Career Development

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Social work is a dynamic profession, requiring you to stay current in the field, whether it’s applying the latest research, understanding a new regulation and its implications, maintaining your license or professional credential, or acquiring additional training to meet the needs of a changing world.

NASW's resources can help you to:

  • grow and manage your career
  • maintain a practice of excellence
  • better serve individuals, families, and communities

Put Yourself Out There

Connect with Your NASW Chapter

young professional speaking with colleagues Your local NASW chapters connects you to conferences and local continuing education, and networking events.


Present at a Conference

Enhance your career by showcasing your research, practice innovation, and methodologies at a national or regional conference.


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Write for the Profession

Share your knowledge, build your portfolio, and increase your visibility in the field:

NASW Press is a leading scholarly press in the social sciences. It serves faculty, practitioners, agencies, libraries, clinicians, and researchers throughout the United States and abroad. Known for attracting expert authors, the NASW Press reaches hundreds of thousands of readers through its scholarly journals, books, and reference publications.


Conduct Research

NASW JobLink


JobLink is an online job search tool that  enables you to search and apply to jobs, upload your resume, sign up for alerts, and more.

JobLink is free to all job seekers, but only NASW members receive unlimited access to all features.



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What’s next for your career in social work?

There are endless career options and paths to take as a social worker.

Learn about social work career opportunities


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Experiencing Career Challenges?

NASW supports our members in a multitude of ways through all stages of their careers.

Learn how NASW helps members overcome career challenges


Leadership Ladders


Whether you're a new social worker or a seasoned professional, Leadership Ladders newsletter can help you take your career to the next level.

Read Leadership Ladders


Career Development Webinars


NASW members, get tips on using LinkedIn, creating your personal brand, job search and interview strategies.

Watch the recorded webinars


State Licensing


A state social work license is issued to regulate the practice of social work and to protect the public. Licensing requirements vary from jurisdiction.


Practice Standards


Know the benchmarks for the services that social workers should provide, that employers should support, and that consumers should expect.

See NASW Practice Standards & Guidelines