Important Voting dates:

The 2024 General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5.

NASW and our members must follow the path of past leaders such as Whitney Young by exerting our national leadership to maximize voter participation through mobilization, voter engagement, and voter registration efforts.

NASW has been working in collaboration and partnership with national voter mobilization organizations such as:

• A collaboration between NASW and Voting is Social Work called Social Work Votes!
• Rock the Vote
• Voto Latino
• Non-Profit Vote
• National Voter Registration Day (09/17/2024)
• The National Voting Rights Taskforce
• The Census Taskforce

For more information: https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Social-Justice/Increasing-Voter-Participation

NEW! NASW-NV SOCIAL WORK BOOK CLUB

Looking for a flexible and engaging way to fulfill your continuing education requirements? Join our exclusive social work virtual book club and transform your professional development journey! Earn up to 18 CEUs per year by reading from a specially curated selection of social work–related books. The next book club discussion is on October 25 and will be discussing The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. NASW members can take advantage of maximum savings right now and sign up for an annual fee of $69 per year before prices increase in 2025, so don't delay!

Why Join Our Virtual Book Club?

• Earn CEUs Effortlessly
• Gain 3 CEUs for each book you read and pass a short online quiz (score 80% or higher).
• Complete all six books to earn up to 18 CEUs per year.
• Explore Curated Social Work Literature
• Dive into six handpicked books annually that resonate with your field.
• Stay updated with the latest insights and apply new knowledge to your practice.
• Connect and Grow Your Network
• Engage in enriching discussions with a community of passionate social workers.
• Share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from peers nationwide.
• Flexible, On-Demand Participation
• Access our online community forum anytime, anywhere—no scheduled meetings!
• Fit your professional development seamlessly into your busy schedule.
• Stay Motivated and Accountable
• Be part of a group that encourages you to meet your reading and professional goals.
• Enjoy the collective energy of like-minded professionals committed to growth.

Affordable Investment in Your Career

• NASW Nevada Chapter Members: $69 per year (Use code MOAK2018277 at checkout)
• Non-Members: $89 per year

Note: The participation fee includes access to the online community and CEU quizzes. Books are purchased separately.

Embark on a journey of learning, connection, and professional enrichment—all from the comfort of your home.

To sign up, visit https://www.pbc.guru/socialworkers

Job Board

Hazel Health

Mental Health Therapist - Remote

Multiple schedules and compensation levels are available for this role.

Please apply: https://www.hazel.co/company/clinical-careers

About Us:

Hazel Health is the nation's largest virtual provider of school-based healthcare services and was recognized by Fast Company as “one of the world’s most innovative places to work” in 2023.

By partnering with districts and health plans nationwide, Hazel transforms schools into the most accessible front door to physical and mental healthcare. Today, Hazel's diverse team of licensed providers deliver therapy and medical services virtually (in school or at home) to over four million K-12 students — regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Hazel aims to remove all barriers to the mental and physical health care that children need to thrive: in school, at home, and in life.

About This Role:

Looking for a meaningful career opportunity? Come join our Mental Health team as we expand to support more children and families in need! We are currently seeking Licensed Therapists who are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of our youth. We welcome you to apply and grow with us as an integrated part of our team!

About You:

- Passion for our Mission

- Required: Licensed without restrictions as an LCSW, LMFT, or LPC

- Required: Licensed in NV and the state in which you reside

- Additional licenses in AL, CA, CO, FL, GA, HI, IA, MD, MA, MO, PA, TX, VA, and/or WA desirable

- Minimum of 1 year experience in a school-based setting or with school-aged children

- Can obtain an acceptable Fingerprint (FBI) Criminal Background check upon hire

- Possess a working knowledge of diagnosis and assessment practices, treatment strategies, and interventions related to the mental health needs of children and their families.

