social work continuing education free

• Free State Social Work, LLC The Smart Resource for Online Continuing Education
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Free State Social Work offers online continuing education for social workers, counselors, and therapists.

Every Continuing Education Credit Hour is $5.99

We also offer an unlimited package with one year of unlimited courses for $74.99 and two years for $124.99.

Let’s get started!

Our process is simple.  Read an article, pass a post-test, and print your certificate.

To obtain your credits, you will select a course, read the article, and pass a post-test by answering at least 75% of the test questions correctly.  You can read the entire article and preview the quiz before you decide to register for the course.  We estimate that each credit hour will require one hour of work.  If you do not pass the test, you can review the reading material and take the test again- we currently do not limit how many times you can retake a test.

At Free State Social Work, we offer great online continuing education for social workers, counselors, and therapists.

All of our courses are $5.99 per credit hour. Please browse our complete course catalog or use the category links below.

We also offer an unlimited package! One year of unlimited courses is $74.99 and two years are $124.99. Click here for more details about our unlimited packages . If you would like to sample one of our courses, you can try a free course here .

Browse Courses By Category

• Anti-Racism, Anti-Discrimination
• Cultural Competence
• Domestic Violence
• End of Life
• Ethics for Counselors
• Homelessness
• Human Trafficking
• Implicit Bias
• Suicide Prevention

Getting continuing education credits

Maintaining your social work license requires more than just filing paperwork every two years. Regulatory boards recognize the importance of lifelong learning to the social work profession.

Social workers in all areas of practice benefit from both continuing education in familiar subjects—including important updates related to current, evidence-based practice—and topic areas that allow them to learn and practice new skills competently.

Continuing education requirements

How much CE do I need? What types of CE are required?

CE requirements for license renewal are determined by your board. ASWB compiles information on CE requirements in the United States and Canada.

• CE requrements Explore your board's CE requirements in the ASWB Laws and Regulations Database

Three ways to find ACE credit

• ACE providers Download a list of all approved ACE providers
• Individual course and conference approval Approved individual courses and conferences are listed on our spreadsheet
• Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education ASWB authorizes some Joint Accreditation providers to offer ACE credit to social workers

Continuing Education and Professional Development for Social Workers

Register today for a live webinar or convenient, online course that will satisfy your CE requirements.

Our social worker CE online courses, live webinars, online retreats and digital seminars help you stay up to date on the current best practices and cutting-edge theories in behavioral health. Leading experts in the field develop each course, and courses are vetted for compliance to ensure they meet ASWB standards Continuing education units (CEUs) are required and necessary for a social worker’s career. Not only to keep your license up-to-date, but so you can provide your clients with updated and accurate care. Now you can get the continuing education you need to be well-informed on new treatment developments and strategies, plus build your career through a convenient and affordable way that’s adaptable to your personal and professional needs. PESI gives you clinical resources on the widest range of topics including, trauma treatment , anxiety disorders , personality disorders , telehealth and much more, so you can easily expand your career goals and help your clients.

Certifications and Professional Advancement for Social Workers

One of the most accessible ways to demonstrate your professional commitment to serving specific populations or needs is by adding a certification that demonstrates your additional learning and engagement. Today's competitive hiring atmosphere also makes these endorsements an excellent investment in your career. PESI offers hundreds of resources so you can explore new ideas like Internal Family Systems (IFS) , discover how to use CBT for anxiety and OCD , understand antidepressant selection for clients with depression, and so much more. Self-paced online certification training courses include:

• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP Level I & II)
• Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)
• Certified Addictions-Informed Professional (CAIMHP)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• And many more

With a variety of online trainings to choose from you’ll find everything you need to satisfy yearly CE requirements while deepening your understanding of your clients and patients. PESI also offers hundreds of free resources (and free CE hours!) to make exploring new areas of social work accessible. Whatever interests you, you’ll quickly find what you need to learn new skills, offer a wider range of treatment and expand your professional opportunities.

Continuing Education that Pushes the Envelope

PESI’s presenters and facilitators are some of the most in-demand practitioners, instructors, and researchers working in their fields. They work to build a diverse offering of presentations for students with a variety of learning styles. You’ll be able to make the most of your continuing education because we offer a number of ways to meet your credit requirements, including:

Our comprehensive course library goes beyond just traditional online lectures. Step-by-step you’ll be guided through dozens of lessons from industry-leading experts and researchers who will share their practical techniques, skills, stories, and tips that you can immediately apply in your practice. Each online course comes with lifetime access and assessments designed to help you master the material, as well as discussion forums that give you the opportunity to learn the material with other professionals. Self-paced social work CEU courses are available for most of the same topics covered in live CE seminars.

