National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
A bill was introduced in the CT legislature that would have allowed individuals with an undergraduate and/or master's degree in human services, counseling or related field to be licensed without exam as a LCSW to work in hospitals, nursing homes and home-health agencies.
The purpose of this bill was to open up the LCSW credentialing to a large segment of human service workers, and by doing so would have made a travesty of the LCSW statute.
NASW/CT immediately took action to keep this bill from being considered by the Public Health Committee where the bill was assigned. Last week, the NASW/CT chapter membership was informed by the ranking member on the Public Health Committee that the bill will not be taken up this session. As the legislation session approaches in your respective states, it is important to stay informed.
If you are not a member of the NASW, consider joining your local chapter today and get involved. Learn more about the NASW or contact your Smith NASW Student Ambassador, Jacqueline Ortiz Miller, A18.
After two years of extensive research, which examined online peer support for queer mothers, Professor Karpman, Emily Ruppel '18, Mallory Merryman '15 & Carolyn Delk '03 saw their work published in renown journal Midwifery on March 1, 2017. From the journal:
Recent research has concluded that barriers to maternity health care exist for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women. This mixed methods study aims to understand patterns in seeking and sharing online health information for LBQ women attempting conception.
Researchers performed a qualitative content analysis of 400 discussions in lesbian-oriented Facebook groups, containing 1764 total instances of text. 400 discussions from heterosexual-oriented conception and parenting Facebook groups were examined for comparison purposes, though they will not be the focus of this analysis. This paper also presents descriptive statistics on posts observed. Read more.
ATLANTA (FEB. 28, 2017)--Ronjonette N. Harrison, LCSW, knows that severe childhood trauma can imprison its victims. She also knows that healing, with appropriate treatment and support, is fully possible. That reality is much more than a career goal for the Smith College doctoral student, presently interning as a doctoral research assistant in Clark Atlanta University’s Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work. She has dedicated all of her energies to addressing issues of interpersonal trauma, mental health challenges and the adverse effects of criminal justice involvement for youth and women of color.
“I consider myself an advocate, a voice for individuals and families grappling with abuse, victimization and marginalization,” she says.
Harrison, who earned the bachelor’s degree in social work at State University College at Buffalo and the master of social welfare degree at State University of New York at Stony Brook, is in the final phases of completing the Ph.D. in social work at the prestigious Smith College School for Social Work in Northampton, Mass. Her desire to intern at CAU is, perhaps, associated with an earlier “disconnect” that shaped her perspectives on social work education.
“I entered undergraduate school with little support, resources or direction,” she recalls. I became aware of the social work profession while taking an elective course, “Social Work with Minority Families.” It sparked an intense range of emotions, and my passion for the field was instant and all-consuming. I knew this was my calling.” But a young Harrison faced one glaring hurdle. “Although my teachers were talented and committed to the student body,” she continued, “there was a disconnect because faculty often were not representative of the client [minority] population. Their theoretical perspectives significantly differed from my experiences and those in my community.”
That episode stuck with Harrison over the past 15 years. So, when time to satisfy Smith College’s doctoral research internship requirement, she knew she wanted to do so on an HBCU campus. “As a social worker, you can’t stand in footsteps any more resonant than W.E. B. Du Bois and Whitney M. Young Jr.,” Harrison says. “And both sets of iconic footprints lead you to Clark Atlanta University. W.E.B. Du Bois founded contemporary sociology on this campus, and activist and advocate Whitney M. Young Jr. was the School of Social Work’s first dean. They are legends for anyone in this field, regardless of one’s race. CAU is ‘ground zero’ for anyone who is serious about shaping the future of social work.”
But is it necessary for an African-American to connect with other minority clients? And does legacy translate into policymaking, Harrison’s ultimate goal? Harrison says that not to immerse herself in the client population would be irresponsible. “African Americans are not a monolith. Clark Atlanta provides an opportunity, and central proximity to the metro-Atlanta community, for me to advance my own research interests--exploring associations between betrayal trauma and criminal pathways of incarcerated women of color--immersed in diverse client subpopulations that have been or will be directly or indirectly affected by this issue based upon a number of factors, age, social identity and economics among them.” She also noted that while CAU’s social work legacy is irreproachable, the value proposition that led her to the program is the School’s multiple ties to the policymaking arena. “There is a pervasive, infectious sense of activism, of change agency here that challenges and fuels my own aspirations.”
Harrison’s time at CAU isn’t governed by self-interest. The published author, who is simultaneously completing a clinical internship at neighboring Spelman College Counseling Services, also is working with CAU Professor Joi G. Showell, Ph.D., to evaluate the licensure test results of the Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work’s MSW students, providing data that better allows school faculty and staff to facilitate licensure preparedness among graduates. She also looks forward to contributing to research efforts among other faculty and staff.
Whitney M. Young, Jr., School of Social Work Dean Jenny L. Jones, Ph.D., says what Harrison brings to the program affirms the legendary foundation upon which the School’s national reputation is anchored. “What Ronjonette brings to the program reaffirms the character of our School and honors the standards of excellence set by our forebears,
W. E. B. Du Bois and Whitney M. Young J
2017 Women's Leadership Conference, themed 'Pushing Boundaries' for this year. It will be held on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1.
Two SSW graduates, Aziza Jones, M.S.W. '07, and Kamilah Jones, Ph.D. '10, will be presenting at the 2017 Women's Leadership Conference, sponsored by the Smith College Office of Alumnnae Relations. The theme of this year's conference is "Pushing Boundaries." It will be held Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, 2017.
Kamilah will deliver the opening keynote, "Pushing Boundaries While Embracing Diversity and Our Values."
For more information, visit http://alumnae.smith.edu/events/womens-leadership-conference/.
Sponsored by: Smith College Office of Alumnae Relations
Wednesday, April 19th 2017, 1-5 PM
CHL’s Youth and Family Services
Building 275 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA 01604
Are you looking for a rewarding career helping others?
Your career is waiting for you at Community Healthlink!
Community Healthlink (CHL) is one of central Massachusetts’ leading behavioral health organizations. We help over 20,000 children and adults each year to recover from the effects of mental illness, addiction, and homelessness - and we want you to join us. We have positions throughout Worcester, Fitchburg, and Leominster including
• Residential Counselors • Clinicians (licensed and unlicensed) • Nurses (RNs and LPNs) • Program Coordinators • Assistant Program Coordinators ...and more!
With over 80 programs, we’re certain to have a position that’s right for you, whether you are entry-level or a seasoned professional. Join us on April 19th and learn about the difference you can make at Community Healthlink!
Questions? Call Michelle at (774) 312-2711 or email mpopp@communityheathlink.org
My name is Patrice Abby and I am a recruiter responsible for hiring social workers for the company I work for--MHM Services, Inc. MHM specializes in providing mental healthcare to prisons throughout the country. We are looking to hire LMHCs, LCSWs, and LICSWs, both new graduates and those with experience. I am hoping that you are able to post the attached flyer on any job boards or career placement displays located within your program.
MHM is a great company with a proven track record We offer competitive compensation and a generous benefits package.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. I appreciate your anticipated cooperation in helping us join your students with our fantastic opportunities:
Sincerely,
Patrice Abby
Healthcare Recruiter
MHM Services, Inc.
Tel: 855-507-9900
Fax: 888-389-1509
Email: Patrice@mhmcareers.com | www.mhm-services.com
For more information, visit www.mhm-services.com