Social Workers introduce Hospice Credential

Credential designed for social workers who specialize in hospice and palliative care

Washington – The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has partnered with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) to develop the premier credential for social workers who specialize in hospice and palliative care.

Launched in November to coincide with the observance of National Hospice Month, this credential was designed by social workers who are leaders in the field for social workers who have demonstrated compliance with national standards of excellence.  Social workers who work in hospice and palliative care provide a professional continuum of services addressing the biopsychosocial needs of patients and families affected by serious and life-limiting illnesses in order to maintain or improve their quality of life.

“We know that with the aging of the baby boomers and the lengthening of life spans, there is going to be an increased need for social workers in hospice and palliative care,” says Elizabeth Clark, PhD, MSW, MPH, executive director of NASW.  “NASW and NHPCO endorsed the need for these highly trained social workers to be recognized for the contribution of quality care to their patients.”

The collaboration between NASW and NHPCO enhances the depth of the hospice credential with NASW addressing the evolving social work issues, while NHPCO focuses on emerging issues in hospice and palliative care.

Some of the basic requirements for the hospice and palliative care credential include:

• A master’s degree in social work from an accredited university,
• At least two years of supervised social work experience in hospice and palliative care,
• 20 or more CEU’s related specifically to the specialty practice,
• A commitment to compliance with NASW Code of Ethics and the NASW Standards for End of Life Care,
• Membership in NASW and NHPCO.

For more information or to apply for the Hospice Credential, please email credentialing@naswdc.org or visit www.socialworkers.org/credentials. 

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.