Social Work Investment Initiative: About Us

About Us

What is #InvestinSocialWork?

#InvestinSocialWork is a public awareness campaign established in December 2017, that seeks to end the licensure exemption and implement the Social Work Investment Initiative, a legislative initiative that seeks to secure a substantial state investment into the social work profession, in the context of this year's legislative budget. Campaign members include New York state's leading social work organizations.

What is the Social Work Investment Initiative?

The Social Work Investment Initiative (SWII) is a legislative initiative that seeks to secure a substantial state investment into the social work profession. Specifically, it demands:

1. Full implementation of the state’s 2002 social work licensure law
2. $4 million Loan Forgiveness Program for Social Workers specifically working in a currently exempt setting
3. $18 million incentive program for currently exempt agencies to increase the number of licensed social workers available to provide supervision
4. $500,000 for the development and distribution of culturally sensitive and ESL test preparation to assist those who are vulnerable to, or have already, failed the LMSW and LCSW exams
5. $250,000 for the development and implementation of a workforce survey to assist in tracking and identifying workforce gaps

Isn’t this going to cost a lot of money?

The State needs to invest in social work and ensure the quality of mental health care for everyone – regardless of cost. All New Yorkers deserve to receive the same level of care. As it stands now, with private insurance, you are required and guaranteed to see a licensed professional with experience. If you access healthcare through the State, you may see a licensed professional – but you also might not.

What is the urgency?

The social work licensure law was passed in 2002 and has been in effect since 2004. That is a 14-year time period for State agencies to come into compliance – which is more than enough time. For comparison: When Connecticut enacted its 1995 licensure law, both private sector and public-sector agencies were given one year to comply[2]. If we are unsuccessful, the exemption could continue, which would render the professional standards outlined by a social work license null and void. Your experience is valuable, and we need to end the exemption.

How do I get involved?

Get started, by clicking here.

Who We Are

The National Association of Social Workers – New York State Chapter (NASW-NYS) is a membership organization of professional social workers, one of the largest chapters of NASW in the United States with over 7,500 members. NASW-NYS works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

Campaign Supporters

National Association of Social Workers - New York City Chapter (NASW-NYC)

New York State Society for Clinical Social Work (NYSSCSW)

New York State Association of Deans of Schools of Social Work