- Telehealth experience preferred

- Strong technological skills, including the ability to learn new software and programs and complete digital documentation

- Communicates and works effectively with people of diverse social, economic, age, gender, and cultural backgrounds

- Strong organizational skills, with experience using tools and resources, to effectively manage and prioritize key information and tasks

- Effective and proactive communicator (verbal and written) through use of multiple channels

- Willingness/ability to gain licensure in other states, as needed (paid for by Hazel), and provide services in those states

- Willingness/ability to go through Hazel's credentialing process

- Bilingual a strong plus (Spanish, Mandarin, Armenian, Russian, Korean, and Tagalog fluency highly desired)

Optima Healing and Recovery

Clinical Director

Optima Healing and Recovery vision is changing the paradigm in psychiatric and addiction treatment. This is a rare opportunity to participate in a growth company under the leadership of a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based treatment modalities and the biopsychosocial spiritual delivery of care model. The successful candidate must possess leadership skills; superior clinical skills; clinical supervision and management experience; commitment to advancing the treatment paradigm of psychiatric and addiction interventions; and embracing career growth opportunities as the company grows. Compensation negotiable.

Contact: john@optimahealing.com

Call for Workshop Speakers!

Are you a speaker? or an expert in your field?

We are looking for speakers for our NASW-Nevada-hosted Education workshops.

Topics can include but not limited to:

Substance Abuse/Use

Social Justice

LGBTQ+ Issues

Workplace Conflict Management

Ethics

Aging

Child Abuse/Family Violence

Children, Youth, & Families

Clinical/Behavioral Health

Spirituality/Mind-Body Wellness

If you or someone you know would be interested use the form below to connect with us!

Sign up here: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/x5oe7n115szsiw/

NASW-Nevada Hosted Education:

NASW-NV CEUs are accepted by the following boards and organizations:

• Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers
• Nevada State Board of Psychological Examiners
• State of Nevada | Department of Education
• State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists & Clinical Professional Counselors

Brains on Stress Can't Learn: Skills to De-Stress Children

Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 (9am to 11am CT), (7am to 9am PT), (8am to 10am MT).

Presenter: Alisa Kaczoroswki, MS, MBA, Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist

Virtual Platform: Zoom Meeting

CEUs: 2.0

Description: Children who have experienced trauma and stress cannot lean in the moment because their brain is stressed. Educators and mental health professionals must learn ways to accommodate for this and help them feel safe, secure and loved. They must provide children with the tools to build self-awareness and management skills. Fortunately, there are hundreds of simple mind-body skills that can be explicitly taught to children to help them eventually achieve emotional regulation. Mind-body skills are simple to teach and fun for kids. They can promote relaxation and reduce stress, making them common sense strategies to help ALL children learn to regulate their emotions. Incorporating mind-body skills into the school and therapy environments will help create a safe, calm and welcoming environment so that children can de stress and interact calmly in their environment.

Register Here: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/43030-111924-ne-brains-on-stress-cant-learn-lv/

Reflections on Mandated Reporting

Date: Friday, December 6, 2024, from 11:00am to 12:30pm CST (9am - 10:30am PST)

Speaker: Kimberly A. Mann, PhD, LCSW (she/her)

CEUs: 1.5 CEUs (fulfills IL Mandated Reporter with Section on Implicit Bias Training requirement)

Virtual Platform: Zoom

Description: This 90-minute course is designed for mandated reporters as defined by the Illinois Abused and Neglect Child Reporting Act (ANCRA) and fulfills current IDFPR requirements for a mandated reporter training with implicit bias section. Determinations to make a report to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline are complex and challenging for the professionals obligated to promote the safety of children. Unfortunately, our professional decision-making can be compromised by attitudes and beliefs that influence our perception of information that we learn within our professional capacity. Racial bias contributes to the persistent problem of racial disproportionality in the child welfare system. As we build our reflective capacity, our awareness of bias strengthens and can be used to enhance professional decision-making.

