NASW-MA E-NEWS FEBRUARY 2024 |
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SOCIAL WORKERS LEADING FOR JUSTICE |
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Hello,
Today marks the start of Black History Month. We celebrate the incredible achievements and lessons of Black history today in our nation, state, and local communities. Here at NASW-MA we continually advocate for racial justice with our partners, stakeholders, and people most impacted. Specifically, we have worked to lift kids out of deep poverty to improve economic inequality that impacts historically marginalized communities most disproportionately. See my letter to the editor here that ran in the Boston Globe in January. We recently hosted our annual free MLK Forum on Racial Justice, which was a huge success with hundreds of social workers joining us from across MA and RI. See more on the forum in the box below.
We so excited for Symposium 2024, which will take place April 25 and 26th with keynote speaker Monica Guzman author of, "I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times". Sponsor and individual registration is open NOW! Please share sponsor information with your workplaces and networks. (Free registrations for social workers come with all levels of sponsorship). The first 200 social workers to register will receive a free copy of Monica Guzman's book! Register today.
It's also that time of year again when we are asking you to take us to your leaders! We are seeking candidates to run for positions on our Chapter Board and Delegate Assembly. More here on the positions open and how to nominate someone else or yourself.
As always, please be in touch with me anytime. Looking forward to seeing you very soon.
Warmly,
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Rebekah Gewirtz
Executive Director
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IN THIS ISSUE:
- SUPER Act Lobby Day
- Membership Hub
- Continuing Education
- Social Work Action Center
- Clinical Corner
- National News
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SUPER Act Lobby Day!
March 6th at 11:00 am
This Social Work Month we want to make our presence felt in the State House. That is why we are hosting a lobby day for the SUPER Act on March 6th at 11:00 am. Can you join us?
We are working hard to see that the SUPER Act gets passed this session, and the only way to do that is if we all show up!
Brianna Silva is taking the lead and will group folks by shared legislators and provide all the materials. We just need you to come along and bring a friend! RSVP here if you plan on joining us!
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MA Repay Loan Repayment - Applications are OPEN!
Social Workers with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree working in organizations that are funded or licensed by one of the qualifying state agencies to provide treatment, support, or services to clients or their families.
Rewards are determined upon degree level:
- Master’s Degree - Up to $30,000 award
- Bachelor’s Degree - Up to $20,000 award
- Associate’s Degree - Up to $6,000 award
A fact sheet for the program and its eligibility requirements is linked here.
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NASW-MA Legislative Education and Advocacy Day 2024
Our annual Legislative and Advocacy Day (LEAD) will be held virtually on March 26th from 9:00am-12:00pm!
LEAD provides social work students and professionals with an opportunity to learn about our shared legislative priorities and how to engage in advocacy through direct contact with legislators and other policy makers.
This year's keynote speaker will be social worker and Senate President Karen Spilka! After hearing from the senate president, participants will learn from our Lobbying 101 speaker, Chelsea Sedani about the do's and don'ts of lobbying. Then we will host a panel session on four of our priority bills. Participants decide which panel to attend in advance of the event. This year workshops will be based on the following bills:
Please visit our website at the button below to stay updated about LEAD or register. Please check-in with your school before registering as they may have a code for you to use.
Thank you to our Champion sponsors!
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Grad Cord Program
If students are not currently members, you can join before March 31, 2024 and receive a free graduation cord.
Current members and School of Social Work faculty members are also eligible for a FREE graduation cord! The deadline to request a cord is April 8th, 2024. Please click here to request your cord today!
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BIPOC Student Membership Program
Our annual BIPOC Student Membership Program is back and accepting applications! Each year the chapter commits to covering the cost of student membership for at least 10 students who apply.
Interested in applying? Our eligibility requirements are:
- Self Identify as a Black, Indigenous, or other person of color.
- Accepted into BSW or MSW program. (Applicants must attend a School of Social Work based in Massachusetts).
- If you are selected and reside in another state, you will be enrolled in the Massachusetts chapter.
Please check out our website for more information and make sure to spread the word in your networks.
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Social Work Month 2024 Theme: Empowering Social Workers!
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Our nation needs social workers more than ever.
