Aug 2025 Newsletter

Oct 14, 2025

This is a difficult moment.

Like many of you, I’ve been processing the devastating news out of Washington this week. The passage of a budget bill that guts health care funding, slashes social services, and undermines programs like Medicaid and SNAP is a direct attack on the communities you serve—and on the values you hold as social workers. It will make it harder for Nevadans to access food, shelter, health care, and mental health supports. It threatens your profession’s workforce pipeline by undercutting student loan programs and discouraging future social workers from joining your field.

For those of you who chose this profession out of a deep commitment to care and justice, this moment is profoundly disheartening.

And yet, even as we confront these national setbacks, I want to take a moment to recognize a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you stand together. This month, Nevada made history: Assembly Bill 406 (AB406), a member-driven legislation to ban AI from impersonating therapists and delivering unregulated mental health “care”, was signed into law. This achievement underscores what we know to be true: when social workers organize, advocate, and raise their voices in unison, you can shape policy and protect your profession.

We’re going to need that same collective energy in the months ahead.

Nevada is now a national leader in protecting the public from AI exploitation in mental health. That’s because NASW-NV members stepped up. You gave your time, shared your testimony, paid dues that funded our policy work, and supported a vision of care that puts people over profit. The threats you face are real—but so is your power when you organize.

You can read more about AB406 and what it means for your practice below.

Let’s carry this momentum forward. While Congress has failed to protect the most vulnerable, we can and must demand our state leaders do better. NASW-NV will continue pushing to defend and expand safety net programs, protect access to care, and fight for a future where dignity, health, and opportunity are not negotiable.

In solidarity,

Kyle Hillman

Executive Director

National Association of Social Workers, Nevada Chapter

http://conta.cc/4lDTH2u

2025 NASW Chapters Virtual Conference: Empowering Social Workers

Chapters Conference Website: https://www.naswil.org/conference

Dates: Wednesday, November 5 and Thursday, November 6, 2025

Times: Times are the same for both days.

11:00 am to 4:00 pm Central Time
10:00 am to 3:00 pm Mountain Time
9:00 am to 2:00 pm Pacific Time

Conference Event Platform: Zoom Events

Conference Workshops, Descriptions, and Presenters: To come in July 2025

Conference workshops will qualify as continuing education for the following professions:

In Illinois: LSWs, LCSWs, PELs, LPCs, LCPCs, LMFTs, RNs, LPNs, APNs, and LCPs.
In Nevada: Professionals licensed by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers, the Nevada State Board of Psychological Examiners, State of Nevada | Department of Education.
In North Dakota, Professionals are licensed by the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.

Job Board:

Community Health Alliance

Hiring an LMFT or LCSW

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in your community? Community Health Alliance (CHA) is seeking fully licensed Therapists (LCSW, LMFT) to join our dedicated team of healthcare providers. We are committed to serving individuals and families from all walks of life, ensuring access to comprehensive, quality care and creating healthier outcomes for every member of our community, regardless of income level.

With six conveniently located health centers across Reno and Sparks, CHA offers a comprehensive range of services, including medical, dental, pediatric care, behavioral health services, low-cost pharmacies, food pantries, and more.

Position Overview: As a Licensed Therapist, you will deliver compassionate, evidence-based mental health and/or marriage and family counseling services to our diverse patient population. Collaborating closely with our multidisciplinary team, you will assess, diagnose, and develop personalized treatment plans that promote wellness and empower patients and families on their journey toward better mental health. Bilingual Spanish-speaking candidates preferred.

What We Offer:

Competitive Salary Range: $61,685 – $92,528 (based on experience)

Health Coverage:

100% employer-paid medical insurance for employees
90% employer-paid vision and dental insurance
Coverage begins on the first of the month following your hire date

Student Loan Repayment:

Eligible for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) program — CHA boasts a competitive HPSA score of 19, making most providers eligible

Continuing Education:

40 hours and $1,800 annually for professional development

Generous Paid Time Off:

6.4 weeks off in your first year, including the 5 days for continuing education
8 paid holidays per year

Retirement Benefits:

5% CHA-paid pension plan after one year of service (no employee match required)
Optional 403(b) retirement annuity plan available

Additional Benefits:

100% reimbursement for licensing, registration, and certifications
Malpractice insurance is covered through the FTCA (Federal Tort Claims Act)
$10,000 employer-sponsored Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy at no cost

