Certified Social Work Manager™

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.

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.

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
• Certified Social Work Manager Supervisor Reference to be completed by immediate supervisor.
•  $150 $50 initiation fee - Available for members of social work national organizations!
•  Upon review and approval, complete 12 CE hours though NSWM or attend NSWM’s Annual Conference/Forward Thinking Summit (CE's are granted by NASW and can also be applied to licensure)

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 our virtual webinars; on-ground workshops; and can also be availed through participation at NSWM’s Annual National Conference/Forward Thinking Summit.