WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is deeply concerned by workforce reductions at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and has
sent a letter to VA Secretary Douglas Collins urging him to maintain staffing levels.
NASW is also alarmed that back-to-office orders have rescinded all telework agreements and forced clinical social workers to provide services to veterans in conditions that could threaten the protection of sensitive health information and harm quality of care. NASW has urged the VA to suspend these back-to-office orders.
More than 18,000 social workers work in the VA, making it one of the biggest employers of social workers with a master's degree. Social workers have been an integral part of the VA staff since 1926, and NASW has a longstanding partnership with the VA. This partnership includes NASW's commitment to the White Ribbon VA Initiative, which aims to end domestic violence and promote a culture of safety and respect within the veteran community.
"NASW remains dedicated to supporting the VA in its mission to deliver exceptional care to veterans," NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C wrote in the letter to Secretary Collins. "We stand ready to collaborate, share our expertise, and help navigate these challenges together."