Homelessness is on the rise. The opioid addiction crisis has hit the United States hard, impacting all races, regions, and economic levels. Suicide, too has risen, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Social workers are uniquely qualified to handle these societal troubles. Social workers enter the profession because they truly want to help others. They go through years of education, training, and supervision so they can do the delicate but important work of meeting people where they are and helping them achieve their goals.
Social workers are also trained to help individuals, families, communities, and even the larger society if regulations and laws must be changed in order to help people who need it. The demand for social workers is reflected in the statistics. Did you know that by 2030 there will be more than 782,00 social workers in the United States? This makes social work one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States.
However, social workers need support to meet the high demand for their vital work. That is why the Social Work Month theme for 2024 is Empowering Social Workers!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for social workers in 2022 was $55,350. Considering that in order to do their work many social workers must earn a master’s degree and go through the expensive process to gain licensure; this is not enough.
It is important for the public to support legislation and initiatives that empower and support the social work profession and improve their ability to serve our most vulnerable residents.
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Member- Led Group Meetings |
NASW-MA offers many member-led groups (Commissions, Committees, and Shared Interest Groups) to help social workers build connections, network, take action on issues they care about, and build skills.
Join us for any of our upcoming meetings:
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LAC Action Hour - 2/02/24,12:00 pm
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Legislative Advocacy Committee - 2/8/24, 5:30 pm
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Criminal Justice Committee - 2/20/24, 5:30 pm
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Mental Health & Substance Use SIG - 2/13/24, 7:00 pm
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School Social Work SIG - 2/28/24 3:30 pm
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Nursing Home Committee - 2/15/24, 6:30 pm
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Private Practice SIG (Greater Boston) - 2/16/24, 9:00 am
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Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) - 2/27/24, 6;30PM
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Retired & Retiring SIG - 2/21/24, 10:00 am
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Private Practice SIG (Southeast) - 2/23/24, 9:00 am
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Private Practice (Greenfield) - 2/2/24, 9:00 am
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FOCUS Continuing Education Mailer - Earn 6 CEUs on Your Time!
Click the purple link below to access the CE mailer and complete the courses at your leisure. Send the test back to us with a REDUCED price fee for NASW-MA and NASW-RI members and you get your CEs! It's that simple.
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Annual MLK Jr. Forum on Racial Justice was a Success!
Achieving Healthcare Equity for BIPOC Communities
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Attende es gained insight from hospitals social work leaders and community advocates on health disparities, and possible solutions to achieve healthcare equity. Thanks to all of our speakers and sponsors! if you missed this event, it will be posted to the online CE institute in the coming months.
Thank you to our forum sponsors!
Support from our sponsors will help to fund our BIPOC Student Scholarship Program this year
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Enneagram: The Basics and Beyond for Social Workers |
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Earn 1.5 CEUs!
Thursday, February 22 (12:00 - 1:30pm EST)
Speaker: Julia Nepini, MSW, LICSW, ACSW
Sponsored by NASW-MA
Learn about this model of understanding the human psyche and how to incorporate it into your work and relationships.
This workshop will help increase self-awareness and expedite the process of getting to know your clients and your team.
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Social Workers Who Podcast: Integrate Your Skills into Podcasting
In Person Event!
2.0 CEUs
Free to members, $15 for non-members
February 28, 2024 (6-8pm)
In Person Event: Westford CAT studio, 487 Groton Rd, Westford MA
Speakers: Cathy Ricketson, LCSW and Beth Morrison, LCSW- producers of "Need To Know Westford Podcast"
Sponsored by the NASW-MA Northeast Regional Council
Integrate your social work practice with podcasting. Learn how to share your skills and resources via podcasting from social workers with an established podcast. We will explore why social workers should podcast, what you need to know to podcast, and tour the podcast studio at the Westford Community Access studio. 2 CEUs.
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VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM 2024
Reaching Across The Divide: Opportunities for Hope
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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR EARLY BIRD RATES & REGISTER TODAY!!
Join us at our Chapter's Virtual Symposium 2024, the largest gathering of social workers, mental health practitioners, and community leaders across New England, happening on Thursday, April 25 & Friday, April 26. This year's theme is Reaching Across The Divide: Opportunities for Hope.
- Featuring 75+ workshops and speakers!
- All attendees will have the opportunity to connect with experts in the field and gain new skills at innovative workshops.
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Volunteer at Symposium and receive a FREE registration to the full event! Learn more here
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Sponsor and advertising opportunities available!
