Certified Social Work Manager (CSWM)

Certified Social Work Manager™

The Network for Social Work Management (NSWM) is committed to advancing the field of social work management by providing resources, support, and professional development opportunities for social work managers. Recognizing the critical role that social work managers play in leading and shaping social services, NSWM is re-introducing the "Certified Social Work Manager™" (CSWM™) credential. This credential aims to elevate the standards of social work management, enhance professional development, and provide a recognized marker of expertise in the field.

The CSWM™ credential is a mark of excellence for social work managers who have demonstrated the highest levels of competence and dedication to the profession. By earning the CSWM™ credential, you will demonstrate your commitment to advancing your leadership skills and knowledge, as well as your ability to effectively manage the complex challenges facing social work/human service organizations today.

To earn the CSWM™ credential, candidates must meet rigorous eligibility requirements, including a combination of education, experience, and professional development. Once certified, CSWM™ holders must adhere to the NASW code of ethics and engage in ongoing professional development to maintain their credential.

As a CSWM™ holder, you will join a prestigious community of social work leaders who are shaping the future of the profession. You will have access to exclusive networking opportunities, professional resources, and career advancement support.

Whether you are a seasoned social work manager or aspiring to leadership roles, the CSWM™ credential will distinguish you as a leader in the field and empower you to make a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities. Apply for the CSWM credential today and take the next step in your social work management career.

Importance of Credentialing for Social Work Workforce Development

Professionalization of Social Work Management/Leadership:

The CSWM credential will contribute to the professionalization of social work management by establishing a standardized set of competencies and skills necessary for effective leadership in the field.
It will serve as a mark of distinction, indicating that an individual has met specific criteria and demonstrated proficiency in the core areas of social work management.

Quality Assurance:

Credentialing ensures a level of quality and consistency in the skills and knowledge possessed by social work managers. This, in turn, assures employers, clients, and stakeholders that certified individuals have met rigorous standards.
Employers can have confidence in the capabilities of certified social work managers, leading to improved service delivery and organizational outcomes.

Career Advancement and Recognition:

The CSWM credential will provide social work managers with a clear pathway for career advancement. Certification can be a key factor in decisions related to promotions, salary increases, and leadership opportunities.
Certified professionals are likely to receive increased recognition from peers, employers, and the broader community for their commitment to excellence in social work management.

Standardization of Competencies:

The CSWM credential will establish a standardized set of competencies, ensuring that social work managers across different organizations and settings possess a common foundation of skills.
This standardization facilitates collaboration, information sharing, and the creation of a cohesive professional community.

Continual Professional Development:

Maintaining the CSWM credential will require ongoing professional development, encouraging social work managers to stay current with best practices, emerging trends, and ethical considerations in the field.
This commitment to continuous learning will contribute to a dynamic and adaptive workforce, better equipped to address the evolving challenges in social work management.

Q&A - Certified Social Work Manager™

What is it?

NSWM’s competencies (Executive Leadership; Resource Management; Community Collaboration; and Strategic Management) will form the basis of the Certified Social Work Manager™ credential.

Why hire individuals with a CSWM™ credential?

Finding the best people to hire for sensitive management/leadership positions is not easy. Search committees, boards of directors or senior managers often must interview several candidates before finding the "right" person who fits the role. Ideas vary on the best leadership styles and the preferred qualities of good managers/leaders. To assist with identifying and selecting exceptionally qualified managers, the Network for Social Work Management established the CSWM™, the Certified Social Work Manager credential.

This credential certifies that the holder possesses the skills and experience necessary to be competent in leading a human service organization. Candidates for the CSWM™ have submitted a detailed account of their credentials and experience to a panel of experts who have assessed their expertise against the Network's Human Service Management competencies and determined that they are qualified to receive this certification.

Why should social work managers/leaders acquire the CSWM™ credential?

Social work managers are ideally positioned to assume leadership roles in human service agencies. A credential that documents management/leadership competencies gives professional social workers an added advantage over others seeking the same position. The CSWM™, a credential issued after a rigorous screening and review process, certifies that the applicant has acquired the needed education, skills, and experiences to lead and manage a human services enterprise.

The highly selective process that applicants must go through to be awarded the CSWM™ proves to the community at large that the successful credential holder has demonstrated a high level of skill and ability in management and leadership in the not-for-profit, government, and higher education sectors. Moreover, to maintain their credentials, candidates must undergo ongoing professional development every year to keep up with changes in the work environment.

I am interested! What do I do?

Submit an application through our portal documenting:

Receipt of a Social Work Degree (BSW/MSW/Ph.D/DSW)
Min of 2 years of documented supervisory/leadership experience in human services; non-profit; higher education
A 500 word statement of the candidate’s work experience related to Leadership & Management
One reference letter from an immediate supervisor
$150 initiation fee ($100 refundable if not selected)
Upon review and approval, complete 12 CE hours or attend NSWM’s Annual Conference/Forward Thinking Summit

The Certified Social Work Manager™ credential will be issued digitally through Accredible™. The digital credential can be shared by the candidate in social media accounts and a copy of the credential certificate can be printed for other use.

To maintain the CSWM™ credential, the candidate must complete at least 12 CE’s every year. CE opportunities will be offered by NSWM in a regular manner through virtual webinars; on-ground workshops; and can also be availed through participation at NSWM’s Annual National Conference/Forward Thinking Summit.

Application deadline for the inaugural cohort

July 1, 2024

Apply today!

Certified Social Work Manager (CSWM)