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Membership Services: 1-800-742-4089 |
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Advancing The Profession & Practice Of Social Work In Florida |
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November / December 2021 Edition |
Message From Chapter President |
Dear Colleagues,
As social workers, we create and embrace change. We help people change when their behaviors don’t serve them, and we help them manage the tough or unwanted changes that come our way. Even though change is part of our professional currency, it doesn’t mean we (as both social workers and humans) are always happy when change comes our way. So as 2021 morphs into 2022, I am increasingly attuned to many “soon-to-be-over” things. Some of these changes were expected, while others took us by surprise. There are epic changes. There are grave losses. There are small and occasionally imperceptible modifications and there are all the transitions in between. There are changes we dread and some changes we understand. There are the ones we remain vigilant to fight against and there are the ones we fight for. I dedicate this final column of 2021 to all the changes, great and small.
Sometimes change is epic – Let’s start with the big stuff happening at NASW-FL - because this first change truly represents the end of an era:
Most of you have already heard about NASW-FL’s Executive Director, Jim Akin’s impending retirement. On January 31, 2022, Jim plans to step away from the position he’s held for 25 years. Jim’s been at the helm for so long that some members have never known an NASW-FL without him. During the years he led this organization with an abiding passion for social work and social justice. He has impacted social work in Florida for ALL its social workers. The Jim I know is a deep source of knowledge and a cultivator of important connections for social work within the state. His national connections and knowledge of NASW as a professional organization gave Florida social workers access to many national resources. I am the 14th elected Chapter President he has worked with, he has served as ED through 25 state conferences, and organized over 100 NASW-FL Board meetings for the 14 elected boards through his tenure. He will be missed by many social workers.
With endings come beginnings, and if you ask Jim’s wife, Wendy… this is the beginning of a life filled with travel and adventure. And we will, of course, have a new talented executive director soon. But we will never forget you, Jim, or your service to us all these years.
Losing Jim will be rough, but he’s assured us he isn’t leaving town, and we expect to see him around Tallahassee as an NASW Member. Retirement is a change that many of us envy. But sometimes changes are just big, awful losses. I want to take a moment to remember that we’ve lost important members of our social work community this year. Just this week we learned that we lost Barbara Brakel, a former Board Member and a mentor among social workers, last weekend. We offer our condolences to her family and especially to her partner, Linda Kartell. Together, their contributions to NASW have been major. Oh, how I wish we could have had her longer.
I’d like to talk about another kind of change too: the little changes that impact people’s lives – both for the better and for the worse. This year has seen multiple small but insidious changes that we as social workers believe will negatively impact people’s lives. A few of them were slipped in when they thought no one was watching. This year I’ve heard about the subtle chipping away of voting rights, women's rights and of protest rights. Florida has banned critical race theory from public schools (where it was not taught in the first place), and we fear attacks on higher education, particularly in social work. The scary part is that so many of these things which will negatively impact vulnerable Floridians start with tiny acts. For example, just this week, we learned that the Department of Education removed a page of resources to address LGBTAI+ inclusive antibullying resources from Office of Safe Schools portal, pending review. If these small changes are harbingers of broader changes to come and we decide they are not moving us in the direction of helping Floridians, it becomes clear that there are things we must NEVER change: NEVER change your willingness to speak up against injustice…NEVER change your willingness to promote positive changes. Will you join us in early February for LEAD Day as we make some noise, doing just that?
In conclusion, be assured, NASW-FL will NEVER change OUR willingness to work alongside you as we fight against discrimination – We will NEVER stop advocating for you and for the changes we DO want. There are so many things on our radar – I’ve only got space this month to mention a few: racial justice, paid internships for SW students, extension of 5-year-rule for registered clinical social work interns, protection for civic education, immigrant justice and disability rights.
Will you join us as we vow to fight for the good changes? …to continue the good work of retiring social workers like Jim Akin, and social workers like Barbara Brakel, who left us too soon and the many wonderful colleagues who have contributed so powerfully already. We stand on their shoulders and take action as we remember, “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has” (Margaret Mead)
I’m so grateful for our social work community and am wishing you ONLY the good changes this holiday season,
Susan Mankita
President (2020-2022)
NASW, Florida Chapter
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NASW-FL Executive Director Job Opening
Deadline - December 20, 2021
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The Florida Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), with a statewide membership of 4100 is seeking a full-time Executive Director with demonstrated leadership and management skills. In addition, applicants should have a substantial knowledge of and a strong commitment to the social work profession and social work values, with an awareness of the diversity of social work practice. Applicants should also be able to engage, inspire, and mobilize the Association’s membership. The Chapter Executive Director reports to the NASW Deputy Director of Chapter Operations at the National Office and is accountable to the Florida Chapter Board of Directors.
