it comes to continuing education. Some providers have sprung up solely because they know that social workers are required to take courses, and it is big business. It is important to think critically and choose wisely when deciding where to spend your CE time and dollars.
Here are a few options that are available:
1. Attend a professional association conference.
I attend a couple of national social work education conferences each year, and I go to the state NASW conference when I can, among others. A couple of weeks ago, I attended the conference of the Pennsylvania Chapter of NASW. Attending this conference reminded me of the value of attending a professional conference, as opposed to a single continuing education workshop or seminar. At the PA NASW conference, I attended several very interesting and stimulating workshops. Each presentation enhanced my knowledge and sparked my thoughts about social work. For example, I have recently been working on a new book review section for our Web site (see http://www.socialworker.com where the new Bookshelf section is now available). Attending a workshop on fiction and social work made me realize that, while I had included some fictional books on the site, this would be a great area to focus on in a bigger way. The presenter handed out a list of novels, primarily with the idea that social workers can read these to enhance their own understanding of social issues. But the discussion among participants also revealed that social work educators are using these books in their teaching, and social workers also use fictional literature in their direct work with clients.
In addition to attending workshops, I was immersed in 2 ½ days of being around social work colleagues. The exchange of ideas, catching up on what's happening in the professional association, hearing inspiring keynote speakers-all of this served to invigorate my ongoing work.
2. Attend a workshop or seminar.
A good workshop presented by a highly qualified expert can be a fantastic way to improve your skills and credentials. You will go back to your office with new tools to help your clients. For example, I attended a workshop on ADHD by Russell Barkley, and another one on parenting skills by T. Berry Brazelton. These were both excellent choices, because they offered in-depth training by the foremost experts in their fields. However, the presenter does not have to be nationally known to be an expert who can provide new information that will be useful in your work.
On the other hand, I attended a workshop a few years ago at which the presenter began the day by saying, "You're here to get your credits," with the blatant implication that no one was there to actually learn (or teach) something valuable-that the sole purpose of the workshop was to provide CE credits to the participants and to provide an income to the presenter. This was not true-many of the participants (including myself) were not happy with the poor quality of the day-long workshop that followed this statement.
So, it's important to think about what you are getting when you sign up for a workshop. Is it on a topic of interest to you? Is the presenter an expert in the field? Will you leave the workshop with tools you can use in your work?
3. Take a distance education course.
Distance education includes a variety of methods, including online courses, audio and video courses, and reading professional materials, to name a few. Distance education provides a convenient way to participate in an activity that educates by providing new content that will enhance your knowledge. These courses generally do not have to be completed at a specific place or time, as do conferences and workshops. So, if you realize that you have one week to complete your required hours, you can go online, find a course that is approved by your state's licensing board, take the course online, take an online exam, and print your CE certificate from your computer. Distance ed does not always have the added benefit of networking and sharing ideas with others, although some online courses (for example) do provide interactive features such as online discussion with other participants in the course. As with the other options, the quality varies when it comes to distance education. Check the credentials and methods of delivery carefully before registering for these, just as you would with other offerings.
If you haven't been to an NASW or other professional social work association conference lately, I highly recommend it. You will gain knowledge AND get a sense of belonging in the profession. And don't overlook all your options-conferences, one-day workshops, online courses, audio or video courses, reading for credit, and so on. Each has its merits and can provide quality education. Make sure that the courses and conferences you choose are approved by your state's licensing board, if you need to use the credits for licensure renewal. If you are not sure, contact the licensing board itself and ask.
You might wonder how to find continuing education courses that will best meet your needs. If you are a licensed social worker, you probably receive conference and workshop notices in the mail on a regular basis. You can also check the Web sites of your state Chapter of NASW or the national NASW Web site (http://www.socialworkers.org) for courses that have been approved by or are offered by NASW, or check with other professional associations to which you belong. You can visit the Web site of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) at http://www.aswb.org for providers that have been approved by ASWB. You can also check directly with your state's licensing board to find out if it has a listing of approved courses, or contact nearby schools of social work to find out if they offer continuing education.
When you have identified courses that might be of interest, be sure to ask yourself-what will I get out of this (besides __ hours of credit)? How will it enhance my knowledge? My skills? How will it be good for me? My clients? My agency? My career?
*******************************
NEW SERVICES ON SOCIALWORKER.COM
By Linda May Grobman, ACSW, LSW
As of last week, The New Social Worker's Web site at Socialworker.com is now offering two new services.