Join thousands of Social Workers already learning at PESI.

Check Your State CE Requirements

If you're looking for continuing education courses designed to keep your licensing and certification up to date in every relevant area of professional practice you need, start by consulting your state guidelines to make sure you understand how to cover every requirement. From there you can plan an enriching year of learning that helps you hit your professional goals while keeping all your licensing and credentials up to date. It's efficient, it's easy to fit to your schedule, and new course offerings are being added as quickly as they are developed. Keep checking back for new webinar calendar dates and freshly developed courses.

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• CE Lead Gen - Free CE Courses

Free Continuing Education Courses

Explore our catalogue of free mental health continuing education courses.

How it Works

Step 1: Get This Free Course

Add this free course to your cart and check out. Click the button above to get started!

Step 2: Check Out

Complete your information at check out. Your email will give you access to our online CE program.

Step 3: Complete Your Course

Experience our CE course experience yourself. Finish your course and we'll give you a certificate upon completion.

Enjoy online CE courses from AATBS. Stay current on the latest evidence-based learning and clinical practices in acute and critical care with AATBS. Stay current on the latest evidence-based learning and clinical practices in acute and critical care with AATBS's Continuing Education Courses.

AATBS's online courses are user friendly and convenient. Our courses are available 24-7 and are delivered through our secure servers. AATBS is an approved provider of continuing education for many organizations including the APA, ASWB, NBCC, and many additional boards.

AATBS is approved for psychology continuing education by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists

Social Work

AATBS is an approved provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program.

AATBS is approved for MFT continuing education by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to sponsor continuing education for therapists.

AATBS is an approved provider for counseling continuing education by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

AATBS is a BACB approved continuing education (ACE) provider, OP-20-3284. All BCBA CEUs earned by attendees at AATBS events are Learning-type CEUs (Type II) and designed to support the professional development of Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts.

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CE Courses Live Webinars for Social Workers

• Format Live webinars Recorded Video Text Audio
• State (Show All States) Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
• Topic Child Abuse Clinical Social Work Continued Learning Podcast Cultural Competence Elder Abuse Ethics General Social Work LGBTQ+ Pain Management Practice Administration Race and Diversity Substance Abuse Suicide Prevention Supervision Telehealth Trauma and Trauma Informed Care
• Association ASWB ACE IL EITP NASW NJ (ASWB ACE) NY-Contact Hours
• Level (show all levels) Introductory Intermediate Advanced
• Duration 1.5 hours and under Between 1.5 and 3 Hours Three Hours or More

Searching all 9 courses

Decoding Coercive Control: Advanced Strategies for Proficient Domestic Violence Assessment

Course: #2117 level: intermediate 1.02 hours, expressive writing to manage complex emotions, course: #2118 level: intermediate 1.02 hours, understanding cognitive behavioral therapy as a therapeutic modality in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorders, course: #2119 level: intermediate 1.02 hours, supporting students with autism in a school setting, course: #2120 level: intermediate 1.02 hours, working effectively with youth: supporting young people to see themselves, be themselves and live full lives, course: #2122 level: intermediate 1.02 hours, recognizing and identifying family trauma: an overview, course: #2123 level: intermediate 1.02 hours, recognizing and identifying teen dating violence, course: #2124 level: introductory 1.02 hours, recognizing and supporting lgbtq clients from intimate partner violence, course: #2125 level: introductory 1.02 hours, burnout and proactive self-care: safeguarding well-being in helping professionals, course: #2127 level: intermediate 1.02 hours, unlimit ed ce access $99/year join now, every membership includes:, unlimited access.

Learn on your own schedule, at your own pace, and earn all the CE credits you want.

Multiple Formats

We offer courses in multiple formats (including live webinar and self-paced video, audio, and text) that fit your lifestyle and learning style.

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Access continuing education courses and content anywhere, on any device, including your phone and tablet.

Industry-Leading Experts

The course library is developed and overseen by an experienced team of social workers and industry professionals.

Trending Topics

Our content is updated weekly with courses that will give you the skills you need to succeed.

Learn, Earn, & Track

See and track your courses at a glance. Course completion certificates are provided, and Continu ed Social Work is an ASWB ACE Provider.

