20 23
IMPACT
Statement
Cultivating Social Work Community
TABLE OF
Contents 03 Message from our Executive Director 04 Connecting Social Workers is What We Do 06 Connecting for Professional Development 08 Connecting for Collective Action Connections: Meeting Social 10 Community Workers Where They’re At
12 Take the Student Membership Challenge 13 Connecting to Our Next Generation Connecting to Volunteer Leadership
15 Opportunities
16 Community Connections
MESSAGE FROM OUR
Executive Director Having joined the NASW-NJ just a few months ago, I am proud of the chapter's achievements outlined in this document.
This report represents a community of social workers dedicated to their profession. This community includes lifelong learners who have completed various continuing education and professional development opportunities, social workers willing to support, supervise, and train new and up-and-coming social work professionals, and those advocating on numerous issues impacting the profession and communities they serve.
Many have stepped up and taken on leadership roles within communities, NASW-NJ, and the National NASW Board of Directors.
Collectively, the NASW-NJ community has built relationships and partnerships that are the foundation for the continued growth and success of the chapter. I look forward to working with you in the coming year.
Congratulations on your accomplishments this past year.
Sincerely,
Debra A. O’Neal, MSW, ACSW, LMSW Chapter Executive Director, Delaware and New Jersey National Association of Social Workers
Connecting Social Workers IS WHAT WE DO At NASW-NJ, human connection is one of our primary focuses. Membership is more than a transaction. It's about building deep and lasting connections within your chosen profession and the power of the collective social work voice. You’ve shown us you value this approach through your commitment to NASW-NJ membership. New members and returning members have come to the Chapter in steady waves to access resources, attend our programs, support our advocacy, and take advantage of discount opportunities available to members.
OUR NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY
782
MEMBERS BY STATE 2,645 1,137
NEW MEMBERS JOINED OUR CHAPTER THIS PAST YEAR MEMBERSHIP DOES MORE THAN REFLECT THE VITALITY OF OUR CHAPTER.
INCREASES IN MEMBERSHIP...
2,074 739 *66 UNCONFIRMED *AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2023
ALSO INCREASE OUR REACH, IMPACT, AND COLLECTIVE VOICE.
6,661 TOTAL MEMBERS
In 2023, we reached more people than ever before, as members shared our e-mails, social media posts, advocacy alerts, and spread the word about our work through word of mouth.
ONLINE COMMUNITY NASW-NJ has achieved remarkable strides in its social media presence. Notably, we've successfully highlighted our vibrant community, shedding light on the incredible work and dedication of social workers. Over the past year, we’ve highlighted the work of our members and their organizations through more than 120 social media posts this past year. Through a blend of engaging content, insightful resources, and inspiring stories, NASW-NJ has cultivated a dynamic online space where our community thrives. Our commitment to sharing valuable information, supporting professional growth, and showcasing the positive impact of social work has not only strengthened our online presence, but also nurtured a sense of unity and shared purpose among our members. It's a testament to our dedication in promoting the welfare of both social workers and the individuals, families, and communities they serve.
WEBSITE
48,000
EMAIL MESSAGES
VIEWS
5.8M
SOCIAL MEDIA TOTAL FOLLOWERS TWITTER
2.4K
3.9K
15.7K
SOCIAL MEDIA REACH
6.3K
728.4K accounts across all platforms
SOCIAL MEDIA GROWTH IN PAST 12 MONTHS
45.4%
3.6K
CONNECTING FOR
Professional Development NASW-NJ continues to be the leading provider of social work continuing education and professional development programs in New Jersey. This year, based on your feedback and outreach, we launched two new certificate programs: our Aging and Older Adults Certificate program and our Advanced Trauma Certificate program. And in January 2024, we’ll be introducing our new Grief Certificate Program. We also launched our 4-CEU Advanced Clinical Supervision workshop, for experienced clinical supervisors looking to refresh and update their supervision skills.