**Social Work Bookshelf**
Please visit our exciting new Social Work Bookshelf! We have moved our social work book reviews to a new interactive system. Go to http://www.socialworker.com and click on "Social Work Bookshelf" under the Main Menu. This will take you to the Bookshelf section, which contains a database of recently-published social work related books. Within this database, you will find recent book reviews that appeared in THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine. But wait-there's more! You can contribute to this site in some exciting ways:
Suggest a book that has not already been listed.
Suggest a new category.
Write a review! You can register (for free) as a member of the Bookshelf, which will allow you to add your own brief reviews of books you have already read.
Become an "official" reviewer. We regularly receive review copies of new books from publishers. If you would like to be considered as a reviewer for THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine or the Web site, click on the "Become a Reviewer" link under "Reviews" in the Main Menu, and you'll find instructions for submitting a request to me. If accepted, you may then be asked to read a book and write a full-length review of it. If you agree, we will send you the book for review. You read the book, write a review, and keep the book for your own professional library.
**Online Continuing Education**
The New Social Worker has teamed up with CEU4U.com to offer you high quality, educational, interesting, convenient, and affordable continuing education courses online. I have taken a course from CEU4U myself and found it to be high in quality, as well as user-friendly in terms of the technology used. I have been thinking about offering continuing education to our readers and site visitors for a while, and not wanting to "reinvent the wheel," looked for a high quality provider. This new relationship with CEU4U marks the beginning of this plan.
CEU4U.com has received accreditation for continuing education credits from many states and organizations that accredit continuing education for social workers. If you need credits for licensure renewal, of course, please check first to make sure that the courses are accepted by your state's licensing board. To view the course offerings and take a course, go to http://www.socialworker.com/ and click on the "Online Continuing Education" link under Main Menu, or go directly to the continuing education site at http://www.ceu4u.com/tnsw
*******************************
JOB CORNER
*******************************
CURRENT JOB OPENINGS:
Clinical Coordinators, KidsPeace National Centers of New England, Lewiston or South Portland, ME
http://jobs.socialworkjobbank.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=122&jb=729849
Social Workers, Medical Recruitment Specialists, Ireland
http://jobs.socialworkjobbank.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=122&jb=729826
Clinical Supervisor, La Familia Treatment Services, Santa Ana, CA
http://jobs.socialworkjobbank.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=122&jb=729487
Director, Salem Lutheran Homes, Elk Horn, IA
http://jobs.socialworkjobbank.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=122&jb=729255
Executive Director, Association of Oncology Social Work, U.S.
http://jobs.socialworkjobbank.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=122&jb=729028
Click on the above links (or copy and paste them into your browser, if they do not show up as links in your e-mail) to see the full detailed listings for these jobs at SocialWorkJobBank.com.
Find more jobs at http://www.socialworkjobbank.com, THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER's online job board and career center. Both new grads and experienced social work practitioners are included in our ever-growing candidate profile bank, which now includes thousands of confidential profiles/resumes of social work job seekers! We are proud of the fact that this site was chosen as one of 350 (out of 40,000+ employment sites) to be included in Weddle's Recruiter's and Job Seeker's Guide to Employment Web Sites 2004 and 2005.
If you or your agency are hiring social workers, don't forget to post your jobs on SocialWorkJobBank.com. Please check the SocialWorkJobBank "products/pricing" page for job posting options and SPECIAL offers.
All job seeker services are FREE-including searching current job openings, posting your confidential resume/profile, and requesting e-mail job alerts. Please let employers know that you saw their listings in the SOCIAL WORK E-NEWS and at SocialWorkJobBank.com.
************************************
NEWS
************************************
Social Welfare Action Alliance 20th Anniversary-National Meeting and Conference-July 29-31, 2005
(Formerly Bertha Capen Reynolds Society)
University of Toledo
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Social Work and Social Welfare Activism: Demanding Human Rights & Satisfying Human Needs
Members and interested others are encouraged to submit proposals to conduct a workshop or do a formal or informal presentation or present a paper on a conference theme subject.
All such proposals should be consistent with the conference theme or the mission of the Social Welfare Action Alliance (SWAA). For proposals, please provide the following:
* Cover page indicating names, addresses, and affiliations of all presenters and title of the proposed workshop, presentation, or paper
* 250-word proposal clearly linked to the conference theme and mission of SWAA
* 50-word abstract to be used in the conference program
* Describe how the participation of conference attendees will be achieved (sample questions to stimulate discussion).