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The Ohio State University

• Continuing Education

The Office of Continuing Education is committed to becoming the leader and expert in providing lifelong education to social work professionals and creating a interdisciplinary community of extraordinary advocates, clinicians, and community organizers.

Ready to explore new avenues or advance your current career? Our continuing education programs offer many opportunities to develop new skills, gain greater knowledge, and move your career forward. Our instructors include the best minds in our community, state, and nation, and trainings cover the topics most important to you.

• 988-CareLine Training Series
• Certificate Programs
• 2024 ADAMH Cultural Responsiveness Series
• Training Calendar
• Frequently Asked Questions

Scheduled Live Trainings

Trauma-Informed Care (6 CE)

May 3, 2024 @ 9 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. ET

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing (MI)

May 14, 2024 @ 1 - 4:15 p.m. ET

Navigating the Vaping Epidemic: Understanding the Impact on Children and Adults (3 CE)

May 16, 2024 @ 9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. ET

Licensure Review for Social Workers

May 17, 2024 @ 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. ET

2024 ADAMH Cultural Responsiveness Series: Virtual 3-hour Session

June 5, 2024 @ Exact time TBD

Self-paced Trainings

Centering collective trauma care and healing, centering collective trauma care & healing (non-ceu), homicidal youth, technology-based care, intergenerational programs: evidence in practice, addiction 101-fundamentals of addiction, social work supervision, motivational interviewing: conversations about change, ethics of working with veterans and service members as a vulnerable population, recovery and relapse prevention, understanding and implementing the dsm-5, the brain science of addiction, public health ethics: understanding and evaluating bias in public health initiatives, military 101: understanding military culture, accreditation.

The Ohio State University College of Social Work, (Provider: RCST111747), is an approved* provider for The State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board. *All courses hosted by CSWCE are approved for this Board unless the course description states otherwise.

The Ohio State University College of Social Work, (Provider: 50-24068), is an approved* provider for
The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals (OCDP) Board. *Courses that have been approved for this Board will note the appropriate content areas in the course description.

The Ohio State University College of Social Work, (Provider: 1628), is approved* to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 4/30/22-4/30/25.

*Courses that have been approved for this Board will have the above statement listed in the course description.

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Continuing Education

As a professional social worker, you are committed to lifelong learning and a pursuit of the latest information, skills and interventions that will help you best meet the needs of the clients and communities you serve.  Whether you're required to have continuing education credits as part of maintaining your license, or simply desire more experience in the field, we are committed to providing all social workers with vital professional development resources and cutting-edge opportunities that strengthen your professional skills. 

Our members receive access to up-to-date info on DE licensing regulations and preparation for licensure, certificate and CE programs, student services, and resources for clinical social workers...

Frequently Asked Questions about Continuing Education

Online learning.

Sometimes it is easiest to jump online and learn, we understand that. Throughout the year we offer both live online continuing education programs and a robust library of on-demand programs as well. You can register for the live programs through events page and search for on-demand programs through our online institute.

In Person Courses

Throughout the year we offer various in person courses, both at our chapter office and in the community--through partnerships with organizations and in your units. These courses are sometimes a few hours, while others are full day symposiums around a central topic. You can search for in person programs on the event page.

Who Recognizes These Programs for CE?

The New Jersey State Board of Social Work Examiners, The New Jersey Department of Education Professional Development (Provider #705), The State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners (family therapists, professional counselors, rehabilitation counselors and alcohol and drug counselors) for license and certification renewal, The New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work. In addition, most states will accept programs offered through NASW-NJ for credit in other states.

How Many Credits Do I Need?

If you are an LCSW: An LCSW shall complete a minimum of 40 credits of continuing education, of which at least 20 credits shall be in courses or programs directly related to clinical practice, 5 credits must be related to ethics, 3 credits must be related to social and cultural competency, and 1 credit must be related to prescription opioid addiction. If the LCSW earns more than 40 credits during a biennial period, the LCSW may carry a maximum of eight surplus credits into a succeeding biennial period; If you are an LSW: An LSW shall complete a minimum of 30 credits of continuing education, 5 of which must be related to ethics, 3 credits must be related to social and cultural competency, and 1 credit must be related to prescription opioid addiction. If the LSW earns more than 30 credits during a biennial period, the LSW may carry a maximum of six surplus credits into a succeeding biennial period. If you are a CSW: A CSW shall complete a minimum of 20 credits of continuing education, 5 of which must be related to ethics, 3 credits must be related to social and cultural competency, and 1 credit must be related to prescription opioid addiction. If the CSW earns more than 20 credits during a biennial period, the CSW may carry a maximum of four surplus credits into a succeeding biennial period. If an applicant initially obtains a license or certificate within the second year of a biennial license period (September 1, 2019 or later) the applicant shall complete not fewer than one-half of the minimum required credits of continuing education, 3 credits of which shall be related to ethics and 2 credits of which shall be related to social and cultural competency. An LCSW shall complete at least 10 of their 20 credits in programs which directly relate to clinical practice.

