Jill Manske, ACSW, LISW Recognized as 2005 NASW Social Worker of the Year

Manske directs Social Work Services for the Department of Veterans Affairs

Washington – The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is pleased to name Jill Manske, ACSW, LISW the 2005 Social Worker of the Year. Ms. Manske has reinvented the role of social work practice on the national level through servant-based leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

As director of Social Work Services for the VA, Ms. Manske has directed her work in building a more patient-focused atmosphere, particularly as the VA prepares to serve the largest wave of combat soldiers in recent generations. She was chosen for a major leadership role in the new “VA Seamless Transition Program,” which incorporates VA social workers at all major Department of Defense military treatment facilities.

“The current conflicts in the Iraq and Afghanistan highlight the need for competent social workers to serve soldiers and their families,” says Dr. Elizabeth Clark, NASW executive director. “Jill Manske is a pioneer and a leader in the field – and a leader in the reinvention of VA social work.”

Ms. Manske has been instrumental in establishing the VA Social Work Leadership Council that set professional standards and guidelines for social work practice in the VA. These provide the foundation upon which VA social work leaders are building sound clinical programs and maintaining high standards of care. Ms. Manske is also forging strong relationships with VA affiliate schools of social work to measure outcomes in terms of quality care and productivity. By coordinating national training opportunities, mentoring leaders, and modeling successful business practices, she is leading VA social work to a new level of accountability.

With over 40 percent of all VA social workers eligible to retire within four years, Ms. Manske has worked to develop succession plans for each facility, as well as to offer one-to-one mentoring programs for new social workers. This development plan was selected by the VA’s Employee Education System to be a model for other VA services. She is planning for the future of VA social work, while ensuring the quality of care for military personnel.

After receiving her Master of Social Work from Loyola University in Chicago , Ms. Manske served at several VA medical centers across the country, including Minneapolis VA Medical Center, VA Western Region in San Francisco , and Albuquerque VA Medical Center. Since 2000, she has served as director of Social Work Services for the VA. She was recently reappointed to a four-year term as director.

“With her enthusiastic spirit, her creativity and, above all, her dedication to duty, Ms. Manske has improved the services we provide to our nation’s veterans,” said Dr. Jonathan Perlin, Under Secretary for Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, in a letter nominating Ms. Manske for this award.

It’s with great honor that NASW recognizes Jill Manske, ACSW, LISW as 2005 Social Worker of the Year.

For more information about Ms. Manske, or to set up an interview, please contact NASW Communications at media@naswdc.org or 202-336-8228.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 150,000 members. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.