Educational Resources

Social work is a gratifying career choice that allows you to alleviate suffering and injustice in the world’s most vulnerable communities. Having a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is crucial for entry-level positions. However, employers also look for actual field experience and initiative to better the world. Volunteering is one of the best ways to learn about social work and develop your resume for a successful job hunt. If you’re called to this helping profession, here are 10 Places To Volunteer If You’re Interested In A Career In Social Work:

1. Big Brothers Big Sisters

Started in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters is America’s premier youth mentoring organization serving children aged six to 18. Across the country, there are over 21,000 boys and 10,000 girls waiting to be matched with big siblings. Aspiring social workers can volunteer a few hours each week to help youth overcome adversity. From playing sports to watching movies and hiking, volunteers become inspiring role models for their “Littles” through fun activities.

Learn more about volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters here.

2. United Nations

Active in 193 member states, the United Nations is a leading international organization devoted to protecting human rights since 1945. The UN mobilizes nearly 8,000 volunteers on short-term assignments of three months or less abroad. Social work majors are ideal fits for carrying out projects that promote international peace, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development. In-demand volunteer centers include Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, and Geneva.

Learn more about volunteering for the United Nations here.

3. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) For Children

The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) For Children is a national effort founded in 1977 to ensure abused and neglected children aren’t lost in the system. More than 76,000 volunteers are appointed to help youth find safe, permanent home environments. Advocates inform judges on the best placements where vulnerable children can thrive. Social work students must complete 30 hours of pre-service training to begin volunteering.

Learn more about volunteering for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Children here.

4. Department of Veterans Affairs

Those interested in military social work will find ample volunteer opportunities with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Since 1946, the VA has been one of the largest federal volunteer programs with over 760 million service hours. VA Medical Centers need volunteers for social work, counseling, nutrition, patient advocacy, physical therapy, and more. Students could even receive the James J. Parke Memorial Youth Scholarship for their BSW degree.

Learn more about volunteering for the Department of Veteran Affairs here.

5. RAINN Crisis Centers

The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) is the country’s largest nonprofit organization helping victims of sexual assault. Although headquartered in Washington, DC, RAINN has over 1,100 partnerships nationwide and a 24/7 Online Hotline. Young social workers could provide essential support to survivors of sexual violence, including counseling, medical, legal, and education services. Students can also participate in RAINN Day in September to raise on-campus awareness.

Learn more about volunteering for RAINN Crisis Centers here.

6. American Red Cross

Around 90 percent of humanitarian aid from the American Red Cross, a notable nonprofit disaster relief organization, is provided by volunteers. Established by Clara Barton in 1881, ARC responds to 65,000+ disasters each year. Individuals can follow their social work passion by bringing comfort and support to displaced families after floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and more. Volunteers must pass a background check and First Aid certification.

Learn more about volunteering for the American Red Cross here.

7. Global Vision International

Global Vision International is a family-run, respected volunteering organization featured in The New York Times for award-winning service trips. Each year, over 2,000 individuals volunteer abroad from Africa to Latin America and Australasia. Social work majors can join expeditions for community development, wildlife conservation, youth mentoring, women’s health, and more. Volunteer projects range from one to 24 weeks and can qualify for academic credit.

Learn more about volunteering for Global Vision International here.

8. American Cancer Society

For oncology social work experience, consider volunteering with the American Cancer Society. This national nonprofit has devoted over 100 years to supporting millions of people diagnosed with and affected by cancer. Volunteers can participate in countless programs, such as Relay for Life, Hope Lodge, and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. There’s a particularly urgent need in the Road to Recovery program. Interested volunteers can sign up online for local training workshops.

Learn more about volunteering for the American Cancer Society here.

9. Meals on Wheels

One in six senior citizens doesn’t know where their next meal will come from. Meals on Wheels America has over 2 million volunteers looking to resolve this. Those interested in geriatric social work could volunteer with the approximately 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs nationwide. Along with delivering meals, volunteers nourish seniors’ lives by providing safety checks, friendly talks, and community resources.

Learn more about volunteering for Meals on Wheels here.

10. The YMCA

Strengthening communities has been the goal of The YMCA since its inception in 1844 in London, England. In the United States, around 10,000 neighborhoods have YMCA centers to nurture potential in people of all ages. Community service initiatives centered on youth mentoring, developmental disabilities, and healthy living are perfect for social work majors. During summers, students could also lead camp programs for wilderness recreation.