CONNECTING TO
National Conversations
16.5
46
Free CEUs available to each member
Total number of CE programs offered
263.5
3,271
Total number of CEU hours offered
Total CE program registrants
We’re excited to share that Seton Hall BSW Student, Hana Kisswani, has been elected to the role of BSW Student Representative to the NASW National Board. This is an amazing opportunity for Hana and a credit to NJ social workers that she’ll be representing our state at the National level. Here’s what Hana had to say about her new role:
“
I chose to run for the BSW Student Representative position on the NASW’s board of directors because I am dedicated to the social work profession and wanted to support the upcoming generation of social workers. With this position, I hope to gain more knowledge about NASW’s initiatives and how the organization plays a vital role in the social work profession. Additionally, I hope to
“
professionally grow as a future social worker and successfully fulfill my role with NASW.
In November 2023 NASW-NJ sent 12 elected delegates to the national delegate assembly. The Delegate Assembly is NASW’s representative, decision-making body through which NASW members set some organizational policy, establish Program Priority Goals, and develop a collective stance on public and professional issues.
THE LARGEST GATHERING OF
Social Workers on the East Coast Our members have been advocating for a return to an in-person Annual Conference almost since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the ensuing years, we did our best to balance community demand with crucial health and safety needs. Finally, after three years of virtual conferences, the 2023 NASW-NJ Annual Conference returned to its traditional in-person venue in Atlantic City. And when we returned, we returned in force! Almost 950 conference attendees, presenters, and exhibitors joined us at Resorts Hotel & Casino for the opportunity to network with other social workers, attend presentations from nationally renowned speakers, and earn up to 23.5 CEUs over the course of the 3-day event. In addition, the Conference also held space for our annual Social Work Student Summit. Over 100 students from colleges and universities across the state of New Jersey enjoyed a hybrid conference experience—joining social work professionals for our Keynote and Plenary sessions and also attending student-focused programming aimed at helping social work students prepare for professional careers and learning about the vast array of career pathways available to them.
CONNECTING EXPERIENCED CLINICIANS WITH
Newer Social Workers
NASW-NJ is committed to developing the next generation of social workers. This wouldn’t be possible without developing the next generation of social work clinical supervisors. In 2023, nearly 300 experienced clinical social workers took advantage of our highly regarded Clinical Supervision Course to advance their careers and prepare to train newer professionals entering the field. Supervisors who successfully completed training had the opportunity to have their names added to our Clinical Supervisor list, a searchable database that helps connect trained clinical supervisors with newer social workers seeking supervision. Additionally, we launched our Advanced Clinical Supervision training for experienced clinical supervisors looking to further develop their skills.
274
535
Clinical Supervisors Trained in 2023
Clinical Supervisors in our Directory
CONNECTING FOR
COLLECTIVE ACTION Members keep us informed of the various issues impacting the practice of social work in our state. This year, our Chapter placed a strong emphasis on those professional issues. One result of these efforts was the press conference and rally we held at the State House on Legislative Education & Advocacy Day. Hundreds of social work students gathered in Trenton to raise awareness of the biases inherent in the ASWB Licensing Exam and to advocate for the removal of the Masters Level Exam as a requirement for licensure in our state.
WITH YOUR HELP WE PURSUED THE FOLLOWING PROFESSIONAL ISSUES: Advocating with NJ Board of Social Work Examiners on behalf of members Advocating for improvements and upgrades at the Division of Consumer Affairs and state Licensing Boards Advocating for student loan forgiveness and loan redemption programs at the state and federal level Pursuing the Interstate Licensing Compact for Social Workers Ensuring the continuation of pay parity between telehealth and in-person services Advocating for annual Cost of Living Adjustment for public agency social workers Advocating for rate increases for mental health services under Medicare and Medicaid Addressing revisions to our state social work regulations related to Continuing Education Course approval Collaborating with individual and group practices to address problems related to provider reimbursement for mental and behavioral health services provided
CONNECTING FOR
Collective Action
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
compact, share lessons learned, and create a collection of testimony, white papers, and other resources to support the
This year, we worked hard to bring all the professional
creation of the compact in our states.
