NEED CE CREDIT FOR THE 2012 RENEWAL?
Georgia LMSWs and LCSWs are required to renew their license by September 30, 2012. Are you on track to complete the 35 hour CE requirement? Has the Composite Board's rule change put you a little behind? Check our Calendar of Events for Chapter sponsored workshops or contact NASW-GA Member Services for more ideas on how to meet the September 30 deadline.
NASW-GA ACHIEVES LEGISLATIVE VICTORY
Your Advocacy Matters!
NASW-GA is pleased to announce that a sustained multi-year effort resulted in the passage of HB 434 (sponsored by Katie M. Dempsey, R-Dist.13). On Thursday, April 19, Governor Deal signed the bill into law. This directly impacts our members whose livelihood depends on their ability to diagnose. Many thanks to all of you who responded to the calls for action by contacting your legislators to urge their support!
Present for bill signing were (l. to r.): Legislative Advocate Wendi Clifton, NASW-GA Executive Director Susan Fort, State Representative Dempsey, NASW-GA President Jennifer Moore, Former GSCSW President Alyce Wellons, and Former GSCSW Legislative Chair Stephanie Barnhart
Looking for an update on other bills we followed during the 2012 session? Click here for the final report from NASW-GA Legislative Advocate, Wendi L. Clifton, Esq.
RECENT RULE CHANGE AFFECTS GEORGIA LICENSED PRACTITIONERS
Last summer, the Georgia Composite Board ammended Rule 135-09-.01. It is in effect for the current renewal cycle and all licensees should be aware of the changes. The primary change is with regard to the number of online CE hours permitted for licensure renewal. The limit is 10 hours per cycle and this applies to all credit obtained after September 30, 2011. Furthermore, correspondence courses are no longer acceptable for core or ethics credit. NASW members are invited to contact the Chapter staff for clarification. Please email your questions or call toll free: 1-877-234-0567.
FREE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR MEMBERS
NASW-GA members with a valid email address are periodically sent courses from CEUS+Plus to enhance professional knowledge and stay abreast of current social work topics. If you are a member but have not been receiving the courses, please contact the Chapter office to confirm your email address.
NASWGA is on Facebook! 'Like' us to easily network with Georgia social workers.
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DON'T FORGET IT OR
YOU MAY REGRET IT!
A reminder to all students and transitional members - NASW membership is only $48 for BSW & MSW students vs. $125/$190 for graduates. Partial discounts are extended beyond graduation when continuous membership is maintained during the transitional period. NASW membership is an affordable and meaningful gift for a deserving grad - even if that graduate happens to be you! Join today at www.socialworkers.org and identify yourself as a proud member of the world's largest organization of professional social workers.
NASW LAUNCHES EAPrefer IN GEORGIA
NASW Assurance Services has developed an exclusive member benefit which connects EAP networks with qualified practitioners who provide services on a part-time basis while earning at least $60 per session. Most cases require an LCSW but there may be opportunities for LMSWs and BSWs to provide specific services. EAPrefer recently launched in Georgia and has seen a strong response from members. The application process can be somewhat tedious, but the potential return makes it worthwhile. Click here for tips on applying. If you have questions about the status of your application, call the EAPrefer representative at 866-307-2325.
SOCIAL WORK MATTERS AND SO DO YOU
Your safety matters! As a social worker you may be at greater risk of workplace violence regardless of your practice setting. Please review the following guidelines from NASW to ensure a safer work environment for yourself and your colleagues.
Social workers should consider safety as part of the client intake, assessment, and referral process.
- Avoid scheduling clients when you are alone in the building.
- Obtain clients’ history of violence, involuntary hospitalizations and criminal history early in the assessment process.
- Install a panic button or fail-safe call-in procedure (if you don’t call in to a specific person by a specific time, they will call the police).
- Assure adequate indoor and outdoor lighting, security doors and locks.
- Refer clients appropriately to other programs to meet the needed level of care.
- Position your office chair so that you have direct access to a safe exit.
- Carry a cell phone on your person.
Does your practice setting have a safety plan? What steps have you taken to assess safety needs of social workers, clients and the public who interact with your agency/practice? Click here for more resources.
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