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Shared Interest Groups

Social work is one of the most diverse professions, a trait that makes us strong and resilient. As an organization, we represent the needs of our entire profession--from macro social workers to clinical, social workers in agencies, government, the nonprofit sector, healthcare and more. The ability of our profession to come together and collaborate is critical. Macro and micro level social workers bring a unique set of perspectives that make our communities stronger.

Sometimes though, its good to come together with colleagues who share your particular practice-area experiences, to talk through shared experiences, challenges, opportunities and to network.

Our shared interest groups offer just that opportunity. Open to members only, we currently offer six shared interest groups, including Black Social Workers, Criminal Justice & Corrections, Healthcare, Macro, School Social Work, and 6 regionally-based private practice groups.

Black social workers share a basis of commonality and experience regardless of they type of social work they practice. Particularly during this juncture in our nation's history, it is crucial to have a safe space for Black social workers to connect with one another.

The Black Social Workers Shared Interest Group (BSWIG) provides a space for connection and discussion of commonly faced issues in Black social workers' lives, their work, and in the social work profession.

Join BSWSIG Today!

Macro social work is a broad field that centers on investigating larger social problems, and developing and implementing social interventions to make positive change at the community, state and national levels.

Social workers who work predominantly in the macro realm often find themselves in jobs where they are the only social worker at the organization, are in non-traditional social work roles, or otherwise find themselves isolated from others in the profession. The Macro Social Work SIG (MSIG) provides a space to bring together macro level practitioners to share resources, network, and discuss broader social issues addressed in their work.

Join MSIG Today!

Social workers in criminal justice and corrections work with their clients to resolve underlying issues that contributed to an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system through coping skills training, life skills development, case management, and more.

Our Criminal Justice and Corrections Shared Interest Group (CJCSIG) offers social workers in these fields the opportunity to discuss not just problems they encounter in their work, but also problems inherent to the criminal justice system, including racism, the school to prison pipeline, barriers to reentry into society, and the morality of warehousing human beings.

Join CJCSIG Today!

Social workers in private practice face a unique set of challenges whether they are are new to private practice or have been in the field for years. They wear the hat of clinician and business owner.

Our Private Practice Shared Interest Groups (PPSIG's) bring together our members who share these unique experiences to support one another, talk through business related challenges and opportunities and support one another in their practice. They contribute to advocacy, continuing education and serve on coalitions.

We have regionally organized private practice groups who meet multiple times a year, making it convenient to find local support.

Join a PPSIG Today!

Healthcare social workers practice in a variety of settings, from hospitals to hospice, nonprofit organizations to state healthcare systems, each lending their expertise to serve patients during times of need.

Our Healthcare Shared Interest Group (HCSIG) brings together our members who share these common practice settings and contribute to our advocacy efforts around healthcare issues, help identify continuing education needs of healthcare social workers, help plan symposiums and lend their expertise on coalitions.

Join HCSIG Today!

School social workers are trained mental health professionals who can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic, and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators as well as provide individual and group counseling/therapy.

The School Social Work SIG (SSWSIG) brings together members who work in school settings with children and adolescents, including those who hold the School Social Worker certificate. The SIG assists in identifying continuing education needs, issues with the school social worker certification process, and legislative and regulatory issues that impact school social workers and the youth they serve.

Join SSWSIG Today!

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What About Other Groups?

Have an interest in another shared interest group that isn't listed? Our groups are a reflection of our members needs and desires to come together. If you think we should consider additional practice-related groups or would like to speak with us about forming one, we'd love to chat. Just shoot us an email and a member of our team will be in touch to talk!