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct mental health and psycho-social assessments
Provide individual, group, and family therapy
Develop and implement treatment plans based on evidence-based practices
Collaborate with medical and behavioral health teams to ensure comprehensive patient care
Maintain clear, concise, and timely documentation in electronic health records
Participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary meetings
Provide culturally competent care to diverse populations

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Psychology, or a closely related field

• Licensure: Active LCSW or LMFT license in Nevada, or eligibility for licensure

• Experience: Demonstrated experience working with culturally diverse populations

• Language Skills: Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates are highly preferred

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong knowledge of community mental health resources and psycho-social disorders
Experience in psychosocial assessments, diagnosis, and treatment planning
Familiarity with state and federal mental health regulations
Ability to provide therapy to individuals, groups, and families
Strong crisis intervention, organizational, and prioritization skills
Proficiency in electronic health records and standard office software
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Looking for qualified, personable professionals to join us in delivering exceptional health care for our community. Apply at www.chanevada.org/join-our-team.

Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada

Social Worker - Loving Hearts Adoption

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 Adoption Social Worker is employed by Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada and provides services to Loving Hearts Adoption Services. The Adoption Social Worker is responsible for day-to-day work related to Adoption cases. The primary focus of the Adoption Social Worker is to provide education, support, and adoption services to birth families, adoptive families, and adoptees throughout all phases of the adoption process. This position requires the applicant to be a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of Nevada.

To view the full job description or apply for the position, please visit: https://www.catholiccharities.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 the 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

Social Work Student Events

NASW invites all social work students and recent graduates to our student-focused series to enhance your skills and connect you with colleagues from across the country. NASW members and non-members are all welcome to attend.

NASW student events are held on the third Thursday of each month from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. PT, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. ET.

Registration is free!

Upcoming Events for Social Work Students:

Federal Loan Forgiveness in 2025: What Social Workers Need to Know

Thursday, August 21, 2025

3:00 to 4:30 p.m. PT 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm ET

Join NASW and student loan experts from Savi to learn about the latest federal policies impacting student loan repayment and forgiveness. This workshop will break down recent changes to Income-Driven Repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness, with a focus on how they apply to social workers. Attendees will also receive guidance on how to use free tools to lower payments and potentially reduce or eliminate student debt. NASW and Savi are working together to help you navigate the complexities of the student loan world and enroll in eligible forgiveness programs. Savi offers a free online tool and an option for paid one-on-one support to help you manage student loans.

Social Work & Political Resistance: The Role of Social Work in Mutual Aid

Thursday, September 18, 2025

3:00 to 4:30 p.m. PT 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm ET

As future social workers, you’re stepping into the field during a time of deep social and systemic disruption. Mutual aid—communities coming together to meet each other’s needs when institutions fail or cause harm—is a powerful tool for justice and care. But mutual aid isn’t charity. It’s about solidarity, challenging inequality, and building new ways of supporting one another outside of broken systems.

This webinar invites you to explore how mutual aid, abolition, and transformative justice connect to social work values and practice. We’ll unpack the question: Can the profession evolve to truly support radical change, or will it stay tied to systems that maintain the status quo? Learn how you can be part of shaping a more just and liberated future through your work and advocacy.

Presenter: Chris Fike, MS, LMSW-Macro. Region 5 Representative on the NASW-MI Board of Directors.

Call for Workshop Speakers!

Are you a speaker? An expert in your field?

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

Topics can include, but are 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!

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

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

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.

Cost: $15 Nonmember / $10 NASW Member CEUs Available: 1.0 CEUs

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

Fatphobia: The socially acceptable bias

Date: Friday, August 22, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm CDT (10:00 am–12:00 pm MDT / 9:00 am–11:00 am PDT)

Presenter: Nathalie Mahood, MSW, LGSW (she/her/hers)

Virtual Platform: Zoom

Available CEUs: 2.0 Cultural Competency CEUs

Description: This NASW-IL presentation aims to shed light on the complexities of fatphobia, its origins, and its profound impacts on both individuals and society. Explore the pervasive nature of fatphobia, what's lurking below the surface, and what you can do to challenge this harmful bias.

