DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: January 14, 2022 at 11:59PM EST
Please consider the awards criteria in making your nomination. Any supporting documentation for your nominations can be sent to
info.naswnys@socialworkers.org.
Materials will be reviewed by members of the NASW-NYS Program Committee and staff. Award recipients will be notified by NASW-NYS staff followed by dissemination of a public announcement via the NASW-NYS website and other appropriate communication channels. Awards will be presented on March 31, 2022, whether in person or through a virtual celebration.
2022 SOCIAL WORK AWARDS CRITERIA
OUTSTANDING SOCIAL WORKER
The Outstanding Social Worker Award recognizes the commitment and achievements of an outstanding member of our profession. Individuals considered for this award must demonstrate exceptional professional qualities that make them stand out beyond the expectations of their job.
This award is divided into Clinical & Community subdivisions.
Clinical Nominees must:
•Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to the social work code of ethics
•Demonstrate leadership qualities of an exceptional nature;
•Incorporate experience, education, and research in an integrative effort to empower and uplift clients;
•Displays a dedication to advancing human services and organizational change;
•Contribute to the public’s knowledge and understanding of social work;
•Exemplify professional social work ethics as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics.
Community Nominees must:
•Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to the social work code of ethics
•Demonstrate leadership qualities of an exceptional nature; Clinical & Macro
•Effectively combine lived experience and education in an effort to uplift and empower communities and/or individuals
•Demonstrate innovative approaches and a willingness to advocate for improved human services and justice
•Contribute to the public’s knowledge and understanding of social work; and
•Exemplify professional social work ethics as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics.
LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP AWARD
The Lifetime Membership Award honors a social worker who has devoted their career to the social work profession and has been exceptional in their service on behalf of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and/or living in poverty.
In addition to meeting all of the criteria for Social Worker of the Year, Nominees must demonstrate:
•Be a member in good standing of NASW-NYS;
•Demonstrate leadership qualities of an exceptional nature;
•Effectively combine lived experiences and education in an effort to uplift and empower communities and/or individuals
•Show a willingness to take risks and advocate for improved human services;
•Contribute to the public’s knowledge and understanding of social work; and Exemplify professional social work ethics as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics
•Demonstrate leadership qualities of an exceptional nature;
•Effectively integrate experience with education in an outstanding effort to help people;
•Show a willingness to take risks and advocate for improved human services
•Contribute to the public’s knowledge and understanding of social work; and
•Exemplify professional social work ethics as defined by the NASW Code of Ethic
•Repeated outstanding achievement in the field of social work;
•Outstanding creativity and courage;
•Contributions with a lasting impact;
•Recognition beyond the social work profession
CHAMPION OF JUSTICE AWARD
The Champion of Justice Award honors a social worker who has made significant strides working on a prominent social and/or economic justice issue. The individual considered for this award should pursue social change, with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups. As part of their efforts, nominees should promote sensitivity to and knowledge about cultural and ethnic diversity while striving to ensure access to needed resources; promoting equality of opportunity; and encouraging meaningful participation in decision making for all people above and beyond the standard commitment.
Nominees must:
•Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to the social work code of ethics
•Display a strong and continual commitment to social and/or economic justice;
•Mentor and advocate for and with vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups;
•Demonstrate compassion and leadership to eliminate discrimination, oppression, and injustice;
•Make marked achievements while working towards social and economic justice for underserved and disadvantaged populations.
OUTSTANDING BSW STUDENT AWARD
The Outstanding BSW Student award is presented to a bachelor level social work student who has demonstrated academic excellence and active pursuit of the values, knowledge, and skills of the social work profession as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics.
Nominees must:
•Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to the social work code of ethics
•Exhibit academic excellence;
•Demonstrate leadership skills and involvement within the University/College or greater community setting; and
•Engage in work or volunteer commitments that emphasize a strong desire and capacity to make a difference in the lives of others, through the use of social work knowledge, skills and abilities; practice, and advocacy.
•Current students as well as those who have graduated from a BSW program within six months of the nomination deadline are eligible for this award
OUTSTANDING MSW STUDENT AWARD
The Outstanding MSW Student award is presented to a Master level social work student who has demonstrated academic excellence and active pursuit of the values, knowledge, and skills of the social work profession as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics.
Nominees must:
•Exhibit academic excellence;
•Demonstrate leadership skills and involvement within the University/College or greater community setting; and
•Engage in work or volunteer commitments that emphasize a strong desire and capacity to make a difference in the lives of others, through the use of social work knowledge, skills and abilities; practice, and advocacy.
•Current students as well as those who have graduated from an MSW program within six months of the nomination deadline are eligible for this award
OUTSTANDING DOCTORAL STUDENT AWARD
The Outstanding Doctoral Student award is presented to PhD social work candidates who have demonstrated academic excellence and active pursuit of the values, knowledge, and skills of the social work profession as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics.
Nominees must:
•Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to the social work code of ethics
•Exhibit academic excellence;
•Engage in timely and relevant research;
•Demonstrate leadership skills and involvement within the University/College or greater community setting; and
•Engage in research, work, or volunteer commitments that emphasize a strong desire and capacity to make a difference in the lives of others, through the use of social work knowledge, skills and abilities; practice, and advocacy.
•Current students as well as those who have graduated from a Doctoral program within six months of the nomination deadline are eligible for this award
MERITORIOUS HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION
This award honors a human service organization that demonstrates a strong commitment to community and social work values. The organization could be a non-for-profit, government agency, private agency, etc..
The agency should:
•Be in good standing with NASW (e.g., no sanctions)
•Exceed expectations for human service organizations.
•Improve the quality of life in the community which they serve.
•Actively engage the community and members.
•Develop new and effective approaches for the provision of services.
•Make a demonstrable difference in areas such as client advocacy, positive impact on social policy, exceptional practice, innovative program creation, administration development, and /or innovative research.
•Make a significant contribution to an area or population of concern in the social work
profession
PROGRESSIVE PUBLIC SERVANT
The award recipient must:
•Be an elected official serving, at the time of nomination, in public office at the local, state, or national level
•Make a significant contribution to public service while in office
•Demonstrate leadership in advancing public policy in the area of vulnerable populations, civil and human rights, and/or social welfare AND/OR
•Demonstrate leadership on behalf of the protection and advancement of social work practice
EMERGING SOCIAL WORK LEADER
The award recipient must:
•Have five years or fewer of post-masters practice experience
•Make a measurable difference in areas such as:
• Community service/leadership;
• Advocacy
• Social Work Practice
• Social Work Ethics and Values
• Education
• Timely and relevant research
• Management and leadership
• Innovative approaches nominee has used to overcome systemic barriers
• Contribute to a positive image for the social work profession