Learn more about volunteering for the YMCA here

It may be hard for some to believe but at one time educators and professional organizations looked down on online education. Some of the sites that offered training were not reputable and the certificates of completion they offered were not worth printing out. Times have changed, however, and even big-name universities like Harvard are offering free online classes to anyone wanting to learn. The courses are often excerpts from regular university classes, or simply introductions to the subjects, but they are gaining acceptance as vehicles for continuing education credits. Secondary students considering their career choices can also take a class or two to see if they are suited to the profession before they look at schools of higher education. The following list is not a comprehensive representation of online offerings, but will give you a place to begin if you are looking for free education in social work.

Since the online community offers a wealth of free educational opportunities, it is often difficult to source high quality, easily accessible, and wholly priceless programs. High school students or others exploring the social work profession will want to get a grasp of the basics of social work. Some free classes will give college credits, but many of these are not transferable or accepted by accredited schools so it is vital that you research the courses if you need credits. Most courses will be rated according to their difficulty; introductory or basic courses are usually numbered 101, 102 and so on. Classes may state they are graduate level as well, but there are several beginning classes offered online.

Although common sense tells you that you cannot earn a free degree in social work online, you can enlarge your knowledge base and increase your understanding of some of the principles of social work. Of course, the classes you take depend upon your goal for the information. Online courses target learners from high school through professional stages in the field of social work to help assist their knowledge base while refining skills necessary for their future careers. Here is our list of the Top 10 Free Online Social Work Classes available to all with an interest in doing just that:

1. Open University’s Introducing Social Work Practice

Open University has a class entitled Introducing Social Work Practice geared toward the essential ethical issues all social workers are expected to uphold. Although the course focuses on UK social work, it gives students an overview of the ethical and value code that guides all social work practice. It also explains what social workers do. The class uses case studies and interviews with social workers to convey the principles of non-discrimination, self-determination and ethics. It examines empowerment, which is key to social work in any nation. The class also looks at skills like communication needed to build relationships with clients and coworkers.

For more about Open University’s Introducing Social Work Practice free class, go here.

2. Education Portal’s Human Growth And Development

From Education Portal, a class that will be fundamental to understanding social work with children is Psychology 103, Human Growth and Development.” This class will give students an understanding of the principle of growth stages. It teaches physical, cognitive and emotional development, and how they relate to social development. In addition, students will learn what normal development looks like, and how atypical development affects socialization. This class will help students assess whether behaviors are normal or whether interventions are needed. They will also get a grasp of how important early intervention is in cases of child abuse and neglect.

For more about Education Portal’s Psychology 103 Human Growth and Development free class, go here.

3. Education Portal’s Social Psychology

The next course listing at Education Portal is a great one for those looking into social work as a career. Their Psychology 104: Social Psychology course explains how our actions and our thought processes are altered by our culture and socioeconomic status as well as by peers. This class also touches on discrimination, which is one of the chief concerns of all social work codes of ethics.

For more about Education Portal’s Psychology 104 Social Psychology free class, go here.

4. Education Portal’s Sociology 101

Offered by the Education Portal, is a course in beginning sociology. It gives students an understanding of how race, gender, and ethnicity can determine a person’s role in society. It looks at aging too, and its implications to societal values. The class examines various social institutions like schools and churches, and how they change over time. It talks about research methodology and how determinations of trends are made, allowing professionals to plan for future directions. Currently enrolled students in a social work school, or with a social work major can sometimes earn credit for free online courses. More often, though, the classes broaden understanding of concepts that have been introduced in their college studies. The online classes may also arouse interest in areas of specialization for social work.
For more about Education Portal’s Sociology 101 free class, go here.

5. The University of Maryland’s Child Developmental Psychology

The University of Maryland has a class called Psy 200: Child Developmental Psychology.” This is a foundational course for other psychology classes. It focuses on child development within the American culture, but presents cross-cultural comparisons. Included are concepts of child development impacted by current cultural trends like single parent families and divorce. For instance, families having one biological parent and another adult who is unrelated in the home have come to be almost the norm in some societal groups, and this alters the way we look at “family.”

For more about the University of Maryland’s Child Developmental Psychology free class, go here.

6. Open University’s Aging and Disability: Transitions Into Residential Care

Offered by Open University, the Aging and Disability: Transitions Into Residential Care is a course intended to teach the involvement of social workers in working with the displaced elderly. It looks at the emotional factors, including grief, that accompany the necessity of such a transition. The class is structured around the lives of three persons who have moved into residential care. The syllabus states that, although the course centers on working with the aged, the concepts apply to other client populations as well. The developmentally delayed, and children who have been placed in foster care need many of the same interventions and advocacies. The class first investigates the principles of the social workers role in supporting not only the elderly client but the families struggling with the issues around finding a suitable placement. In addition, the class shows how the environment, itself, can cause issues for the elderly and teaches important social work advocacy skills.

For more about Open University’s Aging and Disability: Transitions Into Residential Care free class, go here.

