Michigan Social Work Professional Development Booklet Preparing YOU for Success Developed by the National Association of Social Workers-Michigan Chapter Updated February 2016 National Association of Social National Association of Social Workers – Michigan Chapter 741 N. Cedar Street, Suite 100 Lansing, MI 48906 Phone: 517.487.1548 Email:
[email protected] Website: nasw-michigan.org Join NASW: www.socialworkers.org Special thanks: Brad Bender; Duane Breijak, LMSW; Robin Simpson RSST; Michelle Woods, LMSW; NASW-North Carolina Chapter Mission The mission of National Association of Social Workers-Michigan (NASW-Michigan) is to: 1) Promote, develop and protect the practice of social workers; and 2) Seek to enhance the effective functioning and well-being of individuals, families and communities through its work and advocacy. Vision NASW Michigan shall be the recognized voice for social workers in Michigan. It shall be an organization that ensures excellence in local and national social work standards, practice, education, licensing, and shall be a be a powerful voice in the political process. Introduction According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States. The profession is expected to grow by 19% between 2012 and 2022. Professional social workers are found in every facet of community life—in schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, senior centers, elected office, private practices, prisons, military, corporations, and in numerous public and private agencies that serve individuals and families in need. Many also serve as social and community service directors. This guide aims to help social workers navigate an ever-changing workplace and equip them with the professional tools they may need to secure employment.