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Social Work Organizations

Social workers can benefit from one of the many professional organizations available. These groups range from large national organizations like the National Association of Social Workers, which reports having more than 120,000 members, to regional organizations such as the Midwest School Social Work Council, to specialties such as the National Association for Rural Mental Health. Some organizations are based on practice specialty or professional setting, while others are organized around shared identities and communities (including cultural identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and faith traditions).

These social work professional organizations, while different in their focus, provide their members with a variety of resources that can include:

  • Annual conferences and events
  • Certifications
  • Continuing education
  • Job boards
  • Networking
  • Newsletters and journals
  • Professional development
  • Social networking
  • Timely news and information

Many organizations for social workers act as advocacy groups on behalf of their members to promote their profession at the local, state and national levels.

Here is a list of national and international social work organizations in a variety of specialties and for different types of social workers.

Social Work Organizations with a Focus on Health

Many social workers work with the medical community and health care professionals, working with those enduring grief, physical changes or illness. These organizations are for those focusing on health or interested in becoming a mental health social worker.

Organizations for School Social Workers

Another common place to find social workers is in schools, where they work with children. Social workers in school settings may have different needs from their peers in clinical settings. These organizations are meant to support people who already work as school social workers or are interested in becoming school social workers.

Clinical Social Work Organizations

For those interested in becoming an LCSW and working in clinical practice, there are a number of organizations specifically for them.

Social Work Organizations for Minority Groups

Many social workers work with minority groups and underserved populations. If you focus on minority groups in your work, these organizations may be helpful to you.

Learn more about resources for working with ethnic and minority populations.

LGBTQIA Social Work Organizations

The LGBTQIA community can have unique needs in the realms of gender and sexual identity. Focusing on social work in the LGBT community, these organizations aim to help meet those needs.

Learn more about LGBTQIA resources for social work.

International Social Work Organizations

Social workers may need to collaborate with international organizations, especially when working with minority or immigrant populations. Learn more about international social work organizations.

Other Social Work Organizations

There are dozens of organizations specializing in everything from religion to veterans affairs. Find more special social work organizations.

Child and Adolescent

Elder, Hospice and Palliative Care

Faith

Legal and Justice

Marriage and Family

Military

VHA Social Work

Information last updated: February 2026