Register Here: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/z12f1ud10xrdjfb/

So You Want to Be Your Own Boss? How to Build a Successful Private Practice

Day One: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 10:00am–5:00pm CDT / 9:00am–4:00pm MDT / 8:00am–3:00pm PDT

Day Two: Friday, January 31, 2025, 10:00am–5:00pm CDT / 9:00am–4:00pm MDT / 8:00am–3:00pm PDT

Virtual Platform: Zoom

Speaker: Sarah Buino, LCSW, RDDP, CADC, CDWF, NMT 

Cost: 12 CEUs / $199 Nonmember / $159 NASW Member

Description: So you want to be your own boss? Many therapists feel pulled by the allure of private practice but have no idea where to begin. Some hang their shingle and wait for the phone to ring only to sit twiddling their thumbs, asking, “Where are the clients?” With a few expert tips, running your own private practice can be a breeze. This course will provide an overview of what you need to start and maintain a private practice. You’ll learn the business 101s including insurance, business structure, and basic financials. You’ll also have the opportunity to create your brand and begin a marketing plan. Participants will leave the course with sample forms and actionable next steps for building a thriving business. To get the most out of this training, please bring your laptop or tablet and have your practice license number available.

Register Here: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/z1fbeqcp0z57p8n/

Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias: What Do Social Workers Need to Know?

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2024, from 12:00pm to 1:30pm CDT (11am–12:30pm MDT / 10am–11:30am PDT)

Presenter: Elizabeth Gould, MSW, LCSW

Virtual Platform: Zoom

Cost: 1.5 CEUs* (fulfills IL Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Training requirement)

Description: Currently, an estimated 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older are living with dementia. Individuals and families are struggling with how to navigate getting a diagnosis, living with dementia, and obtaining support. Participants will learn about four common dementia diagnoses, the diagnostic process including screening and assessment, effective communication strategies, understanding behavior and dementia care management and care planning, and supported decision making.

Register Here: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/z10iy2zb0o0syin/

Understanding Medical Aid in Dying in Clinical Practice

Date: February 18th, 2025 at 10 am PT, 12 CT

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location: Zoom

Description: Access to medical aid in dying (MAID) has significantly expanded as more states have adopted laws authorizing the medical practice, and two states have stopped requiring that patients who seek MAID reside in their state. As a result, more terminally ill individuals may approach their healthcare teams to learn more about this end-of-life option. In our time together, we will equip you with the knowledge necessary to understand better medical aid in dying and the appropriate resources to better address your patients’ concerns.

Speaker: Ashley D. Fry, DNP, APN, AGACNP-BC, ACHPN

Director of Clinical Advocacy

Compassion & Choices

Speaker Bio: Ashley Fry is the Director of Clinical Advocacy at Compassion & Choices. She is an active hospice and palliative care nurse practitioner in Colorado Springs, CO. She has over 15 years of nursing experience in hospice, palliative, and intensive care. She holds board certification as an adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner and as an advanced certified hospice and palliative nurse.

Cost: 1 CEU / $15 Nonmember / $10 NASW Member / Free for students (no CEUs)

Register Here:https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/z6napp303xnqfq/

Virtual Professional Development Opportunities for Social Workers in Aging

NASW regularly collaborates with federal agencies and national organizations to enhance service delivery to older adults and to advance public policy benefitting older people. Professional development programming represents one strategy to achieve these goals. This document describes several virtual, national-level professional development programs that are relevant to social workers and offered by organizations with which NASW collaborates. Each program is free, and continuing education credits are not available. Programs are listed from most to least recent and include information about on-demand access.

For more information: https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Tips-and-Tools-for-Social-Workers/Virtual-Professional-Development-Opportunities-for-Social-Workers-in-Aging

Committee/Task Forces 2023-2024

The NASW-Nevada Chapter seeks volunteers in every part of the state to volunteer on chapter committees or task forces to support events and chapter priorities.

NASW is your association. Why not take advantage of all the opportunities it has to offer? Within each of our regions are ongoing leadership opportunities, CEU workshops, and networking events organized just for you. NASW-Nevada is your networking link to what’s going on in your community and the social work profession at large. This is your professional organization—make the most of your membership, and get involved!

Consider joining one of the many committees and task forces within the NASW-Nevada Chapter.