Recorded Workshops

sometimes it is easiest to jump online and learn, we understand that. throughout the year we offer both live webinars and a robust library of on-demand programs as well. you can register for the live programs through our events page and search for on-demand programs through our social work online ce institute . 

live webinars

Throughout the year we offer live webinars around a variety of topics that are eligible for clinical, social/cultural and ethics credits. You can search for live webinars programs on the event page .

• requirements for lbsws: for each renewal period, 20 hours are required. at least six of the hours shall be in the area of professional ethics. at least one of the hours shall be in the area of mandatory reporting.
• requirements for lmsws: for each renewal period, 30 hours are required. at least six of the hours shall be in the area of professional ethics. at least one of the hours shall be in the area of mandatory reporting.
• requirements for lcsws: for each renewal period, 40 hours are required. at least six of the hours shall be in the area of professional ethics. at least one of the hours shall be in the area of mandatory reporting.

any course or activity submitted for continuing education credit must have been attended during the  biennial licensing period for which it is submitted. excess credits may not be carried over to the next  licensing period.

Now that you've earned your continuing education credits, you'll want to make certain you've retained your certificates to submit to the board for verification. CE tracker makes it easy to keep track of all your continuing education credits online.

• Member Rate: $25
• Non-Member Rate: $40

Subscribe to CE Tracker

Our most popular webinars are now available on-demand on the Social Work Online CE Institute. Earn your credits at your convenience from the comfort of your home, office, or your favorite study place.

• User Registration

Continuing Professional Development

Go here for a list of NASW-CO Approved Continuing Education Opportunities.

Below is information on the DORA Continued Professional Development requirement of licensure.  Please read through all information here carefully and thoroughly.   You are strongly encouraged to follow the DORA links to review important information on DORA's website on the CPD program . In addition, you should also review the webpage for specific info on  HPPP , which is an additional requirement of licensure.

The Chapter offers a CPD Tracking Workbook available on the  My Member Benefits  section of this website.

DORA CPD Website

DORA Social Work Continuing Professional Competency  - Offers a variety of information including a Resources section that provides info on the Learning Plan , Deem Status , and links to the  CPC Program Manual  and the Chart of accepted Professional Development Activities for Social Workers .

Licensees should complete a Professional Practice Rubric and Self-Assessment , a Learning Plan , and document CPD hours. You are required to keep these items in your personal files electronically or on paper.   For more info go here.

Highlights of the CPD Program:

• It is tied to licensure and applies to LCSWs and LSWs 
• It is overseen by DORA 
• The model has three main components: reflective practice, developing a learning plan, and completing professional development activities
• It requires 40 professional development hours be earned every 2 years. It does not require pre-approval for CEs or other activities by the DORA Board or NASW
• However, these activities count only to the degree there is new, professional-level learning 
• Documentation is kept by the licensee and is not sent to DORA unless specifically requested; by statute there will be an audit of 5% of licensees 
• Licensees who are not currently practicing in the state but who want to keep a license may put it on "Inactive Status" and will NOT need to fulfill CPD requirements while Inactive.  See details .
• First-time licensees have the required CPD hours prorated.  The prorated formula is 1.66 PDHs for every month a license is held until the cycle ends.  If the license is held for any part of a month, count the month in the formula.  First time licensees includes new LSWs and those who transferred their LCSW from another state at some point in the middle of the 2-year license cycle.  This formula is also used when a license is reinstated.

Overview of the CPD Program

The following is an overview of the DORA Continuing Professional Development program and requirements. This is not a complete review of all aspects of the program, so please be sure to attend a Chapter informational session or read the rules and resources on the DORA website.

