The NASW Center for Workforce Studies was established in 2004 with a three-fold mission:
- To conduct studies of the current social work labor force as well as collect information from other sources in order to serve as a unique clearinghouse for educators, policy makers, social workers, and public and private work force planners;
- To enhance social work professional development through innovative training programs in emerging practice areas; and
- To disseminate timely information and resources on evidence-based practices.
For many years, there has been limited information about the social work labor force. As the demand for social work services increases, so too does the demand for data about the social work labor force. The NASW Center for Workforce Studies seeks to establish a leadership role for NASW in addressing this information gap and strengthening the link between science and service (research and practice). This information is critical to determine trends in employment, to address professional training needs, to quantify barriers to quality service delivery, and to inform relevant policy and advocacy efforts. The Center will conduct research studies as well as compile labor force data from other sources. In addition, the Center will advance social work professional development with the provision of innovative training programs in emerging practice areas and the dissemination of timely information and resources on evidence-based practices. |
