Michael Mallory, Chicago District Chair
Hello Chicago Social Workers!
I am sending you all warmth and comfort during this snowy week! I hope all of you were able to keep safe during your commutes while having to navigate through the snow-covered roads. It’s hard to believe how quickly January went by and that we are already several days into February. This is a crucial month as our licensure renewals are due at the end of the month.
Below are several updates and news items that may be of interest:
Licensure Renewal:
As a reminder, licensure renewals are due by 2/28/2022. I highly recommend that folx attempt to renew as soon as possible as I have been hearing of challenges with the online portal and delays in technical assistance from the state. Therefore, the quicker you discover an issue, the more time you have to correct it.
For those who may need to produce proof of a updated license reflecting the February expiration, you can access proof through the IDFPR licensure look up feature. For more information about this please click HERE.
Those of you concerned about your CEU balance, please consider reviewing the standards put forth by IDFPR by checking out NASW-IL’s website. [Click HERE to review] Please remember that the state is requiring that all licensed folx complete sexual harassment and mandated reporter trainings. If you find yourself short of CEUs, you can always check out NASW-IL’s repository of trainings. To access this library, please click here. Additionally, our chapter is hosting a cultural competency eligible CEU later this month.
Legislation and Social Work:
Mental Health Assessment Reform Act
Many Chicago-based non-for-profits have joined together to propose changes to the State of Illinois’ mandated use of the Illinois Medicaid Comprehensive Assessment of Needs and Strengths document citing concern that this required document poses barriers to care. Additionally, this will also be requesting the state to further empower service providers to have more clinical discretion over medical necessity of care.
NASW-Illinois Advocacy Day
Join us for a day of advocacy education with other social work professionals and students as we virtually descend upon the state capital in Springfield! The day will include a morning educational session on emerging issues and updates on up-to-the-minute legislation currently up for vote in the Capitol. Unite your voices with hundreds of other social work colleagues on issues that affect the social work profession in Illinois by taking part in in this virtual day of advocacy. If you’re interested in attending please register HERE.
NASW-IL Employment Opportunity:
The NASW-IL office is seeking a new Event and Education Coordinator as our beloved Simone left to pursue a wonderful new opportunity. I encourage those who are interested to apply! For more information about the position please click HERE
Employment News:
If you are looking for a new career opportunity please remember to check out the NASW-IL job board. This is helpful resource to see what agencies are hiring. If you’d like to review current postings please click HERE.
Join the NASW-IL Board of Directors!
We are beginning our open call to members to join the 2022 NASW-Illinois Chapter Board of Directors! We are seeking applicants to several positions on the board including president-elect, secretary, district chairs, member at-large, and undergraduate and graduate student reps. To find out more about these open positions, take a look at our 2022 NASW-Illinois Chapter Board Leadership Recruitment Packet or contact the chapter to request a nomination form! The deadline is March 1, 2022, for all nominations.
Thank you all for your continued dedication to the important work we all do.
Warmly,
Michael
Comments