Chapter Newsletters

We Did It!

We’re thrilled to share some incredible news: Assembly Bill 406 (AB406) has officially passed the Nevada Legislature! This is a landmark victory—and one that was led by NASW-Nevada from the start.

AB406 is the first legislation in the country to place clear ethical boundaries on the use of artificial intelligence in mental health care. The bill prohibits AI chatbots from providing or advertising therapy services—ensuring that only licensed mental health professionals can deliver clinical care in our state. It strikes a strong balance: protecting client safety while still allowing for innovation in administrative and research support.

This is more than just a policy win—it’s a bold statement about the value of human-centered care, professional standards, and ethical practice. And it wouldn’t have happened without you.

To every member who filled out an action alert, contacted a legislator, testified, or spread the word: thank you. Your advocacy made a real, lasting impact—not just for our profession, but for every Nevadan who deserves safe, ethical mental health care.

This is a proud moment for NASW-Nevada. It proves what we can accomplish together when we lead with our values and speak with a unified voice. A special thank you to our sponsor Rep. Jovan Jackson and our chapter lobbyist Tess Opferman of Pinyon Public Affairs for helping to champion our priority legislation.

We’ll continue to keep you updated as the bill moves to the Governor’s desk for signature. In the meantime, please take a moment to celebrate what we’ve achieved—together. Without your membership and your support, wins like this would not happen.

In solidarity,

Kyle Hillman

Executive Director

NASW-Nevada Chapter

[khillman.naswnv@socialworkers.org]

Nevada Social Work Awards - 2025

All nominees must be a current resident or practice in the state of Nevada.

-Social Worker of the Year

-Public Citizen of the Year

-Lifetime Achievement Award

-Emerging Leader of the Year

-Professor of the Year*

Social Worker of the Year: An NASW-Nevada Chapter member in good standing who: reflects the values espoused in our NASW-Nevada Chapter Mission Statement; promotes the NASW to the public and advocates for the populations social work serves; represents the highest ethical standards of social work as defined in the NASW Code of Ethics; contributes to improvement of the social fabric in tangible and intangible ways; takes risks and enlists public support for improved human services. Must be licensed in social work and work/reside in the state of Nevada.

Lifetime Achievement Award: An NASW-Nevada Chapter member in good standing who: has accomplished stellar successes in his/her social work career which have enhanced the profession, supported clients, upheld social work values, and advocated for the betterment of all people. Must have previously been licensed in social work and work/reside in the state of Nevada.

Public Citizen of the Year: A non-social worker who: exemplifies the social work profession with outstanding service to individuals served by social workers; reflects the highest ethical standards in his/her field of endeavor; takes risks and enlists public support for improved human services; advocates for and contributes to the public’s awareness of social problems. Must reside/work in the state of Nevada.

Emerging Leader: Emerging leaders are “early” career social workers who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, expertise, and dedication to the profession in the state of Illinois, whose contributions enhance practice knowledge and/or the capacity of the profession and the human service to obtain resources and influence. They have all demonstrated excellence in a variety of areas, including public or nonprofit agency-based practice, policy/legislative advocacy, academia, resource development, and administration. Must reside/work in the state of Nevada.

PLEASE NOTE: The chapter is committed to diversity among award recipients. Nominations MUST be submitted using this online nomination form. We will be contacting your nominee for additional information. You are encouraged to work closely with your nominee to complete the nomination.

NOMINATION DEADLINE: May 31st, 2025

Previous award recipients are not eligible for nomination (in the same award category); however, past nominees may be nominated again.

*Nomination process for Professor of the Year will take place separately, nominated by NASW Student Members only.

Nominate Here: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/nevada-social-work-awards-2025

Job Board:

Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada

Sr. Director- Family Community Services

About Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada

Since 1941, the mission of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has been to serve those in need — the most vulnerable — regardless of race, religion or creed. This leading community resource offers help and hope with dignity as it strives to meet the diverse needs of men, women and children in Southern Nevada. Through the generosity of foundations, grants, organizations and individual donors, Catholic Charities operates 16 programs providing support to more than 4,500 people daily and encompassing four core areas: Family Services, Food Services, Immigration and Refugee Services and Homeless and Housing Services. Catholic Charities also operates the largest Meals on Wheels program and Emergency Shelter Services in Southern Nevada. For additional information, please visit CatholicCharities.com.