The DORA CPD program technically went into effect by law on January 1st, 2011.  However, not all aspects of the program applied on that date, because the requirement is tied to licensure renewal which occurs every two years. The first “deadline” was at the August 2011 license renewal when licensees were required to comply with only the first two aspects of the program (reflective practice and learning plan).  It was the 2011-2013 license cycle that licensees first complied with the third aspect of the program to complete professional development activities/hours. Thereafter “deadlines” will occur every two years when you renew your license.

Introduction

The Continued Competency requirement is tied to licensure and applies to LCSWs and LSWs (as well as other licensed mental health professionals). The program is overseen by DORA and managed through a software program accessed via a DORA portal on the internet. Licensees will access the DORA portal and sign in to their account with a password.

The DORA program does not require only CEC/CEU, nor does it require pre-approval of any kind by DORA.  CEC/CEU coursework certainly may count toward PHDs earned, but is not required for coursework to count toward PDHs.  DORA will not require you to send documentation of PDHs earned upon license renewal. Documentation is kept by the licensee and not sent to DORA unless specifically requested. Such requests by DORA are by audit or because of a lapsed license or grievance.

The Continuing Competency model has three main components: reflective practice, developing a learning plan, and completing professional development activities.

Continuing Professional Competence (CPC) – is the ongoing ability of a licensee to learn, integrate and apply the knowledge, skill and judgment to practice according to generally accepted industry standards and professional ethical standards in a designated role and setting.

Continuing Professional Development Portfolio (Portfolio) – will be an online instructional guide available on the DORA website. It is a comprehensive reference tool that provides many examples and in depth information about all aspects of the program. You may want to think of it as a resource to pick and choose what and when you find it helpful.

Professional Development Hours (PDH) – are clock hours of learning activities. Forty (40) PDH’s are required every two years in order to renew your license. A maximum of twenty (20) PDH’s may be credited in a single professional development activity. If you completed more than 40 PDH’s during a renewal cycle, you may carry over to the next renewal cycle a maximum of 5 PDH’s earned within 6 months of license expiration.

Professional Development Activities (PDA) – provide new knowledge, skills or attitudes and sharpen or expand existing skills. There are a variety of activities allowed: volunteer service, consultation, supervision, presenting, coursework (workshops, conferences, online classes, etc), publication, and independent learning. DORA does not require pre-approval or CEC approval for these activities, though documentation is required.

Reflective Practice – involves evaluating your professional skill and aspirations to identify new learning opportunities. The DORA program provides two on-line tools to assist in reflective practice, the Professional Practice Rubric (Rubric) and the Practice Description worksheet. The Rubric identifies seven competency dimensions that are common to all social work practice settings. The Rubric must be submitted on line to DORA to renew your license.

Personal Learning Plan (Learning Plan) – is an online document to outline and record your professional learning activities (PDAs) for each two-year license renewal cycle. The plan may be modified on-line any time throughout the two year cycle up until the set renewal deadline date. DORA will not audit, evaluate or review the content of your PDAs. The Learning Plan must be submitted on line to DORA to renew your license.

Documentation of PDH – You will need to retain records to document the PDH’s accrued. The type of documentation required is explained in the Portfolio. Documentation must be retained for 5 years and may be audited by DORA during this time. Documentation should not be sent to DORA unless specifically requested.

Deem Status – Some licensees working in certain settings may be deemed to have met the requirements of this program and in effect be exempted from completing additional PDAs. To be eligible you must work for a State agency or contractor that has a CPC program that meets DORA requirements. Licensees are still subject to a DORA audit. It is strongly recommending that licensees keep their own documentation in case they leave the agency or an agency changes status with the State.

History & Background - Continued Competence

For more than 10 years, the Chapter has been working to include a continuing education component in our licensure statute.   The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and the Governor’s office historically had been opposed to continuing education, citing studies that indicate continuing education does not contribute to public protection, DORA’s primary function. In 2008, however, Governor Ritter asked DORA to consider a competency model that would address learning goals for all professions regulated by DORA. DORA approached the Chapter, and the other licensed mental health professionals, and asked if we would agree to submit a bill for a continuing competency requirement.  We agreed, as did LPCs, LMFTs and CACs.

The Chapter’s Legislative Committee and the Practice Standards Committee, University of Denver GSSW, and the Clinical Society, along with DORA began working together to draft a bill that was introduced in the state legislature in January 2009. Anne McGihon in the House and Betty Boyd in the Senate sponsored the bill - House Bill 1086. It required the above-mentioned professionals “to maintain continuing professional competency in order to obtain renewal or reinstatement of a license or certificate to practice their respective profession in Colorado.” The statute mandates that the Social Work Board of Examiners at DORA adopt rules that would contain the following elements.