Registration: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/zao9oss1mdbgxu/

Let's Get Real...Staff Mental Health in the Workplace

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm CT / 10:00 am to 11:30 am MST / 9:00 am to 10:30 am PST

Presenter: Lin Grant (she/her/hers), LCSW

Virtual Platform: Zoom Meeting

CEUs Available: 1.5 CEUs

Description: This NASW-IL presentation will explain the benefits of addressing mental health challenges in the mental health workspace, show how mental health challenges show up in workspaces, describe strategies for addressing mental health challenges in the mental health workspaces and create a personalized self-care plan to thrive in the ever-changing, ever-expanding technology-driven mental health workspaces.

Implicit Bias: From Allyship to Solidarity

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm CT / 11:00 am to 12:00 pm MST / 10:00 am to 11:00 am PST

Presenter: Adana Cranfield (she/her/hers), DSW, LCSW

Virtual Platform: Zoom Meeting

Description: Moving from allyship to solidarity involves interrogating the disparity between what we think we believe and the thoughts and feelings that operate on an unconscious level. This implicit bias awareness training was designed to develop anti-racist social work practitioners. It includes an explanation of implicit bias along with its causes and effects. Both general and social work practice examples are used to develop the skill of recognizing, interrupting, and mitigating implicit bias.

CEUs Available: 1.0 (Fulfills IL Implicit Bias Awareness Training Requirement)

Bridging Psychoeducation and Clinical Practice: A Guide for Community Providers

Date: September 22nd, 2025 at 10 am PT, 12 pm CT

Description:

This training equips community providers with practical tools to deliver psychoeducation that’s clinically informed, engaging, and culturally responsive. Participants will learn how to translate therapeutic concepts, such as emotional regulation, boundaries, and communication skills into accessible language for diverse audiences. Ideal for educators, peer supports, and clinicians looking to enhance their outreach and group facilitation skills.

Speaker:

Lauren Caravello, LCSW, LICSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a private practice, passionate about teaching and collaboration. Provides DBT groups, parenting programs, and community education. Experienced in creating and delivering psychoeducation on ASD, DBT, sexuality, and more. Certified in ACT, PCIT, and Triple P. Dedicated to sharing knowledge and supporting others in the field.

Zoom

Cost: 1.5 Eithics CEU / $20 Nonmember / Free NASW Member / Free for students (no CEUs)

Authentic Social Work with Boys and Men: A Trauma-Informed Approach

Date: October 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PT, 12:00 p.m. CT

Zoom

3 Hours of Cultural Competency

Description:

Trauma-informed practice with boys and men requires exploring the relationship between harmful masculine norms and issues such as dating violence, sexual violence, school-based aggression, risky sexual behaviors, and mental health struggles. This workshop engages participants in understanding how masculinity is constructed and reinforced across systems and cultures. It highlights the influence of socialization on trauma, power, control, and privilege, and equips social workers with ethical, practical strategies to engage boys and men in healing-centered work.

Adam McCormick, MSW, PhD,

Professor of Social Work

Main Speaker Bio:

Adam McCormick, MSW, PhD, is Professor of Social Work at St. Edward’s University and Assistant Professor of Instructor at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. He has several research interests and frequently speaks on various topics.

Cost: 3 CEU (Ethics) / $90 Nonmember / $20 NASW Member / Free for students (no CEUs)

The Unfinished Business of Childhood: Tending the Childhood Wounds of Social Workers

Date: December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PT, 12:00 p.m. CT

Zoom

3 Hours of ethics

Participants will examine the adaptive behaviors developed in childhood, such as people-pleasing, over-functioning, or hypervigilance, and their connection to professional challenges like burnout, secondary trauma, and boundary difficulties. The session incorporates interactive activities and self-reflective exercises to uncover how personal histories influence professional roles and caregiving dynamics. Special attention will be given to the tension between attachment and authenticity, helping participants identify patterns that may hinder their ability to practice with alignment and integrity.

Adam McCormick, MSW, PhD

Professor of Social Work

Main Speaker Bio

Adam is Professor of Social Work at St. Edward’s University and Assistant Professor of Instructor at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. He has several research interests and frequently speaks on various topics.

Cost: 3 CEU (Ethics) / $90 Nonmember / $20 NASW Member / Free for students (no CEUs)

Chapter Newsletters

Aug 2025 Newsletter

To sign up, visit the NASW-NV Book Club Sign-up

Social Work Student Events

Upcoming Events for Social Work Students:

Federal Loan Forgiveness in 2025: What Social Workers Need to Know

Social Work & Political Resistance: The Role of Social Work in Mutual Aid