For 2023-2024 they include:

• Licensure Task Force - Review current existing licensure practices and make recommendations to the state on how to streamline licensure, create a more equitable path, and support Nevada students. In formation*

• Conference Committee - assists in education review, promotes the event, and solicit sponsor/exhibitors. In formation*

• Rural/Frontier Committee - standing committee tasked with looking for ways to better integrate rural social workers into the association. Currently Active. Summer Hiatius starts June 1st.

• Racial Equity Committee - standing committee tasked with reviewing current issues around racial equity. Currently Active.

• Membership and Community Outreach Committee - standing committee to work with community partners to further recruit members and inform the social work profession on NASW activities. In formation*

*Committees that are designated as "in formation" are committees that are currently not meeting but in which the association will be launching when needed or the applicable time period arrives. Committees marked "currently active", are currently meeting and have a formal charge.

Additional opportunities and task forces may be added throughout the year as needed by the Board of Directors. Updated opportunities will be reflected on the NASW-NV website and via email news blasts.

If you're interested in serving on one of these advisory groups, please complete an NASW-Nevada Committee Volunteer interest form.

Email admin.naswnv@socialworkers.org to Join the meetings!

News to highlight!

Bipartisan bill proposes more crisis stabilization funding

The Crisis Care Access Act introduced by Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, proposes expanding Medicare funding for crisis stabilization services. "[W]e want to give individuals suffering acute mental health crises coming out of emergency rooms crisis intervention and focus on treating them and get focused on long-term mental stability," said Cortez-Masto. Full Story: Nevada Appeal (Carson City) (10/6) 

NASW-PACE Endorses Vice President Kamala Harris for President

Aug 02, 2024

The National Association of Social Workers Political Action for Candidate Election (NASW-PACE) has unanimously endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 47th President of the United States.

“Vice President Harris is a shining example of America's promise. Her presidential bid is historic in many ways, and it's clear that she is the most qualified person in the race. She is a proven champion for the people, and the lives of social workers and those we serve will be better under her leadership. I am confident that Vice President Harris will continue to invest in mental health and lead the nation through our current mental health crisis," said NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C. Read more Here:https://www.socialworkers.org/News/News-Releases/ID/2923/NASW-PACE-Endorses-Vice-President-Kamala-Harris-for-President

SCOTUS curtails federal agencies' regulatory authority

The US Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 against Chevron deference, the doctrine under which courts deferred to federal agencies' interpretations of ambiguous laws. Regulations related to payment rates for Medicaid and Medicare, in addition to how mental health services are covered by insurance, may be affected since interpretation of legislation by federal agencies may now be subject to decisions by lower courts. Full Story: Behavioral Health Business (6/28),  CBS News (6/28) 



(Important) Optum/United Healthcare Issuing Overpayment Notices to Providers: Important Information and Steps to Take

Optum/United Healthcare is in the process of sending out overpayment notices to clinical social workers. These notices inform providers of overpayments made by Optum/United Healthcare and request reimbursement.

Overpayment recovery, commonly referred to as "clawbacks," is a complex issue and regulations vary significantly from state to state. (Information on specific state laws may be found on the Crossroads Health website. NASW makes no representations as to the accuracy of the information contained on this website. Social workers are encouraged to look up the relevant state statute to find the most up-to-date information.) Impacted social workers may also want to consult an attorney to understand their rights and responsibilities. Read more here: https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Legal-Defense-Fund/Optum-United-Healthcare-Issuing-Overpayment-Notices-to-Providers-Important-Information-and-Steps-to-Take

NASW Member Voices: Supreme Courts Ends Affirmative Action. What are the Implications?

By Mel Wilson, LCSW, MBA

The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) on June 29 made a ruling on affirmative action that will have profound and long-term implications for the country.

With a 6-3 majority decision, SCOTUS declared in Students for Fair Admissions inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College that race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina violate the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection. More directly, the ruling forbids all colleges and universities in the United States from taking race into consideration when admitting students. Read the Full Statement Here

Message from the Nevada Board of Social Workers (ICYMI):

"As you know, we began the journey to update our Administrative Code in October 2023. Today, we crossed the finish line as the Legislative Commission approved our NAC changes. It will be several weeks before we receive our final, approved copy which we will upload into the "Laws and Regulations" area of our website. It will be months before the approved language is blended into our existing NACs so that they are "codified." That said, the changes go into effect now.  