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Join our Keynote Speaker Mónica Guzmán, in her presentation “How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times”, where she will show participants how to build bridges across gaping cultural, social, and political divides. Mónica Guzmán a bridge builder, journalist, and author who lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions.
Get a FREE copy from Mónica Guzmán’s book “I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times", register within first 200 attendees!
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FREE Three-Part Series:
Emerging Issues in Harm Reduction: Family and Community Work
Earn FREE 1.5 CEUs per workshop!
Speakers: Tanagra M. Melgarejo, MSW, and Joe Pereira, LICSW, CAS
Sponsored by NASW-MA, RIZE Massachusetts & the National Harm Reduction Coalition
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Part 1 - Bridging Bonds: Supporting Families and Loved Ones of Individuals Who Use Substances
Tuesday, June 4 (12:00 - 1:30pm EST)
This workshop is designed to provide participants with critical knowledge to effectively work with families and loved ones of individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs). Recognizing the pivotal role that family members and close friends play in the lives of people who use substances, this workshop aims to equip professionals with keys insights and strategies needed to help family members/loved ones create a supportive and constructive environment. Participants will be given an overview of the dynamics of substance use, effective communication techniques, and specific interventions to help families navigate challenges associated with their loved one's substance use.
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Part 2 - Nurturing Resilience: Addressing Secondary Trauma in Social Workers Engaged in Harm Reduction
Tuesday, June 11 (12:00 - 1:30pm EST)
This workshop is designed to address the critical issue of secondary trauma experienced by social workers involved in harm reduction initiatives. Working in harm reduction can expose professionals to the emotional toll of witnessing clients' struggles with substance use and related challenges. The workshop focuses on understanding and mitigating secondary trauma, emphasizing the crucial role of self and community care in maintaining the well-being of social workers.
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Part 3 - Navigating Risk: Strategies for Social Workers in Harm Reduction
Tuesday, June 25 (12:00 - 1:30pm EST)
This workshop is tailored for social workers engaged in using a harm reduction approach, addressing the complex challenges associated with managing risk in their work with clients. Principles of harm reduction will be reviewed and practical skills to assess, mitigate, and communicate effectively about risks will be introduced. The workshop will provide a comprehensive understanding of the nuances involved in harm reduction, emphasizing the importance of personal autonomy, client-centered approaches and collaborative decision-making.
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Nursing Home and Elder Issues Conference 2024:
Getting up to Speed on Social Work's Role in Elder Care: Challenges and Developments
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Earn 5.5 CEUs!
Thursday, June 20 (8:30 - 3:30pm EST)
Keynote Speaker:
Former Massachusetts Secretary of Elder Affairs, Alice Bonner
Sponsored by NASW-MA
This year’s Conference will explore how social workers can work effectively and stay up to date about the current challenges and developments when working with older adults in nursing homes. More information and registration details are coming soon!
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Online Continuing Education
Available 24/7 through The NASW CE Institute
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Hundreds of web-based continuing education offerings are available to social workers for free or low-cost on NASW's Online CE Institute, including many of the webinars related to COVID-19 that NASW-MA has offered since the beginning of the pandemic. |
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SOCIAL WORK ACTION CENTER |
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Lift Our Kids - No Cuts to Cash Assistance!
The Governor made 9c budget cuts a few weeks ago that impacted families living in deep poverty. The 10% cash assistance increase that was supposed to go into effect in April of 2024 was cut and we are asking the governor to rescind the cuts and for the legislature to include the increase in the FY25 budget.
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Now is the time to Join PACE!
PACE is gearing up for a busy election season in 2024 and needs your help!
Join us virtually on Tuesday, Feb 27 at 6:30PM. Email Beth today to learn more!
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NASW-MA PACE is the political arm of NASW-MA. We work to endorse candidates who share social work values. Get involved with the PACE committee today by emailing Beth.
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Social Workers Interested in Advocacy!
The legislative session ends on July 31st so between now and then we need all the help we can get to pass our priority bills!
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Crucial Time for All Bills - February 7, 2024!
The Joint Rule 10 deadline is on February 7th. This is the deadline for all bills to be reported out of the initial joint committee where they were assigned at the beginning of the legislative session in 2023.