mental health groups to the table in an interdisciplinary effort to address systemic issues that cross through all our
Anti-LGBTQIA+ Policies in New Jersey School
professions. We’ve engaged in collaborative conversations
Districts
and efforts with the NJ Psychiatric Association, the NJ Psychological Association, the NJ Counseling Association,
This year, some school districts in New Jersey sought to
the NJ Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and
institute mandatory parental notification policies that are
the NJ Association of Addiction Professionals to address
not only discriminatory against LGBTQIA+ students, but
issues related to telehealth accessibility and pay parity, the
potentially harmful to them. NASW-NJ issued a policy
opioid crisis, and our various licensing boards and
stance in opposition to these efforts that social workers can
authorities. We anticipate growing these collaborations in
share with school leadership in their community should
the coming year as we work to address issues that impact all
these policies be introduced.
mental health and behavioral health professionals. Mandatory parental notification policies—which amount to
Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact
the forced outing of trans and non-binary youth—must not be the standard procedure in our schools when students
This spring, Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald
express thoughts, ideas, and behaviors indicating they may
introduced legislation in the Assembly (A-5349) that
be trans, non-binary, or in other ways questioning their
authorizes NJ’s entry into the social work interstate licensure
gender. Social workers know that not all LGBTQIA+ youth
compact. More than 500 of you responded to our advocacy
are safe at home. Disclosure of LGBTQIA+ status to parents
alert this summer that urged you to contact your legislators
must be handled on a student-by-student basis, taking into
to support this legislation. And the list of those legislators
account student health and safety needs. Mandatory
who have signed on to our bill is now available here:
parental disclosure can lead to harm including rejection,
https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/A5349. To
disavowal, and in some cases physical violence. Disclosure
build on this, we continue to work with our allies in the State
of LGBTQIA+ status to parents by school staff must only
Senate to introduce companion legislation to the Assembly
occur when it is safe and appropriate for the youth
bill. We’re also working closely with other state chapters of
involved.
NASW to discuss ongoing efforts in our states to create the
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Meeting Social Workers Where They’re At We believe in more than just connecting social workers; we strive to highlight the efforts and work of social workers across New Jersey and create opportunities for social workers to establish themselves as leaders in the profession. THIS YEAR WE FEATURED STORIES ABOUT OUR MEMBERS ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA MORE THAN
120 TIMES
Small Business Spotlight
Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlights
Black History Month Stories
Members from across our community also led workshops, presentations, and community conversations, and shared their expertise with our community through articles in NASW-NJ FOCUS Magazine.
123
43
Social Media Spotlights
Conference Presenters
24
43
Community Conversations / FB Live Events
professional and student written articles
in FOCUS magazine
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS For the first time since the COVID pandemic, we had the opportunity to get out into the community and meet social workers where they are at. We connected with you at more than a dozen social work and social work-related events and programs across the state.
Baccalaureate Child Welfare Education Program Fairleigh Dickinson University Monmouth University Montclair State University Newark Board of Education NJ Conference on Inclusive Education NJ Integrated Mental Health Conference NJ Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies Conference Ramapo College Rider University Rutgers University Seton Hall University The Annual Paul Shane Policy Symposium The College of New Jersey
Connecting Students to their Professional Association
Take the Student Membership Challenge I would like to say that being part of the NASW, and also having the privilege of being elected to the chapter’s board of directors as student representative has been a blessing. I have been able to advocate for my fellow social workers and also learn more in depth about the impact we have as an association on policy and ethics in our profession. I can't wait to continue to participate in the agency and attend more conferences! – PAOLA BENITEZ, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY, BSW CLASS OF 2024
You can help connect new social workers to the broader profession by sponsoring a student’s membership in NASW. Student membership costs $60 and helps provide students with connections to mentors and colleagues, as well as networking and other benefits.