Below is a summary of the approved changes in what we believe is the order of importance to our licensees - 

Continuing Education Units (CEUs): As you know, there are already a number of automatically approved CEU options. These include CEUs that are approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Ace program or have been approved by any chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Now we will have additional "automatically approved" options for you. We hope this will make getting your CEUs much easier. Remember is is your responsibility to ensure that the approval it is clearly listed on the CEU certificates you submit.

The Board will automatically accept CEUs from the three (3) OTHER NEVADA BEHAVIORAL BOARDS. This means that if your CEUs are approved by the Nevada MFT / CPC Board, the Nevada Psychology Board, or the Nevada Board for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors, they will automatically be approved by us. 

The Board will automatically accept CEUs from any other STATE BEHAVIORAL BOARD. For example, it means that if your CEUs were approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Ohio Counselor and Social Work Board, or the Florida Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling Board, then we will accept them.  Any state, any behavioral board, we will approve them.

The Board will automatically accept CEUs from ANY NATIONAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION. This include NASW, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the National Association for Addictions Professionals (NAADAC), etc. Any national behavioral association, we will approve them.

Standard of Practice: There were several changes in this area of our NACs.

A licensee must notify the board within thirty (30) days of any of the following - 

An action is taken against their license issued in any state.

Has a sanction, restriction, or disciplinary action filed against him/her by an insurance carrier, other third party, or regulatory entity.

Has been arrested, charged with, or convicted of a criminal offense, other than a minor traffic violation.

Defined "impaired practice."

Exam Waiver: If our testing administrator (ASWB) provides a process to allow an applicant/licensee to retake their failed examination in less than ninety (90) days, the Board can now allow this. This will not change the nine-month limit for exam approvals, but it will allow an applicant/licensee to retest after a failed exam in less than 90 days if they meet the ASWB waiver criteria. We will use the ASWB criteria and they will grant, or not grant any waiver requests. We are still working out the details of this with ASWB. We do not know, as yet, if we can use the waiver for those of you who have an existing open exam approval and who have recently failed the exam. We will be getting back to you on this when we know.

Inactive Status: At the time of your renewal, you will have several choices -

Renew your license (which is required to do annually, if you are working and calling yourself a social worker); Renew your license if you are "retired" and no longer working in social work. The age for this has been dropped to sixty (60). Being retired and not working exempts you from needing all but the legislatively required CEUs; or

Placing your license on "inactive status." If you are not working or calling yourself a social worker in Nevada, you will now have the option to place your license on "inactive status" versus letting it expire for a period of up to five (5) years. If you place your license on inactive status, you will no longer receive any communication from the Board. If you do not request to "reactivate" it before the end of the fifth year, it will automatically expire. Reactivating your license will require new fingerprints, a collection cycle's worth of CEUs, an application, and renewal fees. We will have more information about this on the website, next week. It will go into effect for those individuals who have a July renewal month.

Post-Graduate Internships: In accordance with our telehealth laws, an intern may not practice outside of Nevada. This brings internships in line with licensed practice. Additionally, language was added that specifies that if a licensee has an active post-graduate internship in Nevada, they cannot simultaneously have a post-graduate internship in another state.

Miscellaneous Changes:

A licensee shall not provide services through telehealth to a client located outside of the state of Nevada, unless the licensee holds a license in the state where the client is located.

You no longer have to carry a copy of your license with you.

We solidified that the Board will not release personal addresses or personal emails. These are considered confidential records. Although we have never released this information, we wanted language to prevent any future requests. We do release employment addresses when a mailing list is requested. Our website does not have your personal information visible.

We will be updating various areas of the website in the coming weeks, please be patient with us. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or Sandy."

Vikki Erickson, LCSW, Executive Director.