Social work is a diverse and multifaceted profession with a wide range of roles, settings, and specialized areas of practice. At NASW, we recognize that meaningful professional development isn’t just one-size-fits-all. Your work requires tailored knowledge, relevant resources, and a strong network of peers who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in your field. That’s why we offer Specialty Practice Sections (SPS)—an added benefit only available to members designed to support your continued growth, deepen your knowledge, and connect you with others who share your professional focus.
What Are Specialty Practice Sections?
Specialty Practice Sections (SPS) are topic-specific exclusive communities within NASW that keep you informed, supported, and connected. Each section offers practice-specific insights, continuing education, and access to an online community of like-minded social workers committed to learning, collaboration, and excellence in their shared area of focus. Whether you're working in a clinical setting or advocating for policies, SPS membership allows you to tailor your NASW experience to align with your career path and interests. SPS membership is open to all NASW members and offers unique content you won’t find anywhere else. Members can earn up to 20 CEUs per year from live webinars and more than 100 additional CEUs through a catalog of more than 95 on demand SPS courses - all for just $40 a year. Members enjoy new SPS content and CEU offerings each year.
11 Specialty Practice Sections to Choose From
NASW currently offers 11 practice sections, each carefully curated to meet the unique needs of members across key areas of social work. We’ve worked hard to ensure that there’s a section that reflects your professional focus and helps you sharpen your skills.
- Administration/Supervision – Explore best practices in leadership, organizational management, and supervisory relationships that foster healthy workplaces and effective teams.
- Aging – Dive into issues related to aging populations, caregiving, policy, elder justice, and more, including tools for working with older adults and their families.
- Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs – Stay current on substance use counseling, case management, research, and recovery.
- Child Welfare – Gain insights on child welfare direct practice, supervision, administration, research, training, program and policy development, and more.
- Children, Adolescents & Young Adults – Get access to specialized resources and gain a better understanding about the youth through critical developmental stages—from early childhood to young adulthood.
- Health – Understand the evolving role of social work in healthcare delivery, patient advocacy, care coordination, health equity, clinical work, and more.
- Mental Health – Explore cutting-edge research and interventions in mental health, from community mental health to practical approaches for client-centered care.
- Private Practice – Discover guidance on ethical practice, business management, marketing, insurance, and other challenges of operating a solo or group practice.
- School Social Work – Gain strategies for supporting students’ well-being and educational success, while navigating school systems and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Social and Economic Justice & Peace – Engage in the critical work, outreach, lobbying, and promoting community-driven change.
- Social Work & the Courts – Connect with social workers whose roles intersect with the legal system. Get resources and gain access to a community for practitioners navigating the complexities of legal and social work intersections.
A Community That Understands Your Work
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of SPS membership is the sense of community. These sections aren’t just resource hubs, they’re networks of passionate professionals working on similar challenges and goals. Through interactive webinars, member spotlights, discussion threads, and networking opportunities, you’ll connect with colleagues who understand the nuances of your field and can offer support, advice, and collaboration.
Being part of a Specialty Practice Section means you’re not navigating your work alone—you’re part of a national community of social workers committed to lifelong learning and collective impact.
Dive Into All the Exclusive Benefits of Joining a Section
SPS membership provides access to a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to enrich your practice and advance your career. As a section member, you’ll receive:
- Access a library of more than 95 free on-demand webinars worth over 100 CEs, featuring eligible content on cutting-edge topics and developments available through our CE Institute.
- Enjoy free access to more than 12 live webinars each year and earn CEs, covering emerging trends, policy updates, and innovative practice models.
- Access an exclusive community online and in person. Through MyNASW, SPS members can connect, collaborate, and share insights with peers in their specific areas of practice. NASW also hosts special meetups and networking opportunities for SPS members across our events and conferences. NASW also hosts virtual discussion group meetings, special meetups, and networking opportunities for SPS members.
- Exclusive Section Connection newsletters for each specialty practice section, written by experts and practitioners, with insights tailored to your specific area of practice.
- Stay informed with Cross Sections and InterSections in Practice publications—exclusive SPS resources highlighting best practices and insights from across the profession.
- Take on a leadership role by volunteering for opportunities within your Specialty Practice Section, helping to shape content, guide discussions, and represent your practice area.
Add More Value to Your NASW Membership
Joining a Specialty Practice Section is one of the most valuable ways to enhance your NASW membership. Each section delivers targeted content, expert-led learning opportunities, and access to a vibrant peer community, all designed to support your unique professional journey. Whether you're aiming to deepen your expertise, expand your network, or stay ahead of emerging trends, NASW’s Specialty Practice Sections offer the tailored support and resources you need to thrive in your field. Register now!