How I’ve Repaired Relationships with Caregivers after Filing a Report with CPS
Mandated reporting is one of the toughest aspects of our work, but it plays a critical role in protecting vulnerable populations.Filing a report with protective services can be complicated as we balance our legal obligations with relational considerations and possible safety concerns but repairing the therapeutic relationship after filing with CPS, when appropriate, is possible […]
How Social Workers Can Keep Hope During Tumultuous Times
If you’d asked social workers two months ago, I don’t think many would have predicted the state that we would be in today. Social workers often serve the most vulnerable populations, so when rights are removed and people’s livelihoods are threatened, social workers intimately feel the effects. Whether they’re working with clients who are immigrants, […]
Best Practices for Training Staff on CPT Code Documentation
Accurate CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code documentation is critical in social services organizations and healthcare settings. Social workers who interface with billing or case management tasks often rely on correct coding to secure reimbursements, avoid legal risk, and support quality care. Proper CPT code training will help staff members understand the nuances of these codes […]
Effective Strategies for Community Engagement With Native American Populations
In tribal social work, engaging Native American communities requires cultural humility, historical awareness, and a commitment to equitable collaboration. As a social worker, you face unique challenges when partnering with tribal populations, including systemic disparities, historical trauma, and the legacy of colonial practices. Your role isn’t to “fix” tribal communities but to empower them through […]
Understanding the Cost of Community Services: A Breakdown for Nonprofits
Managing community services requires more than compassion and strategic vision. It also demands a thorough understanding of the cost of community services. An accurate breakdown of expenses ensures that community services remain impactful, transparent, and sustainable over time. Still, many find it daunting to itemize direct program costs, overhead, and any hidden fees that might […]
How to Measure the Success of Transitional Housing Programs
Transitional housing programs provide temporary accommodation and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. These services typically last for 6-24 months while the individuals work toward securing permanent housing and greater self-sufficiency. There’s no denying that transitional housing programs are critical in solving homelessness. But just understanding what is a transitional housing program […]
Simple Ways to Increase Continuing Education for Your Organization
We’re still fresh into the new year, which means that it’s a perfect time to start thinking about continuing education. Organizational learning should be a year-round endeavor, but many human service organizations find themselves falling short of their continuing education goals. I’m going to share with you some common obstacles to continuing education in human […]
Here’s How Social Workers Play a Pivotal Role in Disaster Management
As a social worker, you understand the chaos disasters bring. There are immediate needs, long-term struggles, and the everpresent system gaps that leave vulnerable populations at risk. The role of a social worker in disaster management can be transformative. From hurricanes to pandemics, your skills in crisis intervention, resource coordination, and advocacy save lives and […]
Addressing Social Services and Racial Inequities: Tools for Change
Racial inequities in social services are lived realities for marginalized communities. From unequal access to healthcare to systemic biases in child welfare, these disparities shape outcomes for generations. But as a social worker, you don’t have to accept this status quo. You can drive meaningful change by understanding the roots of these social services racial […]
How Does Housing Affect Crime Rates? Exploring the Role of Stable Housing in Reducing Recidivism
When you work with individuals transitioning from incarceration, you quickly learn that stable housing is a must for successful reintegration. There’s a strong correlation between housing stability and preventing recidivism. So, how does housing affect crime rates in practice? Let’s find out. Understanding Recidivism The cycle of recidivism affects far too many ex-offenders. So, what […]