Will you join us in connecting our students to their premier professional organization? YOU CAN MAKE A SECURE DONATION HERE: HTTPS://FORM.JOTFORM.COM/NASWNEWJERSEY/SPONSORSHIP
All of us at NASW-NJ give thanks to you for your service and membership. We now ask you to invest in the future of social work and sponsor a student’s membership today.
If you would like to sponsor a particular student, please email Helen French at: hfrench.naswnj@socialworkers.org otherwise we will choose a student on your behalf.
Thank you for your generosity!
CONNECTING TO OUR
Next Generati n NASW-NJ continues to invest in the next generation of social workers, helping students to launch promising careers in the field and prepare for future roles as leaders in the community and our profession.
Matt Sato, MSW MSW Program Coordinator, UPenn School of Social Work I cannot express how lucky I am that my very first
and the chapter’s countless members. Any internship
MSW placement was with the NASW-NJ. As a
could have helped develop my macro social work
business major turned social worker, macro social
skills, but the feeling of being seen and valued by the
work was an exciting, yet incredibly daunting
NASW-NJ is not something I believe could
prospect for me. Surrounded by what seemed like an
have been replicated elsewhere.
endless sea of clinically focused social work students, finding a community of macro social workers was
These collective experiences helped spark
paramount. While the NASW-NJ provides
my interest in working with higher
unwavering support for clinical social workers, their
education. As the NASW-NJ helped shape
involvement with mezzo and macro practice
me and my social work career, I felt the
shouldn’t be overlooked either.
same calling to help shape the future of social work in the classroom. As I embark on
Every day was a welcome challenge interning for the
my next journey as a Program Coordinator for
NASW-NJ. Whether it was working with coalitions
the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social
on legislative work, honing my event planning skills,
Policy and Practice, I look back at my
or visits to the statehouse to advocate for our social
experiences with NASW-NJ with immense
work community, the NASW-NJ team always had
fondness and gratitude.
my back, and the sky was certainly the limit. By my Spring semester I was working on articles advocating for higher social work salaries, assisting with the annual conference and CEU programs, and even collaborated with my co-interns to develop a panel event to showcase our remarkable macro social workers. My experience with the NASW-NJ even continued beyond the end of my internship, as I continued with the organization as an elected MSW representative to their Board of Directors.
While I am grateful for the macro social work skills I developed during my time as a student in the NASW-NJ chapter, I am most grateful for the support and validation I received from the team
CONNECTING TO OUR
Next Generati n Ameerah McCoy, MSW, LSW
Director of Constituent Services, Office of Assemblyman Gary Schaer, NJ 36th Legislative District I first learned about NASW-NJ in 2019
the New Jersey State House for a rally
students. I did not want finances to
while attending a student symposium.
—one of the first post-COVID in-
cause undergrads to miss out on
This was a memorable time because it
person advocacy events. Reintroducing
exclusive opportunities and valuable
was my senior year as a BSW student at
myself as a legislative staffer and
network building through NASW.
Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ)
former student member was a full-
Sponsoring student memberships for
and two months before the onset of the
circle moment and the start of my
these students was one way I could
COVID-19 epidemic. After learning
professional relationship with the
help them advance in their social work
about all the student benefits of joining
Chapter. Since entering the public
education and in the profession. I plan
NASW, I made a beeline to the
sector, I have collaborated with
to continue to participate in this
NASW-NJ table to collect the student
NASW-NJ on major policymaking. I
initiative for
membership information. Looking
was commissioned to write two articles
years to come. I cannot
back, I am grateful I became a member
for NASW-NJ’s FOCUS magazine
thank NASW-NJ
before the outbreak. I could never have
centered on social justice by examining
enough for the
anticipated the challenges caused by the
social workers' role in the civil rights
support they have
pandemic. I started RCNJ’s Advanced
movements and reparations in New
shown me both
Standing MSW Program while we were
Jersey. Additionally, I was invited to
as a student
all still in shutdown. I stayed connected
join the Legislative and Social Action
and as a
to NASW-NJ by attending free student
Committee and served as a panelist at
young
webinars and participating in
the 2023 Legislative Education &
professional,
Community Conversations about the
Advocacy Day.
