Geriatric social workers: In demand
As the number of older adults in this country grows in the coming years and then explodes in the coming decades, there are expanding opportunities for careers in geriatric social work education and geriatric social work.

Social workers are among some of the nation's most in-demand professionals, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Learn more

Career News
GSWI Pleased to Distribute 9 Careers in Aging Week Awards to Schools of Social Work
For the first time in 2011, the GSWI was pleased to have partnered with The Gerontological Society of America and the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education to provide $200 awards to nine Schools of Social Work for their Careers in Aging Week activities. To read more about the award winners click here.

Social work careers magazine highlights resources for MSW graduates
The Spring 2011 edition of The New Social Worker magazine highlights a variety of interesting articles and food for thought for social workers.  Two articles in particular are aimed at new MSW graduates. The first titled “A New MSW Graduate? 14 Ways to Stand Out in the Crowd!” is written by Natasha Nalls, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, CAP. Ms Nalls provides timely advice for those entering the field and embarking on their careers. Her tips include joining a professional organization, finding a mentor, maintaining connections to your University, getting licensing & credentialing, and working on your professional presentation skills.  The second article “10 Things I Learned In My Job Search” by Kristen Marie (Kryss) Shane, MSW, LMSW includes good reminders about entering the job market including how to project yourself as a new professional through your resume and on-line tools, how to follow-up with potential employers, and how to weigh job offers. To access a free copy of the magazine, click here.

NASW’s Social Work Career Center has resources for you
Whether you are new to the job market or just changing careers, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Social Work Career Center has something for you.  The March 2011 edition of Career News has several timely articles on topics such as selecting a career path less traveled, writing an outstanding cover letter, matching life experience to career choices, and jump starting a stalled job search.  The website also provides job listings, professional development & training resources, and other tools to help you explore the social work profession.

Hartford Foundation Officer Nora O’Brien-Suric urges geriatric social workers to “Pass it on”
In her most recent post to the John A. Hartford Foundation blog healthAGEnda, Dr. Nora O’Brien-Suric, Geriatric Social Work Initiative Program Officer challenges social workers to mentor new leaders.  The article titled “Pass It On” includes Dr. O’Brien-Suric’s reflections on a special mentor who made a difference in her career path.  She also notes that mentoring is a obligation of those who are fortunate to receive guidance and is one of the key elements of leadership.  To read the full posting, click here.

Social Work Blog
Developed by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in collaboration with the nation’s schools of social work, this website was created to educate prospective social workers about the scope and vitality of the profession. By highlighting 50 accomplished social workers, the site provides an up close and personal look at the profession’s diverse people, opportunities and contributions. Click here for more information.

Degree Programs
Looking to find an accredited BSW or MSW program with a gerontology focus in your area? Check this list of offerings from the Council on Social Work Education.

Job Opportunities
Click here for a list of helpful links to web sites that can help you find a position as a geriatric social worker.

Profiles in Social Work
Profiles in Social Work is dedicated to highlighting social workers that have benefited from GSWI programs. Learn more.

This webpage was last updated on January 6, 2012