Take a minute and head to our action center to remind legislators about your priorities as a constituent and a social worker. |
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Changes to Medicare POS Coding for 2024:
STATUS UPDATE
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Please note:
The following guidance is accurate for Medicare coding for 2024. However, we have learned that Medicare systems have not been updated to accommodate this new coding at this point. Providers are therefore seeing a lower facility fee for reimbursement for January claims. Corrections are in process, and claims should be reprocessed with correct amounts. For now, it may be advisable to hold claims until corrections are made in the system.
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For private practice billing to Medicare for telehealth services, there will be some coding changes starting on Jan. 1, 2024.
It will be important to follow these guidelines in order to receive accurate reimbursement.
- For 2023, continue billing telehealth claims with the 11 POS indicator you would bill for an in-person visit. You must use Modifier 95 to identify as telehealth through December 31, 2023.
- After December 31, 2023, use POS 10 for telehealth services when the client is in their home, or any place other than a hospital or facility.
- Note that POS 02 is intended for telehealth when client is located at a hospital or facility, and payment would be at the lower facility rate.
- After December 31, 2023, there will be no telehealth modifier required for video sessions. For audio-only sessions, use modifier 93.
There will not be any further changes for Medicare telehealth through 2024. There is some possibility of requirements for periodic in-person visits in future, but that would be for 2025 at the earliest.
For guidance on modifiers and POS for all plans, see this guide, which is being updated as needed: POS and Modifier Guide
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Therapy Matcher Introductory Half-Year Membership:
ONLY $50 for membership through June 2024!
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Join Therapy Matcher NOW and Gain Access to Personalized Referrals
Have you been considering joining Therapy Matcher? This is an ideal time to make the leap!
For only $50, you will receive all this and more -
- Screened, personalized referrals
- Adjust your referral availability to meet the changing needs of your caseload
- Access to attend virtual member meetings
- Exclusive member newsletters
Join hundreds of other social workers to connect with referrals, colleagues and more!
To join or learn more, contact Barbara Burka or go to link below. |
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Please spread the word to friends or colleagues in private practice!
If they are not current NASW members, they can get free introductory membership in Therapy Matcher with a new NASW membership!
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MassHealth Non-Billing Enrollments:
Revalidations Now Required Every 5 Years
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All LICSWs have been required to register with MassHealth as non-billing or QMB providers, to comply with licensing regulations, per a federal mandate. The non-billing enrollment was originally thought to be a one-time requirement, but now has been determined to need revalidation every five years.
There is nothing to be done proactively, but be prepared for an email or call from MassHealth about this. The process will be a simple online transaction to confirm or update information. They are doing it on a rolling basis, and it may not align exactly with five years since enrolling. In the meantime, when renewing your license, you can attest to having complied with this mandate, even if it is past the five-year mark at this point.
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Anti-Racism & Anti-Discrimination CEU Requirements for Renewals after Sept. 28th, 2023 |
The MA Board of Licensure of Social Workers has adopted a new policy to require all licensees to complete continuing education in anti-racism and anti-discrimination, as part of general CE obligations.
Licensees must complete the following CE each licensing cycle:
- Two (2) CE hours in anti-racism with a focus on oppression, and
- One (1) CE hour in anti-discrimination, addressing oppression because of ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and/or mental or physical ability.
These CEUs do not increase the total number of CEUs required by the Board each licensing cycle and should be included within that number.
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Ethical Standards in Social Work: A Review of the NASW Code of Ethics, Revised Third Edition Now Available
Ethical Standards in Social Work is a practical guide designed to help social workers protect clients, make sound ethical decisions, and minimize the risk of professional malpractice and disciplinary action. The revised third edition reflects the 2021 updates of the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers, which provides social workers with a comprehensive summary and analysis of ethical standards in the profession and an explicit statement of the profession’s principal mission and core values. In addition, the book now includes extensive discussion of new and updated ethics standards, especially pertaining to cultural competence and social workers’ self-care.
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Social Work Documentation: Third Edition is now Available
Designed to help practitioners build writing skills in a variety of settings, Social Work Documentation is a how-to guide for social work students and practitioners interested in improving their record keeping and documentation skills.
The third edition has been updated to view documentation through person-first language, and includes a new chapter on bias-free language selection, with examples and exercises to ensure appropriate wording choices are used related to age, disability, immigration and socioeconomic status, and gender and sexual orientation.
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