and I look
pandemic and other issues impacting
forward to
social workers in our state. By the time
Due to NASW-NJ’s role in my
growing with
graduation rolled around, I was
academic and professional journey, I
the Chapter
confident in knowing I had a
wanted to pay my experience forward.
throughout
professional organization to connect
In 2022, I was fortunate to provide
my career.
with if I needed help navigating the
three exceptional social work students
post-pandemic workforce as a young
with free one-year student
social worker.
memberships to NASW through NASW-NJ’s Sponsor a Student
In October 2021, I joined Assemblyman
campaign. Throughout college, I
Gary Schaer’s office as Director of
worked part-time and overnight,
Constituent Services in Legislative
even during the pandemic, so I
District 36. Shortly after, I reconnected
understood the financial
with NASW-NJ staff and members at
struggles faced by
CONNECTING TO
Volunteer Leadership Opportunities Dr. Tiffany L. Mayers, DSW, MSW, LCSW Secretary, NASW-NJ Chapter Board of Directors I joined the NASW-NJ in 2012, just two months after
I serve in hopes that my work with NASW-NJ and in
officially beginning my MSW studies. My journey to
the field of social work, in general, will
becoming a social worker was a lengthy, non-
positively impact other future, and current,
traditional journey. My bachelor’s degree is in
social workers like myself. The social
Psychology with a minor in Social Work. Following
worker that overcame life obstacles
graduation from those studies, I immediately began
and persevered, in spite of dark
working in politics/state government, however, I
times and challenges, to become
always knew I wanted to be a social worker. So, I
the social worker they always
decided to take my first MSW course in 2006, while
dreamed of being. This is why
working full-time in state government in Trenton,
I serve!
NJ. Subsequently, I took one course per year until I made the decision to matriculate to being a full-time
During the 11 years that I’ve been
student in 2012, while transitioning to working full-
a member of the NASW-NJ, I’ve
time at Rutgers University.
participated in various conversations, attended multiple workshops, as well
By the time I matriculated, I understood the value of
as conferences, spoken at our Annual
joining organizations that aligned with my life’s
Conference, sat on the Ethics Committee, and held
passion and mission which is to enhance the lives of
a leadership role as the Board Secretary. I
children and families dealing with mental health
serve because my voice needs to
challenges, especially within the Black community.
be heard; not just for my
As a non-traditional student pursuing her masters as
personal gain, but for my
an older adult, I appreciated the camaraderie that I
clients and those within the
received from peers and leadership within the
Black community facing
NASW-NJ. To be around likeminded people was
mental health challenges
both motivational and inspirational. As a member,
and often feel voiceless.
and even more so when I was a student, the outpouring of support made me feel that I could
I serve because I
become the social worker I knew I could be.
am a proud social worker, and that is
In 2013, I was chosen by the NASW-NJ as the Harriet
quite frankly what
Bloomfield Scholarship recipient and was asked to
we humbly do;
give an acceptance speech at the NASW-NJ
WE SERVE!!
conference in Atlantic City, NJ. This was such a wonderful honor and huge experience for me, and I delivered! So, it is only fitting that I continue giving back to the NASW-NJ as they gave to me.
VOLUNTEER NOW!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Our sponsors in the broader community value the personal attention they receive from our staff, as well as expanded opportunities to connect with the social work community through NASW-NJ events, emails, and social media.