Please e-mail your proposal by April 30, 2005 to: Terry Cluse-Tolar at tcluset@utnet.utoledo.edu
************************
CALL FOR ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine is seeking articles on social work ethics, social work field placement, and social work career issues. Articles should be approximately 1,500-2,000 words in length, and should focus on a specific issue-for example, an ethics article might focus on confidentiality in a rural setting-and provide examples of how the issue might present itself and how a social worker might respond to the issue.
If you have an idea for an article, please e-mail editor Linda Grobman (mailto:linda.grobman@paonline.com) with a brief proposal of the topic and what would be covered in your article.
The magazine is also looking for outstanding social work students to feature in the Student Role Model section. If you would like to suggest such a student, please e-mail Linda Grobman with the student's name and a brief description of what makes the student a role model for others.
************************
21ST CENTURY REVIEW OF SOCIAL WORK
The first issue of the newsletter of the 21st Century Social Work Review Group is now available at http://www.21csocialwork.org.uk
It aims to provide those with an interest in social work services in Scotland with a regular update on the progress of the review and the emerging issues.
The first issue of 21C News includes an overview of the Review Group and how it is gathering information and evidence, an interview with the group's Chair, Willy Roe, and key messages from users of social work services.
Willy Roe said: "We have been asked to identify what we need to do to make sure that Scotland has excellent social services in the future. Ministers want us to take a radical and long-term view. We are not making any assumptions about the existing pattern of services, legislation or the present balance between the public, voluntary, and private sectors.
"This is the best opportunity we are going to have in our generation to shape the pattern of social services for the next 20 years."
Key dates include May 25, June 15, and June 20, when there will be open consultation events for anyone with an interest in social work services in Edinburgh, Inverness, and Glasgow respectively. For more information about these events, contact Craig Gilbert on 0131 244 0293 or craig.gilbert@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.
**************************
$2 Million in Sallie Mae Fund Scholarships Available for Low Income and Minority Students
Deadlines approaching for scholarships available for '05-'06 academic year
The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, will award more than $2 million in college-access scholarships for the 2005-2006 academic year. The scholarships target under-served populations in an effort to increase access to higher education. Applications are now available online at http://www.salliemaefund.org.
The Sallie Mae Fund's scholarship programs for minority and under-served students include:
* The Sallie Mae Fund First in My Family® Scholarship Program: Developed in partnership with the Hispanic College Fund to offer scholarships to Hispanic-American students who are first in their family to attend college. Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000. Application deadline: April 15.
* The Sallie Mae Fund Unmet Need Scholarship Program: Intended to help financial aid officers meet the needs of full-time undergraduate students whose financial aid packages fall short by $1,000 or more. Open to families with a combined income of less than $30,000, Unmet Need scholarships provide a "last dollar" resource when no other funds are available. Application deadline: May 31.
* The Sallie Mae Fund American Dream Scholarship Program: Developed in partnership with the United Negro College Fund, the American Dream program offers scholarships from $500 to $5,000 for African-American students with demonstrated financial need. Application deadline: April 15.
* The Sallie Mae 911 Education Fund: Created in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the 911 Education Fund provides scholarship dollars to children of those who were killed or permanently disabled in the attacks. Application deadline: Open.
In addition, The Sallie Mae Fund awards scholarships to future college students at each of its nationwide "Paying for College" workshops. In 2004, approximately $170,000 in scholarships was awarded to future college students who attended the workshops.
To be eligible for The Sallie Mae Fund scholarship programs, students must be accepted and enrolled at a Title IV eligible, accredited postsecondary two- or four-year college or university, vocational, or technical school in the United States or Puerto Rico, and meet program-specific eligibility requirements.
To access applications for The Sallie Mae Fund's scholarship programs, visit http://www.salliemaefund.org.
************************
ON OUR WEB SITE
************************
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER's Web site at http://www.socialworker.com includes the full text of many sample articles from past issues of the magazine. On our site, click on "About the Magazine" to find Tables of Contents of the current and back issues, and click on "Feature Articles" to find full-text articles.
Our online discussion forum/message board is a place for open discussion of a variety of social work-related issues. Join in our discussion at http://www.socialworker.com (click on "Discussion Forum" in the left menu) -- you do not have to be a registered user to participate, but registering allows you to use some additional features of the message board.
Be sure to check out the Social Work Bookshelf and continuing education offerings (see article earlier in this Social Work E-News about these two new services).