During the summer of 2010, representatives from the Chapter participated in a Stakeholders Group at DORA that designed specifics of the social work Continuing Competency program.  These program specifics were approved by the DORA Social Work Board in a rule making hearing in November 2010. 

HB 1086 was signed into law on June 4, 2009 by Governor Ritter.

In attendance at the bill signing by Gov. Ritter are the bill sponsors, Rep.  Gwyn Greene and Sen. Betty Boyd,  and NASWCO (then) Executive Director, Renee Rivera, and (then) Legislative Chair, Jean Greenberg.

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas: Free CEUs for Social Workers

Agents of change.

• September 17, 2023

Hey there, dedicated Social Worker! As you know, the world of Social Work is ever-evolving, and with it comes new challenges and new opportunities.

Navigating ethical dilemmas is no walk in the park, especially in this digital age. But don’t worry, we’ve got some great free resources to help you out!

Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.

We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your free CEUs.

1) Navigating Ethical Dilemmas: Why It Matters

In Social Work, ethical dilemmas aren’t just occasional roadblocks; they’re integral to the journey. They challenge our values, test our patience, and often force us to confront the gray areas of morality. But why is navigating these dilemmas so pivotal?

The Heartbeat of Social Work: Trust

At the core of any Social Worker-client relationship lies trust. Clients open up their lives, vulnerabilities, and traumas, hoping for guidance, support, and understanding.

Ethical dilemmas, if not navigated with care, can jeopardize this delicate bond. When clients feel that their trust is valued and protected, they’re more likely to engage genuinely, making the therapeutic process more effective.

Upholding the Torch: Professional Integrity

Every profession has its guiding principles, and for Social Workers, it’s the commitment to welfare, justice, and the rights of the individual.

Each decision reflects not just on the individual Social Worker but on the broader community of professionals. By consistently making ethically sound choices, social workers reinforce the integrity and credibility of their field.

Beyond the Moral Compass: Legal Implications

Ethical dilemmas aren’t just moral quandaries; they often come with legal strings attached. The decisions Social Workers make can have real-world consequences, from licensing issues to potential lawsuits.

Being informed about ethical considerations isn’t just about doing what feels right; it’s about understanding the legal landscape and ensuring that decisions align with both moral and legal standards.

The Ripple Effect: Broader Societal Impact

Social Workers often serve as bridges between individuals and the larger community. The choices they make can create ripples, influencing not just their immediate clients but the broader societal perception of issues.

By navigating ethical dilemmas with care, Social Workers can advocate more effectively, challenge societal norms when necessary, and contribute to a more just and understanding society.

Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.

2) Free CEUs for Social Workers: A Treasure Trove

How about some free CEUs that are not just informative but also super engaging? Here are two courses that you absolutely must check out:

• Link: Powerful Home-School Partnerships
• Description: Dive into the world of home/school partnerships and discover the pivotal role Social Workers play. And guess what? It’s a team effort! From teachers to parents, everyone has a key part and ethics are a key component of building a strong relationship.
• Link: ChatGPT and AI for Social Workers
• Description: AI in Social Work? You bet! This course is your gateway to understanding the ethical considerations of using AI tools like ChatGPT. From workshops to guest lectures, it’s a comprehensive guide to the future of AI in social work and managing the ethics of this new technology.

Agents of Change Continuing Education also offers Unlimited Access to 150+ Online Social Work ACE-approved courses for one low annual fee. We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change.

3) FAQs – Free CEUs on Ethics

Q: How do technological advancements, especially AI, reshape the ethical landscape in Social Work?

A: The integration of technology, particularly AI, into Social Work has led to a new era of challenges and opportunities. AI tools, like ChatGPT, can assist in data analysis, predict client needs, and even provide therapeutic interventions. However, with these advancements come ethical concerns:

• Data Privacy: AI systems often require vast amounts of data. Ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of client information becomes paramount. How is this data stored, who has access, and how is it used?
• Depersonalization: While AI can provide tools for intervention, it’s essential to ensure that the human touch, the very essence of Social Work, isn’t lost. Can an AI truly replace the empathy, understanding, and nuanced decision-making of a human?
• Bias and Fairness: AI systems are trained on data, and if this data is biased, the AI’s decisions can be too. How do we ensure that these tools are equitable and don’t perpetuate societal biases?

