The New Social Worker Online — the professional social work careers magazine

What About Us? The Mental Health of Social Workers

The more we talk about being in the same sea as our clients, the more we can demystify the stigma around mental illness that keeps all of us from building the robust teams we need to continue our work in this powerful field of social work. Read more

Self-Care A-Z: Revising “The Giving Tree” and Other Stories, Self-Care Style

“Re-storying” is an aspect of the narrative approach that I’ve appreciated for many years. Here, I share an example - a re-storying of Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree - and invite you to share in re-storying, as self-care. Read more

Is Practicing Civility Enough During Times of Strife: A Reminder of Social Work’s Central Calling

The NASW Code of Ethics encourages social workers to combat isms, discrimination, oppression, and violence. Social workers need to see practicing civility as only a minimum in a range of social justice and human rights activities. Read more

Days In the Lives of Social Workers

Days in the Lives of Social Workers, 5th edition, allows you to take a close-up look at real-life days of 62 professional social workers as they share their stories. Join them on their journeys, and learn about the rewards and challenges they face. Read more

Features

Social Work, Inc.: How Benefit Corporations Grow Your Business With Social Responsibility

There are a number of reasons for social workers to consider incorporating as a benefit corporation. Benefit corporations must be committed to creating a public benefit in addition to generating a profit. Read more

Karen Zgoda, Kristin Battista-Frazee, Rachel West Practice 2 Comments

Dialogues on Gun Violence: The Role of Social Work Values and Principles

As we approach conversations on gun violence, we need to keep in mind social work values of integrity, respect, human relationships, and competence. Read more

Allan Barsky Ethics

A Matter of Speaking: For Social Workers, How To Give a Presentation With Confidence, Humor, and Impact

Regardless of your social work practice area, professional presentation skills are a must. Yet, 75% of people are afraid of public speaking. Read more

Jennifer Luna Careers

Say You’re a Social Worker

You hold a social work degree because you chose social work. Be proud of it and call yourself a social worker. Read more

Elizabeth Clark Careers 6 Comments

Assessing for PTSD in Terminally Ill Patients

Over the course of a lifetime, most people will experience at least one potentially traumatizing event. Social workers can take a multi-dimensional, ongoing approach to assessing for PTSD in terminally ill patients. Read more

Practice

How To Train the Technology Monster We Cannot See

Is the technology monster sneaking into your life and draining your resources? Read more

Stephen Cummings Tech

The Intersection of Autoimmune Disease and Social Work: An Effective Partnership for Health

There are 80 to 100 autoimmune diseases. As the prevalence of autoimmune disease rises, the number of patients who will seek the support of social workers will also increase. Read more

Practice

Will I Have a Social Work Legacy?

I am not known for my writing, research, or speaking. I don’t have a program named after me. But over the years, as a social worker, I have interacted with hundreds, probably thousands, of young people. Read more

Practice 4 Comments

Book Review: Dare to Lead

Book review of Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, reviewed by Lisa Eible. Read more

Reviews & Commentary

Book Review: White Fragility

Book review of White Fragility by Robin Diangelo, reviewed by Lisa Eible. Read more

Reviews & Commentary 2 Comments

Book Review: Older, Wiser, Shorter

Book review of Older, Wiser, Shorter by Jane Seskin, reviewed by Linda May Grobman. Read more

Linda May Grobman Reviews & Commentary

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GREAT ADVICE! I am in the process of completing my bsw and I am so glad you took the time to share

Melanie Eaton | What About Us? The Mental Health of Social Workers
Thank you for addressing this important topic.

LISA EIBLE | Beyond Colorblindness: Addressing Racial Trauma and Racial Bias in Social Work
Thanks for sharing this. When I worked as a mental health therapist (no formal training, pursuing m

Stephanie | What About Us? The Mental Health of Social Workers
I applaud this article! The message of "The Giving Tree" is not just a harmful one for professiona

SaraKay Smullens | Self-Care A-Z: Revising “The Giving Tree” and Other Stories, Self-Care Style