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Social Work Awards Nominations Open
Deadline - January 21, 2022
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The annual Social Work Awards honor outstanding professionals and members of the community at the local, state, and national level. Awards are given in the following categories:
- Social Worker of the Year (Must be a current NASW-FL member)
- Social Work Student of the Year (Must be a current NASW-FL member and enrolled in a CSWE-accredited social work program in FL)
- Social Work Educator of the Year (Must be a current NASW-FL member who is affiliated with a CSWE-accredited social work program in Florida as a faculty member, adjunct, or field instructor)
- Public Citizen of the Year (Must not be a social worker or have a degree in social work)
- Elected Official of the Year (Must be a current local, state or federal elected official)
Awards are considered at the local unit level, and recipients are honored at their unit’s Social Work Month event in March. Unit winners are next considered at the state level and honored during the Annual Conference in June.
If you have any questions about the awards or the nomination process, please call NASW-FL at 1-800-352-6279 or email: info.naswfl@socialworkers.org .
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New Practice Alert: (CY) 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule: Key Provisions Impacting Clinical Social Workers |
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed CY 2022 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) issued on July 16 includes a variety of provisions that are relevant to clinical social workers (CSWs) who are participating providers in Medicare. These provisions are outlined below and cover a number of areas, including but not limited to telehealth, the Quality Payment Program (QPP) and reimbursement.
NASW submitted a comment letter to CMS on September 13, 2021. In addition, NASW members were invited to submit their own comments via an action alert. The agency will issue the final rule in late 2021. NASW will provide an update at that time on the contents of the rule and implications for clinical social workers (CSWs).
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Medicare Finalizes Rule for CY 2022, Includes Welcome Telehealth Continuation Provisions
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on November 3 released a Medicare final rule for Calendar Year 2022 that includes welcome provisions on telehealth and the Quality Payment Program (QPP). The agency has implemented many of the provisions that NASW requested in its comment letter. Among other provisions, the agency has removed geographic limitations (enabling clients to receive services from their home) and will continue to allow the use of audio-only devices for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of mental health disorders and for substance use disorder treatment. Clinical social workers are also now eligible to participate in the QPP. Note that under the final rule, an in-person, non-telehealth visit must be furnished at least every 12 months for mental health services, although exceptions to the in-person visit requirement may be made based on beneficiary circumstances (with the reason documented in the patient’s medical record). This is less frequent than proposed (every six months).
NASW continues to advocate for removal of this in-person requirement. NASW is evaluating the 2400+ pages of the final rule, including the reimbursement provisions, and will be providing an analysis for members soon.
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Telehealth Regulation in Social Work Report |
Social workers are at the heart of health care—regardless of how that care is delivered. As of 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 185,000 social workers in health care settings,1 providing psychotherapy, coordinating patient care, and addressing the social determinants of health in patients. Furthermore, clinical social workers are the largest segment of the mental health workforce in the United States, according to 2017 data from the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration.2
The COVID-19 pandemic greatly increased the use of technology in social work practice and social work regulatory boards enacted various emergency provisions allowing for practice across state lines. However, these emergency provisions are now expiring, and social workers in telehealth settings must again comply with state regulations on electronic practice. In support of Social Work Profile, a program of the Association of Social Work Boards, ASWB developed this report examining regulatory approaches to electronic social work practice based on a review of all 64 member jurisdictions.
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NASW-FL 2022 Annual Conference Call for Proposals Open
Deadline: January 7, 2022
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The Conference is June 9 - 11, 2022, at The Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando FL.
January 7, 2022, is the deadline to submit your proposal. Accept notifications will be sent February 2022.
Conference registration will open in April 2022.
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Emotional Support Animals Prohibited From Flying With Owners
Practice Alert Updates New Emotional Support Animal Guidelines
By Paul Pace
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Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognized as service animals and are prohibited from flying with their owners under the United States Department of Transportation’s Air Carrier Access Act. The Air Carrier Access Act defines a service animal as a dog who is trained to perform a task to benefit a qualified individual with a disability. Under the final rule, airlines may require passengers with service animals to complete specific forms developed by the Department of Transportation.
Related Resource
As of January 2021, emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognized as service animals and are prohibited from flying with their owners under the United States Department of Transportation’s Air Carrier Access Act. Clinical social workers should be aware of the changes especially when receiving requests to provide supportive documentation to patients wishing to travel with their emotional support animal.
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Accentuate Your Organization at the NASW-FL 2022 Conference
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Sponsorships allow your organization to capture the attention of professional social workers with recognition during the Conference, on social media, and on our website.
Sponsors receive assorted benefits and recognition:
- Speaking opportunities;
- An attentive group of social work professionals who want / need / use your products and services;
- Recognition in the Conference Program and throughout the Conference;
- Inclusion in the Sponsor Booth game;
- Pre- and post-conference attendee list; post-conference list includes email/mail contact information;
- Logo on NASW-FL’s website with link to your organization through Dec. 30, 2022; and
- Invaluable long-term customers and contacts.