************************
JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK VALUES AND ETHICS-SPRING ISSUE AVAILABLE
The Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics is a free, online, peer-reviewed journal published by the publisher of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER. It is published twice a year, in full text, online at http://www.socialworker.com/jswve
The second edition, Spring 2005, is available now. Go to http://www.socialworker.com/jswve and click on the link for Spring 2005-Vol. 2, No. 1. This issue includes the following articles:
Editorial Comment: Upcoming Special Issues
http://www.socialworker.com/jswve/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=13
Pragmatism and Clinical Practices
http://www.socialworker.com/jswve/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=14
Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work with Right-Wing Youth Groups
http://www.socialworker.com/jswve/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=15
Felony Convictions and Program Admissions: Theoretical Perspectives to Guide Decision-Making
http://www.socialworker.com/jswve/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=16
I'm Still Standing: Impacts & Consequences of Ethical Dilemmas for Social Workers in Direct Practice
http://www.socialworker.com/jswve/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=17
Book Review: Case Management
http://www.socialworker.com/jswve/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=18
Book Review: The Role of Law in Social Work Practice and Administration
http://www.socialworker.com/jswve/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=19
Go to the journal Web site at http://www.socialworker.com/jswve and sign up for a free subscription, and you will be notified by e-mail when each issue is available online.
************************
IN PRINT
************************
SPRING ISSUE OF THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER NOW AVAILABLE
The Spring issue of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine is available now. If you are a subscriber to the print magazine, you will receive your copy very soon. Here are some highlights of this issue:
My Social Work Beginnings
Field Placement in a Congressional Office
Poor Mothers, Mothers Who Work
Communication Skills for the Social Work Interview
Networking as an Effective Job Search Strategy
Career Spotlight on School Social Work
Malware, Spyware, Adware, and Phishing: Oh My!
Helping Teenagers Make Waves
and more!
See our Web site for more details about this issue.
***************************
SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER MAGAZINE
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER can be ordered directly from our online store at http://www.whitehatcommunications.com/store -- where you will also find the social work and nonprofit management books we publish.
Subscriptions to THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER are also available through Amazon.com. To order your subscription from Amazon.com, go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00007B01P/newsocialwork-20
Visit http://www.lulu.com and find instant downloads of selected back issues of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine. Buy a single issue or a whole collection.
*****************************************************
SOCIAL WORK GIFTS
*****************************************************
Do you need a unique gift for someone who is interested in social work, a colleague, or a student? Here are some ideas:
Subscription to THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine--$15 for 1 year (to U.S. address)
Books-DAYS IN THE LIVES OF SOCIAL WORKERS and MORE DAYS IN THE LIVES OF SOCIAL WORKERS offer an overview of "typical" days in a wide variety of social work settings! THE SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICANT'S HANDBOOK is a great gift for anyone who is thinking about social work graduate school.
"I Am a Social Worker" Buttons-Red buttons with yellow lettering. Stock up on them and give them to your fellow classmates, colleagues, interns, or new graduates.
These items and more are available at our online store at http://www.whitehatcommunications.com/store
We also have specialty items (social work mugs, teddy bears, and more) at http://www.cafepress.com/socialworker -- you won't find these ANYWHERE else!
*******************************
NEWSLETTER NECESSITIES
You have subscribed to receive this free newsletter.
To unsubscribe, follow the "unsubscribe" link in this newsletter, or go to our main page at http://www.socialworker.com and look for the "Subscribe/Unsubscribe" form in the left-hand menu. Simply enter your e-mail address (the one where you received this newsletter), click on "unsubscribe" and submit the form.
To change the address for your subscription, please unsubscribe your old e-mail address and then subscribe your new one.
To see previous issues of this newsletter, go to the public archive page, located at:
http://www.yourmailinglistprovider.com/pubarchive.php?lindagwhc
***********************
ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER® SOCIAL WORK E-NEWS is published by:
White Hat Communications (publisher of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER® magazine and THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER® ONLINE)
P.O. Box 5390
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0390
Linda Grobman, Editor
linda.grobman@paonline.com
http://www.socialworker.com
***********************
Advertising: If you would like to place a job listing or sponsor this newsletter, e-mail linda.grobman@paonline.com for rates and further information. We also now offer banner advertising on our Web site.
News: Please send brief social work-related news items to linda.grobman@paonline.com for consideration.
*****************************************************
PRIVACY
Your subscription e-mail address will only be used to deliver this e-newsletter and to occasionally inform you of updates from its publisher. Your e-mail address will not be given to anyone else or used for any other purpose as a result of your subscription to this newsletter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2005 White Hat Communications. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this entire newsletter, with all information intact, by e-mail to social work colleagues, students, and others interested in social work, for personal use only. You may also print out this newsletter for personal use. All other uses of this material require permission from the publisher at: linda.grobman@paonline.com
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER is a registered trademark of White Hat Communications.