7. The University of Washington’s Behavior Disorders

The University of Washington has a course on behavior disorders called This course is designed to give the student an overview of certain behavior disorders and maladaptive behaviors. Social work students interested in working within the corrections system could certainly benefit from taking this course, but it also lays a foundation for understanding how people develop maladaptive coping measures to deal with life situations.

For more about the University of Washington’s Psych 205: Behavior Disorder’s free class, go here.

8. Open University Substance Abuse and Family

Open University provides the Substance Abuse and Family graduate level course to give students a deeper understanding of the causes and ramifications of substance abuse. Many people come into “the system” through their own addictions or through the problems brought on by the addiction of a close family member. The class looks at case studies and research models in this study. It not only discusses treatment for the addiction, but how it affects the family system. (Family dynamics change when the addict is recovering.) The class addresses how to help families through turmoil and uncertainty. Students in the class learn how to evaluate the degree of impairment a family is experiencing and how to interface with other agencies and resources to achieve the best outcome.

For more about Open University’s Substance Abuse and Family free class, go here.

9. Open University’s How To Become A Critical Social Work Practitioner

Open University has a great offering for those interested in or just beginning their careers in social work. Their How To Become A Critical Social Work Practitioner course teaches new and crucial social work concepts to help social workers address the problems that arise in every-day practice. It introduces boundaries of personal and professional discretion and judgment in working with people. It also addresses the tensions that develop between personal and professional lives of social workers. The class teaches the part ethics plays and the dilemmas that can arise. It also teaches the importance of language in constructing worker/client relationships, and in empowering the client for self-determination.

For more about Open University’s How To Become A Critical Social Work Practitioner free class, go here.

10. National Association of Social Workers’ Continuing Professional Education

Practicing social workers are required to have Continuing Professional Education. The classes mentioned above could be useful in that vein, but the National Association of Social Workers has an education center for the purpose of providing CPE classes. The courses are free to members of the organization, and non-members may access the classes for a fee. Some of the course areas listed on their site are:
• Leadership, Management- for those who work in supervisory or team positions
• Aging
• Addictions and Substance Abuse
• Case Management – this course is for individuals who supervise other workers in their service delivery
• Child Abuse/Family Violence
• Children, Youth and Families – information about using resources to meet the interconnected needs
• Clinical and Behavioral Health
• Mind and Body Wellness
• Community Organization and Social Policy
• Ethics and Boundary Issues
• HIV and Palliative Care Issues
• Private practice

For more about the National Association of Social Workers’ Continuing Professional Education free classes, go here.

Social work can be a challenging field to navigate with so many aspects of the jobs to consider. Law, community, and education are broad concerns in the career of a social worker. Below is a list of ten useful organizations and associations that provide numerous services, boundless resources, opportunities for networking, guidance for students studying the subject of social work, and links and information to keep update with the latest studies, research, and legislation available.

1. Council on Social Work Education

The Council on Social Work Education is a nonprofit association dedicated to connecting social work education programs, professionals, and students by building a network of knowledge and experience. CSWE offers resources to social workers, educators, and students in pursuit of information in their profession or education. CSWE is the governing body that sets the accreditation standards for social work education programs and oversees the accreditation process to ensure compliance with guidelines and procedures. An annual meetings is held for members and education program participants to share different approaches in educational methods, networking opportunities, and job position information for recent and prospective graduates.

The Counsel operates it’s own publishing press, known as CSWE Press. These publications focus on providing information in a number of categories including theory, learning strategies and teaching techniques, and philosophy. CSWE Press is also responsible for the publication of the Journal of Social Work Education. Students can find fellowship and scholarship information through CSWE, keep abreast of upcoming conferences and new programs, and use the counsel as a networking hub to connect with mentors and fellow students studying and working in the social work field. CSWE connects with the international social working community as well. International conferences are organized and announcement with the assistance of the CSWE.

2. National Association of Social Workers

The National Association of Social Workers (or NASW), is an organization of professional social workers, boasting the largest membership rates in the world. Although a single organization, NASW has chapters located in New York City, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and an international chapter. An annual conference is held each year focusing on a central theme and providing the attendees with opportunities to explore different vendors and informational booths.

NASW offers help with education and training, obtaining credentials, and a job seeking forum on which to post a resume for potential employers to view. The association prints their own newspaper and journals, and publishes reference books about specific topics in the field of social work. NASW also promotes advocacy programs and initiatives through literature and contact with Congress.

Information about social work as a profession is provided to prospective students and interested parties, as well as services for established social workers in need of legal aid or information on legislation pertaining to the social work field. Membership to NASW is available to both professionals and students. A “two-for-one” membership is offered that admits a new member to the national organization and their local chapter without paying extra fees.

