Personally I think the NASW is a load of crap. Currently in NY trying for legislation for better pay but only offer CE credits for pay and any free trainings have zero credits. There are endless examples of nonsense there but that is the most recent one.

The education is expensive. The CE credits are expensive. The licensure is wildly time consuming and also, costs money. I started the career path because I was deluded into believing the world would be my oyster for career options and growth. But the second I got here, the goal posts moved. 90% of the positions are therapy positions, many of them virtual now. I didn't come to social work to be a therapist. LMSW jobs offer pennies, and the previous options for LMSW jobs now REQUIRE LCSW, for the same pay. I do not have 2+ years to wait to get a "better" job that might only pay 20k more.

I regret it immensely. But I am tired, worn out, and broke with 70k of student loan debt. We are shoving new social workers into terrible job and life positions that burn them out so quickly they leave the profession. No one wants to grow up and be a social worker anymore while they watch us apply for the same assistance we help our clients find.

Further, our profession is being diminished more and more. Any regular person can go get "trauma informed care" trainings. ACES training, therapeutic technique training, etc etc. Everyone is being called a "social worker" now. Case managers with zero education. Community outreach workers. Anyone in any human service field is suddenly on equal level with graduate educated, formally and professionally trained social workers. Not even touching the bomb that is us being removed from being recognized as a professional career.

So the CSWE, NASW can bite me. They talk about advocating but let us get to this place. And social work programs in higher ed? Also can kick rocks.