Q: How can Social Workers ensure they’re making the most ethically sound decisions when faced with dilemmas?

A: Ethical decision-making is a cornerstone of social work. Here are some steps to ensure sound decisions:

• Stay Informed: Regularly update your knowledge through courses, like the free CEUs mentioned, to stay abreast of the latest ethical guidelines and considerations.
• Seek Supervision: Sometimes, two heads are better than one. Discussing dilemmas with a supervisor or colleague can provide fresh perspectives and insights.
• Reflect: Take time to introspect. Understand your biases, values, and beliefs, and how they might influence your decisions.
• Consult Ethical Guidelines: Professional organizations often provide ethical guidelines and codes of conduct. Familiarize yourself with these and use them as a compass.

Need to close a credit gap quickly? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ Online Social Work ACE-approved courses.

Q: With the increasing complexity of ethical dilemmas, how can educational institutions better prepare budding Social Workers?

A: Here’s how institutions can step up:

• Integrate Technology and Ethics: Courses that combine technological advancements, like AI, with ethical considerations can provide students with a holistic view. For instance, the “ChatGPT and AI for Social Workers” course is a prime example.
• Scenario-Based Learning: Instead of just theoretical knowledge, institutions can use real-life scenarios or case studies to simulate ethical dilemmas.
• Promote Interdisciplinary Learning: Encourage students to take courses in a variety of disciplines, including philosophy, law, and technology. A broader knowledge base can provide varied perspectives, enriching their understanding of ethical issues.

4) Conclusion

Navigating ethical dilemmas in the world of Social Work can be daunting. But with the right resources, like the free CEUs we’ve highlighted, you’re well on your way to making informed and ethical decisions.

So go on, dive into these courses, and empower yourself! And remember, in the ever-evolving landscape of Social Work, staying updated is not just a choice; it’s a necessity!

Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education. We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with their Continuing Education and want you to be next!

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► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: https://agentsofchangetraining.com

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Social Workers for more than 8 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Social Workers stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

#socialwork #socialworker #socialwork #socialworklicense #socialworklicensing #continuinged #continuingeducation #ce #socialworkce #freecesocialwork #lmsw #lcsw

Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

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Continuing Education

Continuing education (ce) series workshops.

The Arizona Chapter of NASW has joined forces with the ASU School of Social Work to create workshops at locations around the state. These workshops vary to satisfy ethics/law, diversity/cultural competency, clinical supervision, and general requirements for licensure in Arizona as dictated by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.

Social Work Online CE Institute

NASW is committed to helping social workers meet their professional development needs. The newly redesigned Social Work Online CE Institute houses hundreds of on-demand titles produced by the NASW Chapters and National Office, and, for your ease of mind, the same NASW login is now the way to access the Institute’s library and all your training history. Additionally, NASW members can enjoy both free CEs and CEs at discounted rates.

Continuing and Medical Education Credits (CE|CME)

Upon completion of the Integrative Health and Wellness Certificate Program, the following CE, CME credits and certifications are available for graduates:

Cme credits for physicians/nurse practitioners .

The AAFP has reviewed Integrative Health and Wellness Online Graduate Certificate Program (Enduring) and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit. Term of approval is from   08/28/2023 to 05/10/2024.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Practitioners who complete the entire program (all four courses) are eligible to claim   360 credit hours.

You will need to complete an evaluation form at the end of the program and email it to   [email protected]   to be able to claim your CMEs and receive your certificate.

AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to   AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™   toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed, not as Category 1.

CE Credits for Professional Counselors 

UMSSW-CPE is authorized by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors to sponsor Category B continuing professional education. The Integrative Health and Wellness Certificate Program meets the requirements for 60 Category II CEUs for professional counselors. Once an enrolled student completes the program, they will need to submit an unofficial transcript and pay $75 in order to receive the CEUs. They can email the transcript to:  [email protected]  and include their name and phone number. The CPE office will then call the student to take the payment over the phone and then email the CEU certificate. 

CE Credits for Psychologists

Psychologists in Maryland, Virginia, and DC can received CE credits for completion of this program. Psychologists in other states will need to check with their Psychological Association or Board to determine whether they can also earn CE credits.

According to the Board of Examiners, Maryland Psychologists and Psychological Associates can earn the following number of CE credits upon completion of the program.

