Book Review—The Ethical Case Manager: Tools and Tactics
“...this is first and foremost a book that is grounded on the complicated nature of ethical decision-making.” Book review of The Ethical Case Manager, reviewed by Stephen Cummings. Read more
POETRY: Entry Level
“My Rite of Passage takes place in the midtown Social Security office....” The poem “Entry Level” is excerpted from Jane Seskin’s book Older, Wiser, Shorter: The Truth and Humor of Life After 65 (2024). Read more
Giving Non-Advice: Fostering Independence and Resilience in Social Work Clients
Excessive advice-giving doesn’t belong in the therapy room. As a new social worker, you will need to resist the temptation a dozen times a day to pack clients full of your fresh therapy knowledge. Read more
Book Review—Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways
Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul can be a valuable resource for someone grappling with how to align their personal passion for social justice with their sensitive nature. Book review by Allison Berkowitz. Read more
Artwork by Brenda Molloy, Art That Resonates. Used with permission.
Self-Care A-Z: Hope as a Self-Care Strategy
Professionally and personally, we must attend to our individual self-care of hope. We must practice that hope in our professional and collective actions. Read more
Photo credit: Pixabay/jojojojo
Analogies for Engagement: Potty Training for Emotions
An analogy to potty training can show children and their caregivers that emotions can also be felt in the body, and addressing these emotions early on can help with early management to lessen the risk of a crisis. Read more
Photo credit: Pixabay/CDD20
Ethics Alive! Social Workers and the Ethics of Follow-Up and Termination With Clients Who Disappear
What are a social worker’s ethical obligations when clients do not show up for services? Consider a client who misses a scheduled meeting with you. You follow up, but the client does not respond. What now? Read more
Book Review: Omega Farm—A Memoir
Omega Farm, the most recent book by Martha McPhee, is a memoir that is compelling, heart-breaking, and hopeful all at once. Reviewed by Lisa Eible. Read more
Preventing the Preventable: What Can We Do About Suicide?
Suicide rates have been on the rise since the emergence of COVID-19. Although some suicides will not be prevented, society can focus on preventive measures such as providing space and support for those who are struggling and choose to live. Read more
Supporting Families With Sickle Cell Disease: A Guide for School Social Workers
Supporting students with sickle cell disease (SCD) requires a comprehensive approach that addresses their academic, emotional, and social needs. School social workers can implement strategies to build a nurturing environment for students. Read more
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School Social Worker: Canary in the Coal Mine of Public Education
I am a school social worker, a canary in the coal mine of public education. I see the collective strain on school staff, but I also envision the way forward. Read more
Film Review: It Ends With Us
It Ends With Us is a film adaptation of the best-selling Colleen Hoover novel of the same name. Intimate partner violence is a primary theme, and the movie has been surrounded by controversy. Did they get it right? A social worker's view. Read more
Self-Care A-Z: Here’s Your Self-Care Awareness Month Calendar for September 2024!
Celebrate our anniversary and deepen awareness and activation of self-care. This calendar provides a daily dose of self-care for September 2024. Read more
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Ethics Alive! Coconuts and the Value of Social Relationships
“You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” As social workers, we can relate this recent meme to our clients and make coconut PIE (person-in-environment). Read more
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From Student Intern to Professional: Transition Smoothly Into Social Work Practice
If you're a student intern moving into professional social work, you might have many questions about what to expect, where to find mentors, and how to find the right job. This guide offers you practical advice your new career. Read more
Book Review: Every 90 Seconds: Our Common Cause Ending Violence Against Women
Read The New Social Worker's book review of Every 90 Seconds: Our Common Cause Ending Violence Against Women by Anne P. DePrince. Reviewed by Shakima Tozay. Read more
Self-Care A-Z—How To Have a Super-Self-Care-Summer: A Weekly Guide
The New Social Worker is going on summer break June-August and won’t be doing new posts. However, we’re not neglecting you! Join us in having a Super-Self-Care-Summer! Read more
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What About Social Justice? Wage Equity for Social Workers
It is important to recognize that approximately half of degreed social workers are earning less than the median yearly income. As a result, many social workers are living below the living wage needed to support a household of two or more persons. Read more