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Find Interventions for Older Adults with Serious Mental Illness |
Although serious mental illness is not part of the typical aging process, it can present significant challenges to overall health for adults 50 years and older. A new SAMHSA guide, developed with input from NASW, provides considerations and strategies for service providers and policy makers in understanding, selecting, and implementing evidence-based interventions that support older adults with serious mental illness.
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2022 Legislative Priorities |
Each year, the NASW-FL Board of Directors approves its overall advocacy agenda. This agenda is a broad perspective of our overall goals for the session and what we stand for as an association.
Later, as bills are filed with the Florida Legislature, this agenda will be our guide for what bills to support or oppose. It also helps direct our action when the Governor’s office or other executive agencies create new policies that impact our profession or our clients.
2022 legislative session is January 11 - March 11
LEAD Registration opens early January
Click here to view the complete legislative priorities
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Social work education is an important part of NASW, and maintaining relationships with students and their universities is even more important.
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NASW Florida has 18 volunteer-led units that hold meetings, continuing education events, community projects, and social events for its members.
Click here for more information on your local Unit.
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Find your perfect social worker job on the NASW-FL employment site!
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Text NASW-FL
Sign up to receive text alerts. Text 'NASW' to 1-800-352-6279.
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Need office space? Looking for Trainings / Licensing / Supervision? Want to return to school? Check out the offers from our advertisers.
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December 13, 2021, 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. (ET)
"Virtual Holiday Event"
Join fellow social workers for an evening of virtual joyful celebration and holiday mingling.
The Zoom link will be sent prior to the event.
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December 13, 2021, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (ET)
Holiday "In-Person" Happy Hour
Lilo's on Lake Ave—Front Patio
701 Lake Ave
Lake Worth, FL 33460
Please join us IN PERSON….it's been too long! This year we're keeping it simple...easing back into in-person carefully.
Please bring your beautiful smile, lovely personality and warm heart. Masks are optional, but if it's cold, they also serve as an extra layer of warmth!
We'll provide some light hors d'oeuvres. Happy hour food and drinks available for purchase.
Registration is: FREE for Members and Students and $10 for Non-Members.
RSVP appreciated, but not required.
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December 16, 2021, 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (ET)
"Holiday Social Let's Celebrate Together!"
Location:
UNF University Center
Adam Herbert University Center,
12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville
Join the Northeast Unit to celebrate the holidays with hor d'oeuvres and dessert. A cash bar will be available and parking is free.
Masks are required for indoor areas and optional on the terrace.
Registration is $20 for NASW members, $30 for Non-members, $20 for Faculty and free for Students. (Registration closes December 10)
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We wish you Happy Holidays and a safe, healthy New Year!
The office will be closed Dec. 24 - Jan 2.
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January
January 6, 2021, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. (ET)
"Medical Errors"
Presenter: Kerry Dennis, ACSW, LCSW, MCAP, CSAT
Registration is $20 for NASW Members and $25 for Non-NASW Members.
A Zoom link with be provided prior to the event.
This workshop satisfies the continuing education requirement for Medical Errors.
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February
February 3-5 2022
"Clinical Supervision"
Presenter: Nancy Gordon, LCSW
The schedule: February 3: 2:00 pm—6:00 pm (ET), February 4: 2:00 pm—6:00 pm (ET) and February 5: 8:30 am—12:30 pm (ET).
Registration is: Members - $200.00 and Non-Members - $250.00.
This course fulfills the requirement to be a Qualified Supervisor under Chapter 491. Attendees must attend all 12 hours, no partial credit and be on camera.
Registration closes 4 pm (ET) February 2. You will receive the Zoom link the day of the event.
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February 7-9 2022
"Winter Institute: The Opioid Epidemic
& Justice-Involved Individuals"
Presenters: Amberly Prykhodko, LCSW and
Jacob Eikenberry, MSW.
Attendees earn 21 CEUs and 4.5 Ethics.
The schedule is: 9am – 5pm CST, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. You may attend in-person at Sobering Center in Austin, Texas, or virtual.
Registration: Early Bird Pricing (before January 6, 2022): $699
After January 6, 2022: $799.
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February 25-26, 2022, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (ET) (Both Days)
"Social Work Licensure Exam Prep Course"
Presenter: Sophia F. Dziegielewski, PhD, LCSW
Registration is: $195 Members and $250 Non-Members. Workbooks will be mailed. After February 11 a $20.00 charge will be added for expedited mailing.
Registration ends Thursday, February 17.
The Zoom link will be sent prior to the event.
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1931 Dellwood Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Toll-Free: 1-800-352-6279 | Local: (850) 224-2400
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