CE Credits for Social Workers

UMSSW-CPE is authorized by the Board of Social Work Examiners in Maryland to sponsor social work continuing education programs and maintains full responsibility for this program. The Integrative Health and Wellness Certificate Program meets the requirements for 60 Category II CEUs for social workers. Once an enrolled student completes the program, they will need to submit an unofficial transcript and pay $75 in order to receive the CEUs. They can email the transcript to:  [email protected] and include their name and phone number. The CPE office will then call the student to take the payment over the phone and then email the CEU certificate. 

CE Credits for National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches

The Integrative Health and Wellness graduate certificate program, consisting of four CE eligible courses, is approved by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches for a total of 36 continuing education units for NBHWC certified coaches (CE-000033-1). Successful completion of the entire Integrative Health and Wellness program is required to receive the 36 CE credits.

‌‌ Course Number:  CE-000033-1

CE Credits for Chiropractors

The Maryland Board of Chiropractic Examiners has approved the Integrative Health and Wellness graduate certificate program for 60 continuing education credits.  

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Lifelong Learning: CoSW Drives Child Abuse Prevention Education Forward 

• Published April 3, 2024
• College News

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Lexington, KY – This April, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) calls upon social work practitioners to join the fight against child abuse by participating in focused Continuing Education (CE) courses. 

Aligning with CoSW’s mission of education and service, the Office of Professional Development and Continuing Education (OPDCE) provides life-long learning opportunities for social workers and other helping professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills and meet state licensing requirements.  

The OPDCE provides high-quality, relevant, and evidence-based programming that enhances practitioners’ clinical and non-clinical skills.  

In alignment with Child Abuse Prevention Month, the OPDCE is highlighting crucial, evidence-based programs that aim to equip helping professionals with vital skills for child abuse prevention. 

Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma  

As defined in KRS 620.020, training on the recognition and prevention of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (aka shaken baby syndrome) is mandated for many professionals including certified and licensed social workers and nurses. This course, taught by Dr. Vicki Hensley will examine risk factors, etiology, epidemiology, and the pathophysiology of PAHT. Additionally, students will learn strategies for soothing a crying infant and working with families in various capacities as a tool for the prevention of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma. 

Opioid Crisis and Child Welfare  

This course introduces participants to the effect of opioid use disorder on the process of parenting. This includes both instrumental parenting (provision of adequate food, clothing, shelter, and supervision) as well as relational parenting (provision for love, support, warmth, and security). It draws on both qualitative and quantitative research to provide both objective information as well as insight into the subjective self-assessment of opioid misusing parents into the quality of their own behavior as parents. 

Suicide Prevention Training: Assessment, Intervention and Management  

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that in 2021, there was an average of 1 suicide death every 11 minutes. Suicide prevention aims to reduce the occurrence of self-inflicted deaths by implementing strategies and providing support to individuals who may be at risk. 

To register for any of our CE courses or learn more about the OPDCE, you can visit our website at: https://ceu.uky.edu/continuing-education/ .  

OPDCE programming is guided by regulations and protocols promulgated by the Kentucky Board of Social Work, the Kentucky Board of Psychology Examiners, the Kentucky Board of Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselors, the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board, the American Association of State Social Work Boards and the Continuing Education Unit Guidelines set forth by the Commission on Colleges and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).  

For 85 years, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has been a leader in social work education. As a college, we promote community and individual well-being through translational research and scholarship, exemplary teaching, and vital community engagement. We are committed to the people and social institutions throughout Kentucky, the nation, and the world. Like the University, CoSW is an organization that cultivates a diverse academic community characterized by interpersonal fairness and social justice. We are fiercely committed to developing outstanding social work professionals — leaders who will serve individuals, families, and communities through innovative and effective practices that are guided by cultural competency, systematic ethical analysis, and a keen and pragmatic understanding of the human condition.  

CoSW prepares for National Child Abuse Prevention month

Social Work is Everywhere: A Recap of CoSW’s Celebration of National Social Work Month

New Era of Her: UK Social Work Celebrates the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards 

• April 3, 2024

March 2024 Inside the Action Newsletter

In this month's newsletter:

• Day of Giving 2024
• Latest News
• Upcoming Events
• Student Spotlights
• Continuing Education Opportunities
• Alumni News
• In Memoriam
• Employment & Career Opportunities

Read the March 2024 Inside the Action Newsletter .