Shelli Williams, Springpoint Senior Living
Alisa Rosenfeld, Senior Care Therapy “NASW-NJ is a fundamental part of our culture. The
“When I call the office and speak to the professionals at
clinical social workers at our company rely heavily on
NASW-NJ, I always get great answers. We have social
NASW, whether it be for their CEU credits, for advocacy,
workers in every single one of our buildings, and their
or just to support their work in general. NASW is a big
work is integral to everything that we do, so partnering
support system for our social workers at large. Without
with NASW-NJ was perfect for us.”
them, social workers wouldn't have the foundation and support they need in order to be successful.”
Nicole Szydlowski, Walden University “We value our relationship with all the NASW chapters,
Jared Rodgers, Life Force Elder Care
and New Jersey specifically. We’ve had nothing but a
“We partnered with NASW-NJ because our largest referral
positive experience working with everyone in NASW and
source is social workers. We want social workers to know us
have been able to customize our partnership to really fit
as a resource for their clients. Also, this is one of the most
the needs of both NASW-NJ and our organization. We
involved and engaged NASW chapters that I've personally
love the opportunities our sponsorship provides us; the
come across. By getting involved with NASW, you can gain
approach NASW-NJ takes to working with its partner
better insight into what social workers are doing for the
organizations is really unique to the industry.”
community, which is extremely impressive work.”
Marcie McClintic Coates, Lotic “We consider the partnership to be one of shared learning about what we're building, working together with a shared mission to help others live life better, which is our focus and what we’re building at Lotic. Anyone who's building an organization, building a business, if you want to get a good pulse on various community needs and the perspective of a group of people who just care so much, I’d direct you to the NASW-NJ and their Annual Conference. I can't get enough of the conversations that I've had here already.”
Zakia Clay, Fairleigh Dickinson University “Our partnership with NASW-NJ has not only been beneficial for our students, but it's also been beneficial for the faculty at Fairleigh Dickinson University. It has really changed the trajectory of our program. We have been able to partner with them to get our name out there in the community, to spread the word as a new MSW program in the state. And NASW really shows up for us. It's not just a partnership on paper, when you call them, when you email them, they're there, whether it's coming into the classrooms to share information with students or helping them navigate policy or advocacy issues, they've always been there for us.”
THANKS TO OUR
Year-Round Partners difference maker
shaker
mover
ambassador
champion
BOARD OF DIRECTORS INTERIM PRESIDENT, Carrie Conger 1ST VICE PRESIDENT, Kim Finnie SECRETARY, Tiffany Mayers
2ND VICE PRESIDENT, Jennifer Sorensen GRADUATE STUDENT REP, Jana Sasser UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT REP, Paola Benitez
REGIONAL REPS, Courtney Wise, Ruslana Church, Franya Rodriguez, Renee Frazier
UNIT LEADERS NASW-NJ has 4 units across the state of New Jersey. NORTHWEST
NORTHEAST
Unit Leadership
Unit Leadership
Dina Morley
Melissa Donahue
Afifa Ansari
CENTRAL SOUTH
Unit Leadership
Unit Leadership
Vimmi Surti
Open Positions
Miguel Williams
CHAPTER OFFICE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Debra O'Neal, LMSW, ACSW doneal.naswnj@socialworkers.org or ext. 164 DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION Helen French hfrench.naswnj@socialworkers.org or ext. 122
ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR Resia-Maria Cooper, MSW rcooper.naswnj@socialworkers.org or ext: 154 MEMBERSHIP & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Johanna Munoz, MSW jmunoz.naswnj@socialworkers.org or ext 160
MEMBERSHIP AND EDUCATION SPECIALIST
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Willis Williams
Katherine Girgenti
wwilliams.naswnj@socialworkers.org or ext. 110
kgirgenti.naswnj@socialworkers.org or ext. 129
WITH WRITING & EDITING WORK BY JEFF FELDMAN, MSW, LSW
NASW–NJ Chapter Office 100 Somerset Corporate Blvd 2nd Floor, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, Ph: 732.296.8070, www.naswnj.org