About Loving Hearts Adoption Services

Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has created a separate entity for its Adoption Services Program, called Loving Hearts Adoption Services. The new name builds off nearly a century of experience in facilitating thousands of adoptions. Loving Hearts Adoption Services is an accredited adoption agency and 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that provides lifetime support to expectant families, adoptive families, and adoptees before and after placement. Through compassion, clear communication, ethical practices, and support from licensed Social Workers and staff, we are dedicated to making the best adoption plan possible for everyone involved in the adoption process.

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Family and Community Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for both the Loving Hearts Adoption Services Department and the WIC Program at Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. This role ensures program excellence, regulatory compliance, budgetary management, and a culture of high performance and inclusiveness across both service areas. The Senior Director supervises multidisciplinary teams, manages state and federal grants, supports staff development, strengthens community partnerships, and ensures the highest standard of service delivery to clients and families.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) required.
• State of Nevada Licensed Social Worker (LSW) required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in child welfare, including at least two years of experience in adoption.
• Minimum of three (3) years in a senior supervisory or program management role.
• Experience working with federally or state-funded grant programs preferred.
• Must successfully pass criminal background and child abuse registry checks.
• Valid Driver’s License, Nevada State minimum required auto insurance, and reliable transportation. Must be at least 25 years old (per agency vehicle insurance requirements).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

For a full position description or to apply for this position, please visit: https://www.catholiccharities.com/career-opportunities.

AD

VIRGINIA SATIR CONFERENCE

Zephyr Retreat Center, Lake Tahoe, Nevada

August 17-22, 2025

“Connection, Community and Cosmos - Satir in the World Today”

Presented by

International Human Learning Resources Network

The International Human Learning Resources Network (IHLRN) is an organization founded in 1969 by Virginia Satir, often considered the mother of family therapy. Originally intended to bring together colleagues from around the world who were interested in exploring humanistic approaches, these unique retreats continue to be vibrant opportunities to experience the work of Satir.

• Advanced Workshops & New Perspectives – Dive deeper into Satir’s legacy with cutting-edge applications for today’s challenges.

• Experience live demonstrations & interactive sessions – Witness the power of Satir’s work in action with hands-on learning.

• Be part of a welcoming and inclusive community in which participants learn from each other, from the experience of being in the group, get CEC’s and have fun.

Cost: The all-inclusive price for a double is $930 pp; $835 pp in a triple; and $1305 in a single. For Local Residents and Students, there is a special “Day Rate” of $130/day, inclusive of meals, but not lodging, Scholarships are available. Up to 20 CEC’s available

.

For more information or to Register go to https://ihlrn.org, Click the 2025 Conference tab.

Questions? contact Co-Chairs Lois Gold (loisgold45@gmail.com) or Betsy Gast (betsy.gast1@gmail.com)

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!

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 Chapter Members: $79 per year (Use code MOAK2018277 at checkout)
• Non-Members: $99 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 NASW-NV Book Club Sign-up

Please note: The book club and virtual discussion platform are managed by PBC Guru. Please email them at info@pbc.guru with any questions or visit their website at http://www.pbc.guru to learn more.

>> More at NASW-NV Social Work Book Club

Older Americans Month 2025: The Importance of Public Programs as we age.

Chris Herman, MSW, LICSW

Senior Practice Associate–Aging

May 2025

In 1963 President John F. Kennedy established the annual observance of Older Americans Month, which is celebrated each May. Two years later, the Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law. As of this writing, many federal policies, programs, and structures are at risk of elimination or drastic alteration by the Trump Administration and the Republican-dominated Congress. This publication outlines the history of and current threats to some of these policies, programs, and structures. It concludes with advocacy in which we can engage, as social workers, to preserve publicly funded and administered programs that help all of us as we age. Read more!