3. Society for Social Work and Research

The Society for Social Work and Research is a nonprofit organization established to champion enhancement of research in social work. Members from 45 states participate in the organization, as well as a number of countries including Australia, Israel, and Taiwan. SSWR holds an annual conference with exhibits, speakers, and workshops for attendees. The organization maintains a resource center for doctoral candidates to help with topic research, stress management, and guidance for beginning a career in social work and making professional decisions.

The Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, or JSSWR, is an electronic journal produced by the SSWR that centers on research results, studies, and the psychology and implementation of social work. SSWR has instituted the National Research Capacity Building Initiative. The purpose if the initiative is to advocate for research and garner support for future research endeavors.

SSWR maintains several blogs on it’s website involving topics related to social work networking, updating information about government legislation and social work, and a blog for special interest discussions.

4. School Social Work Association of America

The School Social Work Association of America is an organization for social workers that work in a school setting. SSWAA promotes positive support and effective behavioral techniques for social workers working with students, teachers, parents, and other staff. SSWAA offers chapters by state, region, and an international association. The Association’s website offers a multiple resources for grief counseling, crisis intervention, and emergency situation strategies that could relate to school situations.

SSWAA provides resources for research, advocacy, policy, and media archives. Membership benefits include reduced fees, annual conferences, and discounts on relevant publications. Uniquely, SSWAA also includes malpractice insurance with the annual dues.

5. Clinical Social Work Association

The Clincial Social Work Association  is an organization specializing in providing assistance and information to practicing clinical social workers. Malpractice insurance information, clarifications in understanding HIPAA standards, licensure advice, and how-to procedures for patient insurance and paperwork are some of the resource materials presents to it’s members. Members include students, practicing professionals, and retired clinical social workers. CSWA also publishes the Clinical Social Work Journal and access, the CSWA newsletter. Newsletter articles are available online. Members have access to a telephone help line for questions or concerns about practices and issues that may arise in their work.  CSWA keeps up to date with new legislature and government policies and regularly posts news alerts and adds links to germane articles and announcements from other websites. There is also a job board available and forum for feedback from members commenting on articles posted on a monthly basis for conversation and opinions.

6. American Council for School Social Work

The American Council for School Social Work is an advocacy group that supports social workers involved in schools and provides tools, resources, and services to assist in achieving their goals and making a positive influence on schools, students, teachers, and parents. ACSSW publishes a weekly newsletter with a free trial subscription for non-members. Members may apply at any stage of their career (student, beginning social worker, seasoned professional, or retiree) and enjoy the benefits of membership. In addition to resource guides and advocacy connections, ACSSW publishes a number of journals and articles.

ACSSW also provides links to resources for educators and parents for difficult situations that may be faced in a school setting. Topics cover, but are not limited to: learning disabilities, violence involving children, and support groups online for anonymity.

7. Journal of Social Works Values and Ethics

JSWVE is a publication, available online, that focuses on the practices of social work, research studies, and theories. The journal also presents historical information and the development of the discipline to better understand the background of social work and the innovation of ethics in social work.

The journal’s database is fully archived and includes book reviews social work topics of interest and e-mail subscription for new articles or newsletter notifications to be sent to subscribers for free. A link is provided on the website for manuscript submissions to the journal with formatting guidelines and policies.

8. American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work

The American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work is an organization that sets the standards for clinical social work, distributing credentials to qualified candidates, board certification processes, and resources. The ABECSW website allows for online recertification, credential verification, access to publication materials, insurance discounts, networking, and other valuable information. ABECSW annually displays BCD (Board Certified Diplomate) revocation and a link to reinstatement forms to request certification be granted once more.

ABECSW does offer promotional discounts for insurance and online programs but is not a traditional paid member organization. There are no dues or conferences. This sight is to merely help with credentials and certification through the proper channels.

9. Association of Social Work Boards

The Association of Social Work Boards is a comprehensive collection of resources for prospective and current social workers. The Association provides documents for licensing exams, handbooks, practice tests, rules and guidelines, study preparation, and test statistics. The ASWB publishes an online newsletter, Association News, and sends delivers group e-mails.

Because the association participates in the ACE program, the most up-to-date exam and licensing information is made available to members. The ASWB also keeps a social worker registry and a search engine to look up licensed social workers online.

10. International Association of Schools of Social Work

The International Association of Schools of Social Work is an organization of social workers, educators, and schools associated with social work on a global scale. Representatives of the IASSW participate on committees affiliated with the UN (United Nations), and provides funds in the form of grants for proposed projects related to the advancement in the field of social work. The IASSW connects social work practices, education, and laws through the experience and dedication of international experts and practitioners.