The Crucial Role Medicaid and Social Workers Play in Providing Access to Substance Use Treatment

Makeba Royall, LCSW, Senior Practice Associate, Behavioral Health

May 2025

Medicaid is an insurance plan that provides access to care to 78 million people to include those with limited income, children and families, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and people in long-term care facilities. Medicaid has not only provided access to medical care, but it has also played a significant role in access to substance use treatment. In March 2025, Congress recommended reducing the budget to $880 billion over the next 10 years, which would impact the role Medicaid plays in providing critical services to individuals with mental health and substance use conditions. This behavioral health practice tool highlights the importance of Medicaid assistance for those who are dealing with substance use disorders and why cutting Medicaid would further harm the communities in which we serve as social workers. Read More

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

ADHD in Teens and The Family System: Understanding a Diagnosis with Emotional Complexity During an Emotionally Complex Time of Development

Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 12:30 to 2:00pm CT / 11:30am to 1:00pm MST / 10:30am to 12:00pm PST

Presenter: Jaimee Ory (she/hers) LCSW, CRADC, ACHT

Virtual Platform: Zoom Meeting

CEUs Available: 1.5 CEUs

Description: This NASW-IL training is designed for mental health professionals who work with teens and/or work with family systems who have a family member with ADHD. Although the emphasis on the training is on ADHD and its impact on adolescent development, it also discusses the implications of ADHD on the family system. This training is designed to target the complexity and nuances of this diagnosis that are often overlooked and misunderstood, and outlines the most up-to-date and relevant information regarding understanding ADHD, along with direct practice tools on how the diagnosis can impact the development of self, family system dynamics and almost all spheres of a teen’s life, such as: school performance, relationships with peers, relationships with family members, decision-making, emotional regulation and impulse control skills. Practitioners will leave the training with a better understanding of the complexity of this diagnosis, and tools to work with their clients to better foster better outcomes in the lives of both the individuals and the families that they treat.

Register Here: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/z18sav6y0tajsx9/

Transforming the Future: Evolving from School Social Work to Leadership, Expanding Influence Beyond Caseloads

Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 11:00am to 12:30pm CT / 10:00 to 11:30am MST / 9:00 to 10:30am PST

Presenter: Catherine Murray (she/her)

Virtual Platform: Zoom Meeting

CEUs Available: 1.5 CEUs

Description: This NASW-IL presentation highlights the importance of Transformative SEL’s focal constructs as they apply in the context of school social work professionals, and models of delivery within the school setting. Participants will not only understand the critical role of social work skills in fostering student success but also reflect on their personal growth, enhancing their ability to positively impact student and community well-being. Focal constructs highlighted include identity, curiosity, and agency toward self and others. Each of these focal constructs are mirrored within the Code of Ethics for the social work profession, as well as the code of conduct for school administrators. This session will facilitate learning by developing leadership skills of the target audience, as well as highlighting the linkage between individual services to Tier 1 SEL in schools (adults and students). 

Register Here: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/z1w56ily14wdl6c/

Substance Use Among U.S. Military and Veteran Populations: Prevalence and Clinical Considerations

Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm CT / 2:00 to 3:00 pm MST / 1:00 to 2:00 pm PST

Presenter: Jarrett Langfitt (he/him/his), LCSW, CADC

Virtual Platform: Zoom Meeting

Cost: $15 Nonmember / $10 NASW Member

CEUs Available: 1.0 CEUs

Description: This NASW-IL course provides an overview of substance use among U.S. military members and veterans. Attendees will learn about the history and function of substance use in the U.S. military, current prevalence and trends, and clinical considerations/approaches for working with military members and veterans who use substances. 

Register Here: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/z19ey9yf0lihddg/

Know Your Rights and ICE Enforcement

Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm CT / 1:00 to 2:30 pm MST / 12:00 to 1:30 pm PST

Presenter: Fred Tsao (he/him/his)

Virtual Platform: Zoom Meeting

Description: This NASW-IL cultural competency CEU training will provide an overview of recent policy changes regarding immigration enforcement; the rights that immigrants have when faced with immigration agents; how families can prepare for the arrest of a family member; and how anyone can record and report incidents.

Cost: 1.5 Cultural Competency CEUs / $23 Nonmember / $10 NASW Member 

Register Here: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/z1mr1ipa02xnhnx/

Committee/Task Forces 2024-2025

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 2024-2025, 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 solicits sponsors/exhibitors. In formation*

• Rural/Frontier Committee - a standing committee tasked with looking for ways to better integrate rural social workers into the association.

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

• Membership and Community Outreach Committee - a 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 launched 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!